DP6T to ?P12T?

[asatbluesboy]

So, I am an idiot with a thing for a ridiculous amount of knobs and switches--and, consequently, for tight fits. I can't really remember how many times I messed around with a project just to find out it wouldn't really fit the enclosure I had. I've always managed to get it working, one way or another, but my last one's intrigued me. I wanted to fit a 2P6T rotary switch with its back to the back of a CryBaby's wah pot. The only way I could do it was forcing both the pot and the switch in their places at the same time. It eventually worked, but now my switch has 12 throws, and I don't know which poles are working. It will be a pain to get the switch out, so I have 2 questions:
1) How in hell did I do this?
2) Can it be fixed or do I need to spend $15 on a new switch?

Thanks in advance,
-Gustavo

[Mike Burgundy]

Most of these have some kind of adjustment for poles/throws (Lorlin platic ones, f'rexample). It's often a washer with a tab on it that sticks into the switch at a certain position. Which position determines if its a 2P6T, 4P3T, 1P12T, etc.
My guess is it's likely the tab wiggled out while forcing the switch into place, and then got jammed (and flattened) outside of the holes meant to accept it. No washer/tab usually means its a 12-throw. Switch should then be okay, just take it out again, check the washer and tab. Maybe find a way of mounting everything so you don't have to force it.
hih

[asatbluesboy]

Most of these have some kind of adjustment for poles/throws (Lorlin platic ones, f'rexample). It's often a washer with a tab on it that sticks into the switch at a certain position. Which position determines if its a 2P6T, 4P3T, 1P12T, etc. My guess is it's likely the tab wiggled out while forcing the switch into place, and then got jammed (and flattened) outside of the holes meant to accept it. No washer/tab usually means its a 12-throw. Switch should then be okay, just take it out again, check the washer and tab.

Thanks a lot! Apparently, in my struggle to get the switch in place the washer fell off. I found it and replaced it and now it's working as it should.

Maybe find a way of mounting everything so you don't have to force it.
hih

This is why I started the thread with "I'm an idiot"...  

Thanks again!