Are 3pdts supposed to click?

[AudioMime]

Hey, I ordered some 3pdts from Aron's Store, and I was working on a feedback looper. I pressed on the switch and nothing happened. I didn't really know if there was a problem with my wiring, but I used Dano's layout. I was just wondering if 3pdt/dpdt were supposed to click when stomped upon.

[petemoore]

I was just wondering if 3pdt/dpdt were supposed to click when stomped upon.
  Yes.

[Mark Hammer]

Yes, they should click.  Switches will vary in how pronounced the click is, but the internal mechanism of a latching switch means that some parts on the inside will shift position and come to rest when the plunger is pushed down.  That will result in a click.  The piece that shifts positions is plastic, and can break (though not easily).

The exception to that are non-latching stompswitches that will look the same but nothing internally shifts positions and stays in the new position.  So, you'll get a "ka-chick-i-ta" sound, but not "ka-CHUNK".  Personally, I have never seen a non-latching 3PDT.

[aron]

How many did you order? They do click, if you have more than one, press the other one and see if it's the same.

[dougman0988]

I had a similar issue with a pedal of my own design.  My ground connection was not as good as I thought, and as a result, the guitar sounded the same whether the effect was on or bypassed, and the 3pdt clicked very loudly when pressed.  Upon fixing the ground connection the effect worked as it was supposed to and the switch click was hardly noticeable.  Check your ground connections is the moral.  lol 

[AudioMime]

Hmm, I bought two, and they kinda slide. There isn't a click. I checked the other, and it slides as well. Although I might have to stomp
on it. If I press really hard there is a click, but who knows. I am at a friends. But I will post back later to see if the hard push works.

[boogietube]

They're fairly difficult to make click with your hands..stomp on it.......

[AudioMime]

haha, yeah I just learned why they are called stompboxes.
I suppose I should hit the gym before asking anymore questions. Thanks for the help.

Also ;  the feedback looper is INSANE!!! I didn't know something so simple can be so awesome!
Thanks Everyone!

[stoneattic]

Not to hijack, but has anyone ever taken one apart?  I'm curious about pulling the top metal cap off to end up with a shorter switch.

[trixdropd]

Not to hijack, but has anyone ever taken one apart?  I'm curious about pulling the top metal cap off to end up with a shorter switch.

I've taken some apart to repair them. not hard at all...

[Solidhex]

  The newest Electro Harmonix rohs compliant foot switches don't have a very pronounced "click" if that's what those are. Kind of more like a little "pop". I like the Cliff ones better.

--Brad

[stoneattic]

I've taken some apart to repair them. not hard at all...

Did you remove the metal cap, and if so how?  Just yank?  Any pics?

[MikeH]

I built a pedal for my friend and when he tried it out he says "It's not working.  I can't turn it on" as he gingerly taps the switch with his toe.  I said "You're going to have to step down on it like a big boy".