Sten Cable Replacement question

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Sten Cable Replacement question

Postby Anonymous_Coward » Jul 4, 2012 5:44 pm

I recently repaired my Sten using the cable replacement kit available through OnRope1. For anyone that has done this, do you find the switch very stiff to use? Originally, when I fixed it at Convention, I could not even get the "switch detent O-ring" to fit. So I just used it without. Worried that I might not be waterproof without it, today I forced it to fit. The whole lamp is back together, but now the switch takes a lot of force to use. Is it supposed to be this way? I would like to get it figured out, because I am about to go underground for 4 days. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!
Andy Armstrong
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Re: Sten Cable Replacement question

Postby Anonymous_Coward » Jul 4, 2012 10:03 pm

BUMP
Andy Armstrong
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Re: Sten Cable Replacement question

Postby driggs » Jul 4, 2012 10:55 pm

That O-ring only exists to serve as a "spring" for the ball. Is it possible that you replaced the ball and O-ring with new parts from the repair kit, but accidentally left the old O-ring in there underneath? Perhaps it's full of dirt and not letting the ball seat low enough?

I lubricate my switch with some mountain bike grease, which makes it silky smooth... but that shouldn't be necessary, it should be easy to switch even bone dry.

I say yank the two allen-head bolts on the back, pull the rear plate and switch, and verify that you've got exactly one O-ring in there and nothing else. Perhaps replace the new ball with your worn old one if everything looks as expected?

EDIT Oh, if you only replaced the field-swappable cable, then perhaps you just didn't seat it deep enough into the socket and it is rubbing against the back of the switch plate? The O-ring I'm referring to above is the small one underneath the ball; the O-ring for the cable is critical for sealing the lamp.
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Re: Sten Cable Replacement question

Postby Anonymous_Coward » Jul 5, 2012 7:53 am

There is only the one O-ring under the ball. If it's only there for spring action, then I'm fixin' to yank it out of there. It has destroyed the whole operation of my lamp. The cable is seated fine, all the resistance I am getting is from the ball bearing O-ring.

Thanks for the help David, and nice meeting you at Mayacon.
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Re: Sten Cable Replacement question

Postby Anonymous_Coward » Jul 5, 2012 8:06 am

On second look, there was already an O-ring in there. :doh:

Thanks again.
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Re: Sten Cable Replacement question

Postby Jeff Bartlett » Jul 5, 2012 9:04 am

Darn, Riggs beat me to it. And he's the only man alive who has broken Stenlights more times than I have!
"Although it pains me to say it, in this case Jeff is right. Plan accordingly." --Andy Armstrong
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Re: Sten Cable Replacement question

Postby trogman » Jul 5, 2012 9:10 am

Jeff Bartlett wrote:Darn, Riggs beat me to it. And he's the only man alive who has broken Stenlights more times than I have!


I've replaced my cable twice, and my battery once. I finally realized that the cable issue had to do with my ridgewalking with my helmet on. So I am trying to configure my cable routing where it doesn't snag on branches so easily.

A dab of grease in there will sure make the switch operate more smoothly.

Trogman :helmet:
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