Source for 3PDT switch finishing washers?

[skiraly017]

I raised this question in another thread but it will probably get buried. Seems that most people do not like the big white plastic washers that come with the 3PDT footswitches. Does anyone have a source for a nice discreet washer? I've tried the local hardware stores and Home Depot with no luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[KORGULL]

I hate them things too. I spent alot of time searching for alternatives and couldn't find anything for a reasonable price.
Today I am going to paint the washers I have. I painted one last year and it looks much better black than white.
I have several washers lined up on a stick and will spray them all at once with Krylon "Fusion" paint for plastics. Maybe a clear coat too.

[Fret Wire]

It's a bitch trying to find finishing washers like that cheaply. All you can get locallly are your basic zinc plated type washers. I've been looking for finishing washers for those also. Not to mention finishing washers for dc jacks.

[dadude]

Baja Tech Custom for black and white stomp washers.

http://bajatechcustom.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=62

[SonicVI]

Why not just paint a white one?  There are really no washers in the plumbing dept at Home Depot with a 1/2" hole?

[KORGULL]

The washers that have large diameter holes are either very thick and large or made from more expensive materials. The only suitable ones I found were at Lowes for something like a dollar each - too much for a washer.
I am painting all of mine from now on - was gonna do some today but it's pouring rain now.

[dadude]

the btc washers in black are the same size as the white ones.

[Fret Wire]

skiraly017: If you're looking for plated finishing washers, there are plenty of washer outfits that would make them. All you need is to supply the inside dia., outside dia., thickness, and plating type (nickel, chrome, stainless, etc.). The only thing is, you would have to order at least 1000 to be cost effective. That means someone like Smallbear would have to do it, or several formites co-opting an order.

Here's one of dozens that could do it.
http://www.phoenixspecialty.com/drawing.htm

Once in awhile, you get lucky, and find what you want on a completely non-related comsumer product that has obtainable replacement parts.

[toneman]

Try looking in the "stainless steel"  bins.
Good looking, shiny, washers.
Do U paint the washers the color of the case?
Washers are there so as not to mar the paint when tightening the nut.
So if U painted the washers, U'd scratch them.
Actually, I don't mind the white plastic washers.
Lets me know that there is a quality sw underneath.
staywashed
tone

[skiraly017]

...was a comment from another board member stating that the white plastic washers looked less than professional. While I have no particular issue with the white washers, thin metal ones would look nice.

[ExpAnonColin]

I use the plastic washers on and off the 3pdt switches.  I love them.  I just run out of them because not all switches come with them.  Any kind of such washer would be cool.

-Colin

[smallbearelec]

I carry the split lockwasher, SKU 0211, but I gather that something else might be wanted here. I have no problem with getting something small like that made, do need help working out what would be welcome.

SD

[KORGULL]

Something similar to the washers used for pots or jacks would be cool - very thin and only a slightly larger outside diameter than the nut. It would be great to be able to get some for the large plastic power jacks too.

[Fret Wire]

I carry the split lockwasher, SKU 0211, but I gather that something else might be wanted here. I have no problem with getting something small like that made, do need help working out what would be welcome.
SD

For the 3PDT switches, a chrome washer with the same ID/OD as the plastic washers, and half the thickness, would be great.

It would be great to be able to get some for the large plastic power jacks too.

Korgull, I take it you're talking about the DC jacks that mount from the inside of the enclosure and use an external nut?

[KORGULL]

Korgull, I take it you're talking about the DC jacks that mount from the inside of the enclosure and use an external nut?

Yes, I buy these:
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=151589&searchValue=151589cx

[Fret Wire]

The ad says, "connections do not include nuts". Is that a misprint? Do they at least come with the nuts?

Here's what I use. They come with the nut, but no washer.
http://www.shokaifareast.com/Products/Connectors/DC%20Power%20Jacks/sdc-522.htm

[skiraly017]

I carry the split lockwasher, SKU 0211, but I gather that something else might be wanted here. I have no problem with getting something small like that made, do need help working out what would be welcome.

SD

Exactly what KORGULL said...something similar to the washers used for pots or jacks would be cool - very thin and only a slightly larger outside diameter than the nut.

[Fret Wire]

Functionally, any washer will do the job. Asthetics is a subjective, personal opinion, but I think too thin a washer might look funny for the switch, with it's large button and all. I think a washer about half the thickness of the plastic one would look about right for a foot switch, IMO.

[KORGULL]

The ad says, "connections do not include nuts". Is that a misprint? Do they at least come with the nuts?

Yeah, they come with nuts. I saw that in the ad too - I don't know what they are talking about.
...Maybe they meant to say dimensions do not include nut?

[darron]

i'd like to add some input of my own.


i've always used small bear's zinc split washers. the inner diameter wasn't perfect and i had to make up a tool to align them properly while tightening up. but they looked spot on. now they haven't been available for the last couple of orders.

trying bolt/fastener supplies has been a failure for me here in australia. HOWEVER... searching for the term "Crush washer" opens everything right up! i think that these are what we need.



i just came across these (expensive): http://www.philadelphialuthiertools.com/electronics/switches/toggle-switch-nut-and-washer-metric-m12-x-1-25/

so searching M12 might be a possibility too.

i'm still looking, but if anybody closed this case i'd like to hear.

edit: i'm following up with some places for sump plug washers. they have a relatively small OD to ID.

also searching M12 seems to give 13mm ID washers sometimes