Changing stems on a Poker

[The_Beast]

I'm about to mod my poker with browns to lubed, sticked, ergo clears. But I have some questions.

1) Super lube is good for stabilizers, can it be used for lubing switches? Or should I go with a dry film lube like the Dupont lube shown in MM lube thread?
2) Can you lube cherry stabilizers? Would it make a difference?
3) What's the best way to remove the top of the switch body while still mounted to the PCB?


Thanks, if there is anything else I should know before starting tell me

[IvanIvanovich]

I never bothered to lube the stems, too much effort for me. If I would do it, I would go the lazy way and put them in a ziplock and spray in some ptfe and give them some shake.
I used to lube the stabilizer with a little lithium grease, but found that breaking them in is better in the end. Just pop the wire in and out of the clips a few dozen times, pull up on it firmly but gently to loosen the plastic clips a little bit.
To open the switch I use the 2 tiny flat screwdrivers. One to press the tab and the other I slide under the top on one side to prevent it from snap back while I do the 2nd side. It's pretty easy that way.
When it comes down to it the only thing that is work on swapping the stem is to unsolder the led if you are changing those. But if you are, a good time to put in a better led color if you are sure that is the end of swapping.

[The_Beast]

I never bothered to lube the stems, too much effort for me. If I would do it, I would go the lazy way and put them in a ziplock and spray in some ptfe and give them some shake.
I used to lube the stabilizer with a little lithium grease, but found that breaking them in is better in the end. Just pop the wire in and out of the clips a few dozen times, pull up on it firmly but gently to loosen the plastic clips a little bit.
To open the switch I use the 2 tiny flat screwdrivers. One to press the tab and the other I slide under the top on one side to prevent it from snap back while I do the 2nd side. It's pretty easy that way.
When it comes down to it the only thing that is work on swapping the stem is to unsolder the led if you are changing those. But if you are, a good time to put in a better led color if you are sure that is the end of swapping.

Thanks for the advice, where would I get LEDs that would fit? I don't mind blue, but if I see something I like more, I might as well since they're desoldered anyways

[IvanIvanovich]

Any 3mm led with 3-3.5 fV should be fine. I used some white I had spare from when I replaced pc case led. Usually pretty easy to find in white, other shade of blue like aqua, green, sometimes purple or pink, but you need to pay more attention on that fV for yellow orange and red as they are usually lower. You can find them in 3v those colors but they may cost a little more. Saves having to deal with resistor though.

[nala]

1) Just use PFTE.
2) You can. It won't change much. I'd recommend you not to. Just lube them if they're too stiff or acting weird (read: squeaky).

[The_Beast]

^^ thanks for the advice

Any 3mm led with 3-3.5 fV should be fine. I used some white I had spare from when I replaced pc case led. Usually pretty easy to find in white, other shade of blue like aqua, green, sometimes purple or pink, but you need to pay more attention on that fV for yellow orange and red as they are usually lower. You can find them in 3v those colors but they may cost a little more. Saves having to deal with resistor though.

Something like this:
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5540/ele-235/3mm_PurpleUV_LED.html