One into two switch?

[Ingwe]

I’m looking to replace a faulty switch but am having trouble finding one. it has one mains lead that is split in the switch leading to two leads coming our powering two different lamps on a post. I can find plenty of one way torpedo type switches but not one that has two separate switches. I’d like to repair this one but the ‘screws’ don’t permit unscrewing at least not with any screw driver heads that I have. See the second photo.

Suggestions welcome! Thanks in advance.

 

[xsparks]

How about this?

 

[L' Hobo]

I’m looking to replace a faulty switch but am having trouble finding one. it has one mains lead that is split in the switch leading to two leads coming our powering two different lamps on a post. I can find plenty of one way torpedo type switches but not one that has two separate switches. I’d like to repair this one but the ‘screws’ don’t permit unscrewing at least not with any screw driver heads that I have. See the second photo.View attachment 709333View attachment 709334

Suggestions welcome! Thanks in advance.

Find an old screwdriver. It looks like an old flat head screw driver would undo the original switch. Shame you don't live closer,
I, like many old mechanics, are throwing them away every month when clearing out the workshop/garage.

 

[pappajohn]

Those are anti tamper cam-out screws.....there is no driver to remove them in normal use.
You need a flat screwdriver and arms like Popeye.
The idea is the driver will rise up the sloping part of the screw head preventing it unscrewing.
You need to apply enough pressure to prevent the screwdriver rising.

 

[Ingwe]

I have now ordered one but I do have very old flat head screwdrivers so will dig one out and see if I can undo the existing one and repair if possible. Thank you for the suggestions.

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[Ingwe]

Those are anti tamper cam-out screws.....there is no driver to remove them in normal use.
You need a flat screwdriver and arms like Popeye.
The idea is the driver will rise up the sloping part of the screw head preventing it unscrewing.
You need to apply enough pressure to prevent the screwdriver rising.

Am going to have some extra spinach tonight and have a go tomorrow. I’d not seen this type of screw before and am impressed how they do what they’re supposed to i.e. not tamper!

 

[L' Hobo]

Those are anti tamper cam-out screws.....there is no driver to remove them in normal use.
You need a flat screwdriver and arms like Popeye.
The idea is the driver will rise up the sloping part of the screw head preventing it unscrewing.
You need to apply enough pressure to prevent the screwdriver rising.

On my screen, the picture is not detailed enough to show that. The last time I had something like that, I got out my Dremel and made the slot deeper, can that be done with those?

 

[Ingwe]

On my screen, the picture is not detailed enough to show that. The last time I had something like that, I got out my Dremel and made the slot deeper, can that be done with those?

It is as pappajohn describes. You try and twist it with a screwdriver and the blade slips off the edge due to the curve and slope. I think one could try and ‘straighten’ the groove with a Dremel or such like.

 

[the1andonly]

Drill/mill head off. remove cover then pliers.

 

[Ingwe]

By way of short update, ordered switch and found that there seems to be no way of securing the wires to the switch terminals. It would seem that the wires just push in and the switch is a plastic rocker that lies over the wire and terminal. I can’t quite see how the wires are secured. The photos aren’t too helpful but maybe an eagle-eyed reader can see how.
I think I might try and source another switch £3-you get what you pay for!

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[xsparks]

This idea has been about for a number of years now. Often used on terminal blocks in electronic cabinets. Just push the wires in and they are retained by a clip.

 

[Ingwe]

This idea has been about for a number of years now. Often used on terminal blocks in electronic cabinets. Just push the wires in and they are retained by a clip.

That’s it? Just push the wire into the space and the clip will do the rest?

 

[xsparks]

Yes that's it. Obviously only designed for low current.

 

[xsparks]

Frequently found in fluorescent fittings.