I just installed LED backlit buttons (Ultralux from Ultimarc) on my control panel and one of them now squeaks occasionally when pressed repeatedly. Anyone else have this problem and are there any good long term fixes short of replacing the button?
Lube might help.. but it may also add some friction, and cause gunk to stick inside of the mechanism.
A light sanding of the plunger and or the internal button housing, may be a good option.
But... be very careful to mask off the visible top portion of the buttons parts... as plastics can be difficult to re-polish to a high gloss shine.
Probably no grittier than 220 for the sandpaper... and then progressively go upwards to 300 ish, into wet 1000 ish range.
Possibly even use a buffing compound with a drill-bit powered finger-narrow buffer attachment. Careful not to use so much speed, friction, and thus heat... as to melt the plastic.
Hand polishing may be safer.. just will take a lot more time and effort.
Btw - Look for mold lines. If one of the lines was not sanded flush.. is may be the entire reason for the rubbing squeak.
Temporarily... or if you do not want to risk it:
For high gloss and super slippery finish.. I personally recommend wiping down parts like this using F21 / Formula 21. Its Urethane based (same material they use for rollercoaster wheels. Tough, slippery, and noise / friction absorbent).
I use F21 on Pinball machines. Makes the play field sparkle, slippery, allowing fast ball movement and spinning without damaging the paint / clearcoat layers. Unlike wax, does not collect gunk, flake nor spread out into a hard to clean mess.
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Topic: Squeaky buttons (Read 3242 times)
