[LadyKatBuilder]

Hello. New to the forum. I've been commissioned by a client to install a custom spring-loaded pin system for a lighting setup. I need to find a part that will engage a pin when the top button is depressed initially, and then will release the pin to the original position when depressed a second time. Any ideas? Specific links would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[chewy]

Go to a toolmaker/machinist.

 

[Nick R]

I'm not completely clear what you need but check out McMaster-Carr.com. They have all types of parts and products that may helpful. I have purchased machine parts from them and they always ship out fast.

 

[LadyKatBuilder]

I'm looking for something along these lines: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Prime-Li...g-Loaded-Step-On-Door-Holder-J-4594/202634792

Just like a click pen: hit it once, a plunger/rod extend, hit it again and it retracts. Any ideas?

 

[Dave in Pa]

What about the Anderson sliding door stops that they sell? home depot stocks them.

 

[Tinstaafl]

They make electrical switches that operate that way. Perhaps if you describe the actual application, we can help with the appropriate source.

 

[LadyKatBuilder]

Do they make mechanical switches like that? Can you show me an example of the electrical version you're speaking of?

 

[LadyKatBuilder]

I already got a door stop but I'm looking for something more elegant where the button initially depressed is the same button for the secondary retract action. Specific application is hard to describe. Basically just need the extended Plunger to lock a rotating surface in place. The rotating surface will have a hole to accommodate the plunger when extended. I then need the plunger to retract so the surface can then freely rotate.

 

[CarpenterSFO]

The closest I've seen are the pins that are spring-loaded into the hole. You pull out and rotate 1/4 turn to lock the pin out while you move the assembly.

Images from googling "spring pin latch"

 

[LadyKatBuilder]

Ya thanks I've seen these but looking for something closer to a click action pen.

 

[CarpenterSFO]

Ya thanks I've seen these but looking for something closer to a click action pen.

You won't find it, unless you get it custom made. Go down to your local machinist supply place - most of them have the names of retired machinists who have lathes and mills. $2000 for the first one, $200 for each of the next 10.

One reason you won't find it is that it's a bad idea - when it fails, it will fail in un-locked position, which is more likely to be unsafe. Talk to your client about that.

 

[LadyKatBuilder]

I disagree that it's a bad idea: Click-action pens don't fail, so why would this? I'm quite certain the hardware must exist somewhere; in fact, I've found a machinist company that manufactures retractable pens, which possess the hardware I'm looking for, however, I'd like to find a cheaper, more standardized version of the hardware, so I don't have to spend $50 on a pen and rip it open. Appreciate your suggestions though. Anyone else?

 

[Tinstaafl]

You might be able to work something up with one of these.

 

[LadyKatBuilder]

Good suggestion, but I already bought a cabinet piece to play with. Not the ideal solution, but you're on the right track for sure. :thumbsup: