Electrical Selector Knobs

[mkh8911]

I have a 48 Long Range Cruiser. Two of the selector switches on the panel were missing knobs to turn the selector switch. I got replacement knobs from another LRC that sank in Ft. Meyers. Replacement knobs won't fit. The new knobs won't reach the selector shaft. What is the trick to these knobs?

 

[Captain Ralph]

There is an insert adapting the knob to the shaft. This insert keeps the knob point in sync with the shaft position. Also tightens the knob down to the shaft with a lil screw in the middle of the knob.

This insert is also switch mfg dependent. Hatt usually used Kraus Naimer switches but there may be different shaft models or specs thru the years.

 

[zigzag930]

The shafts are adjustable in length. I called the switch manufacturer and asked because my shafts were too short also.

I wish I could tell you what the process is to adjust them, but I can't remember how I did it. I do recall it was very simple to do and involved pulling a clip out or something simple like that.

Good luck

PS The switch manufacuter was Kraus Naimer and they sent me the inserts for the knobs.

 

[mkh8911]

When I took them off the donor boat it seemed so simple. Actually one of the shafts came out of the switch when I removed the knob. I have a couple of good inserts. I'll try to call the manufacturer and try to get some input. Thank you for the info.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Pull the shaft out of your existing switch and attach that to the new knob and then re-insert. The shaft can get pushed in too far.

 

[mkh8911]

Sky, I contacted Kraus-Naimer and they said there is supposed to be a compression ring that I need to remove before I slide the shaft out. I'm not at the boat so I have not had a chance to look at it. Is it as simple as taking a pair of needle nose pliers and pulling the shaft out? When I got the replacement handles from the donor boat, I loosened the screw in the knob and wiggled the knob and the shaft and knob slid out. I thought I damaged the donor boat switch but I did not care since all I needed was the knob. I was reluctant to pull on the shaft of the switch in my boat for fear of damaging it. If you don't think it will hurt anything I'll pull it out. I'm probably over-thinking it.....

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I have pulled the shaft out of mine before. I did not see a retaining ring.

 

[zigzag930]

there is definitely a ring on mine....

 

[lake of the woods]

If all else fails in your search consider having them 3D printed. My son has an inexpensive 3D printer and i have had him make a number of parts for me that were impossible to source or extremely expensive. They have all worked fine.

Mark
Lake of the Woods
1989 40 DC, Hull #377

 

[Captain Ralph]

At some time in the past, you had knobs.
Pretty sure like what you are trying to install back on now.

Have you tried to just pull your shafts into position?

Your shafts may be loos as the doner switch was when you procured your new knobs.

 

[mkh8911]

Thank you for all your suggestions. It will be a week or so until I make it back to the boat to get a better idea of what I'm dealing with. After thinking about it more, it seems that if there is a compression ring I should still be able to pull the shaft back to it's original position until it hits the compression ring. I'll post what I find. Thanks again.

 

[mkh8911]

Success! I did as some of you suggested and just pulled the shafts back into position.I took a couple of tries since I did not know what position the switch was in but all is well now. I have circuits working now that I thought I would have to tear a wall out to get to.

Thanks all!!!