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Re: Spring Went Flying!!
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 12:57 pm
by jagarra
Someone recently had this switch apart, if there was an idea of the size, I may have a small compression spring that may work.
If you could determine the size of the hole in the switch body it would help, maybe trying different size drill bits in there to give me an idea.
Re: Spring Went Flying!!
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 7:20 pm
by SteveD
Re: Spring Went Flying!!
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 7:34 pm
by jagarra
I have a few that are 4.45 mm in diameter, length is longer but they could be cut. I have one about 2.8mm in diameter approximate correct length. Had two but one shot off when I was measuring it and landed on carpet. Dragging strong magnet, no joy.
Re: Spring Went Flying!!
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 7:37 pm
by SteveD
jagarra wrote: I have one about 2.8mm in diameter approximate correct length.
That'd be closest judging by the length to width ratio from the picture. Those springs love to spring!
Re: Spring Went Flying!!
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 7:46 pm
by jagarra
It may work, the coils are not as thick so it is not as strong. The ones that look closer are the 4.5 diameter ones, if we knew the hole size it fit in that would really be nice, as the ball would just have to be bigger than the ID of the spring.
The ball you measured is getting really close to an 1/8 " size which Chuey should have laying around.
Remembered I had some loose balls at my shop. measured them and they are 3.14 mm

So the ball is covered.
Re: Spring Went Flying!!
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 7:57 pm
by SteveD
jagarra wrote:It may work, the coils are not as thick so it is not as strong. The ones that look closer are the 4.5 diameter ones, if we knew the hole size it fit in that would really be nice, as the ball would just have to be bigger than the ID of the spring.
The ball you measured is getting really close to an 1/8 " size which Chuey should have laying around.
Remembered I had some loose balls at my shop. measured them and they are 3.14 mm

So the ball is covered.
Don't forget...Grant is in Melbourne, Oz.
Re: Spring Went Flying!!
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 9:12 pm
by jagarra
I guess mailing would take awhile. Grant could find the loose ball at any bicycle repair shop as that size is used on them. As far as the spring, the ones I have are from a variety pack of misc parts for firearms. So a gunsmith would have small compression springs.
A bicycle uses compression springs on derailleur type bikes. they are used to put pressure on adjusting screws. They also may have a spring from a junker part laying about.
Re: Spring Went Flying!!
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 10:56 pm
by dwerbil
PAS wrote:Kind of late but I have read that having them in a plastic bag as you disassemble is a good idea.
PAS, I remember you posting this sage advice ten or more years ago.

Re: Spring Went Flying!!
Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 1:49 am
by r75bitsa
Would you be able to reverse the spring in the hole (upside down) when I fumbled the switch trying to catch the ball the top of the spring was slightly bent. The hole should provide alignment while you are attempting to seat the ball, came close a few times but decided to give it a rest, then try again
Re: Spring Went Flying!!
Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 2:35 pm
by grant81rs
Gidday,
Thanks for the info again fellas, I'll go searching around a few stores now that I know what to look for.
Also I am willing to wait as the bike is going to take another month or more to get on the road, so if you have the parts handy and postage would be only couple of bucks in a normal envelope so just send a PM and I will shoot you back my address in OZ.
Chat soon