Yet another switch Tool

[jorgenslee]

I have been waiting for The_Beast's switch tools for many months now and that waiting time inspire me for a better alternative. I have tried clips but sometimes fails and I always misplace the other pair. Which got me thinking to make a switch tool just like a nail clipper.

Thanks to nubbinator for kickstarting this idea and posting the name of the user friendly cad tool tinkercad(also bueller).

I'm planning to get this mill locally but I need some input for the following measurements.

Some of this measurements are just assumptions that's why I need confirmation on the following
Thickness of the stainless steel use. I use 1.6mm
Gap between two legs: 6mm
Distance between the leg and the point of rotation: 30mm

All inputs is highly appreciated.

[infiniti]

After losing my switch tools, I'm in like sin!

I also volunteer for testing!

[jorgenslee]

After losing my switch tools, I'm in like sin!

I also volunteer for testing!

haha, thanks for the support. But I don't know if I can mass produce this, . I plan to make it open source though so that anyone can modify and enhance it.

The one that baffles me is the distance where we should put the joint. Do you think 30mm from the tip is enough? I think I'll use bamboo sticks for this as a prototype. Doesn't have that much resources to get a real prototype. lol

[infiniti]

Not so sure about the joint.  I'll mock some up with cardboard later.

[jorgenslee]

Not so sure about the joint.  I'll mock some up with cardboard later.

I had to give up on this as I can't find a local shop to do it. I have attached the svg of the tool though and did some actual measurements.

[Melvang]

I don't think this would work anyway.  The reason being is the pivot point is to far from where it needs to be.  As it is designed right now it would just be trying to spread the switch straight apart.  What you need to be doing is roll the tabs away from lower half.  The pivot needs to be right where the tool enters the top half of the switch.

[jorgenslee]

I don't think this would work anyway.  The reason being is the pivot point is to far from where it needs to be.  As it is designed right now it would just be trying to spread the switch straight apart.  What you need to be doing is roll the tabs away from lower half.  The pivot needs to be right where the tool enters the top half of the switch.

Yeah, I'm thinking of that too. Please do note though it is just an initial design and there is room for improvement. The idea is the same with The_Beast switch tool but have a connector just like in nail clipper. I don't have Beast's switch tool currently so I was just basing my measurements on assumptions. I would like to get a prototype but can't source it locally.

I think the following could be adjusted:
1. shorter wing - to make the tool closer to each other
2. shorter length from pivot point

I read before you have cnc/plate cutter? Sorry I am not sure. How much would you charge for a prototype?

I'll tinker with the design and enhance it a bit more.