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Thread: Securing Tape Switches

  1. #1
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    Securing Tape Switches

    Random query:

    To any of you guys still using tape switches:

    What are you using to secure them? TangoDown products? Electrical tape? Heat shrink tubing?

    Anyone got pics?

  2. #2
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    I've used electrical tape but right now on the cruiser rifles I'm using an elastic/velcro band made for the purpose by The Wilderness. They call it a Tactical Light Switch Keeper.

  3. #3
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    I've used everything from electrical tape to epoxy.

    Lots of our stuff comes with adhesive velcro, but once you use it it can be a pain in the ass to get more unless you go outside the normal channels. The biggest problem with the velcro is the adhesive- once you put it on you can't relocate the velcro, and cleaning stuff weakens the adhesion. I am not saying that about all velcro adhesive, just the stuff that came with our IR devices.

    I am going to try out some 3M Dual-Lock and see how that does.

    BTW- if you are just sticking it to a VFG, an old innertube works great. I used to use this method back in the day.
    Last edited by Failure2Stop; 03-04-09 at 02:44.
    Jack Leuba
    Director of Sales
    Knight's Armament Company
    jleuba@knightarmco.com

  4. #4
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    I have used 3M velcro, not sure which one specifically, that worked pretty well. I agree about the bike tube, that works really well. The nice part is if you go to a bike shop and ask them for an old tube, ie one with a hole in it they will give it to you free. I found the size that works the best are from road bikes, real skinny tires. If you can find them they also make a heavy duty tube in those sizes that are thicker rubber.

    One trick I have used is to use hairspray, the cheaper the better it seems, aqua-net whatever you can find. Spray the VFG and pressure switch with a light coating, now you have to work fast before it dries so dont dick around. Also spray the inside of the tube you are going to put on. Pre-measure the length to save you some time and go ahead and practice using a dry run. Once everything is sprayed, the hairspray will act as a lube and it will slide right on. Once its where you want it you can let it dry or speed up the drying process by using an air compressor with a nozzle. Once the hairspray dries it "sets" and with be very solid not shifting or moving around. If you want to remove it cut it off and clean up the hairspray with some denatured alcohol.

    Once I get a camera again I will post some pics.

  5. #5
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    all the others mentioned and ZIPTIES.

  6. #6
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    I suppose I should divulge more info:

    I'm using the tape switch on a SF M951, and I have a KAC VFG. A lot of the solutions proposed sound great.

    That being said, the problem I'm seeing is that it appears the ENTIRE area of the tape switch is a trigger on this thing. I don't see a way to secure the bottom of it, without constantly activating the light. There's not much room, and seemingly miniscule amounts of pressure set it off.

    I attempted to use epoxy on a tapeswitch for one of my IT M3X's, with messy and disastrous results. I suppose I could just get a TD VFG, but I'd like to work with what I've got.

    Am I missing something, or is there a way to secure the switch at the bottom, securely, but without activating the light itself?

  7. #7
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    Tomac's setup here is what I'm gunnin' for, but I don't believe I could pull it off without having the light in "constant on" mode, due to the sensitivity of the switch. Am I trippin? I just don't want to do something will end up not working. I've had almost as many home-brew modifications blow up in my face, as work properly.

    Last edited by Outlander Systems; 03-04-09 at 20:39.

  8. #8
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    zip ties and OD green duct tape

  9. #9
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    I ended up modifying one of my KAC VFGs. I have a crapload of them around so I figured what the heck. What I did is ground a "pocket" on once side so my pressure switch could lay flat so velcro or whatever would attach better being its a flat surface and not rounded. I got the idea from the Tango Down grips and wanted to save some cash. i am waiting to get a camera again, sold my photog gear to buy guns. Once I get a camera I will post some pics so you can see what worked for me. Being you pressure switch is activated everywhere try to tube trick I listed above. My pressure pads, surefire and pelican, are the same way, most if not all of the pad, especially towards the bottom when pressed will activate.
    Last edited by bluepythons; 03-09-09 at 16:43.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by TheLandlord View Post
    Tomac's setup here is what I'm gunnin' for, but I don't believe I could pull it off without having the light in "constant on" mode, due to the sensitivity of the switch. Am I trippin? I just don't want to do something will end up not working. I've had almost as many home-brew modifications blow up in my face, as work properly.

    The pic doesn't work for me.

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