pull cord broken

spectoria · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:13 pm Post Subject: pull cord broken

I have just yanked the pull cord out from it's switch in the ceiling.

Can anyone tell me if I can use the same cord again or if the whole switch needs replacing, and does anyone have an idea of how easy this is?

Thanks

andy · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:27 pm Post Subject: Re: pull cord broken

depends where its broke. if you can tie it on again, then do that. if its broken inside, its easier to replace the switch

spectoria · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:32 pm Post Subject:

Wow, that was quick! The cord has pulled right out from inside the switch, so I definitely cannot tie it on again.

Thanks Andy.

keenbutconfused · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 1:06 pm Post Subject:

I am a real novice and I did the same thing a while ago. I couldn't find a light switch that was the same size as mine which was annoying as it would have left a wierd ring around it if I changed it.

I'd suggest if you have a similar problem giving opening up the switch and tryin to fix it a go as I found it surprisingly easy. Saved £2 too. Whoop!

ban-all-sheds · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 2:50 pm Post Subject:

1) Buy a replacement switch anyway as you can always return it (don't remove from packaging, keep receipt), but it will be very handy to have if your old switch disintegrates into a spray of springs and funny shaped bits of metal as some do when opened up.

2) Remember to turn off the power first.

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Cemy Junction Expat · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 12:39 pm Post Subject:

"if your old switch disintegrates into a spray of springs and funny shaped bits of metal as some do when opened up."

Yes that's exactly what just happened to me today when opening up a ceiling pull switch on which the cord had broken.

This thread suggests that the only option is to replace the whole switch ... but there don't seem to be any complicated parts involved... just a couple of springs and a metal plate. Problem is I can't figure out how they should be put back together again !! although it really looks like it must be simple...

Can anyone point me to a diagram showing how to reassenble the spring mechanism so I don't have to trundle down B&Q and buy a whole new switch?

Thanks!!

Softus · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 1:33 pm Post Subject:

Cemy Junction Expat wrote:

Can anyone point me to a diagram showing how to reassenble the spring mechanism so I don't have to trundle down B&Q and buy a whole new switch?

There are (approximately) 1.3 thousand zillion makes and models of pull switch, each of which changes in internal design every month.

A new switch is less time and trouble, although trying to fix one is more fun than poking a hot soldering iron into your eyes, or ratchet crimping your little finger. Marginally.

Cemy Junction Expat · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 2:07 pm Post Subject:

OK !! thanks for the advice ... I guess I'm just a little intrigued & frustrated by the fact that, although I can see in principle how the whole thing is supposed to work, I can't quite work out how it all fits together.

Oh well - I'll live with it. Cheers.

plugwash · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 4:04 pm Post Subject:

Cemy Junction Expat wrote:

This thread suggests that the only option is to replace the whole switch ... but there don't seem to be any complicated parts involved... just a couple of springs and a metal plate. Problem is I can't figure out how they should be put back together again !! although it really looks like it must be simple...

last one we had break we figured out that a grip had broken off inside a plastic tube and theres no way you can get replacement parts for them even if you have a diagram.

btw do ratchet crimpers generally come with a release in case something other than a crimp connector gets stuck in them?

supersparky · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 10:51 pm Post Subject:

yes, most good ones do.

next question?

why on earth would you stick anything other than a crimp in it

im sure somone someware....

ban-all-sheds · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 10:59 pm Post Subject:

Cemy Junction Expat wrote:

there don't seem to be any complicated parts involved... just a couple of springs and a metal plate. Problem is I can't figure out how they should be put back together again !! although it really looks like it must be simple!!

Not simple enough though, eh?

__________________
I mustn't warn people that the "experts" on the plumbing forum can't be trusted to tell the truth.

plugwash · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 11:07 pm Post Subject:

supersparky wrote:

why on earth would you stick anything other than a crimp in it

i was thinking along the lines of getting your finger stuck in it.........

you say most good ones do. does that imply that there are ones that don't?