Snapped key

[PabloPicasso]

After lifting a boat out we noticed one of the red plastic electrical keys had snapped. I forgot to collect the broken stub as we left, but we did measure it at the time and it seemed to be about 10mm diameter. It has a brass spigot also.

I need to order another, is there only one type/size, or do they vary? I don't want to order the wrong part and the websites I've looked at do not give the diameter, only overall height and width.

Can anyone confirm if they are a standard size?

Many thanks

 

[QBhoy]

As far as I know...if it’s the one I’m thinking of...there only is one size universally used

 

[rogerthebodger]

There several different but similar battery switch keys

https://www.google.co.za/search?biw...4.psy-ab..5.3.1005...0j0i8i30k1.0.xRoBL6om5O8

Could this be the one

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spare-Replacement-Battery-Switch-Isolator/dp/B00M49IIM2

 

[No Regrets]

I glued mine years ago, still works, might tide you over?

 

[solent clown]

if you need to be sure you get one that fits, get one without the "shoulder" on the shaft

 

[fisherman]

These switches vary in quality. The key works against a spring and as the slot wears the connection can fail, the result in the case of bro’s vintage car was arcing and smoke causing a panic bailout. I repaired one with a new half p dropped down the hole. Latest ones I have are much better.

 

[dunedin]

These switches vary in quality. The key works against a spring and as the slot wears the connection can fail, the result in the case of bro’s vintage car was arcing and smoke causing a panic bailout. I repaired one with a new half p dropped down the hole. Latest ones I have are much better.

Agree. We had a recent Osculati one fail that caused a lot of mischief.

And as a result we now have three slightly different types - and can assure the OP that sadly the keys are not all compatible. We have three incompatible keys on board, though plan to standardise in future.

 

[alahol2]

I've never really thought about it before but from the descriptions it sounds as though the 'pins' on the key are what is making the connection. Is that right? I think I previously assumed the key was turning a switch mechanism.

 

[fisherman]

I've never really thought about it before but from the descriptions it sounds as though the 'pins' on the key are what is making the connection. Is that right? I think I previously assumed the key was turning a switch mechanism.

No, the red key pushes a connecting bridge down across two others, against a spring, the turn is to engage the pin as a bayonet fitting. If the plastic groove that the key peg is in wears the connection fails.

 

[alahol2]

Ah, yet another way of doing it. Thanks fisherman.