custom light switch covers

[Sgt Beavis]

I'm sure someone has thought of this before but I thought some of you would like this idea if you had not seen it. Props to my wife for giving me the thought to do this.

I was looking for garage/workshop oriented switch covers. My wife had given me one that she bought at Hobby Lobby and that took care of the single switch by the back door of the garage. Looks great, than babe.. But I have a three switch combo by another door that we just begging for a cover. I check Hobby Lobby, but no dice. So my wife suggested I just make one....

We duh.. sometimes you need your SO to point out the obvious...

So this is what I did.....

The old and busted...

Take the plate and use it to draw an outline over the sign you're using for the new cover. Then drill out the holes and cut out the rectangles as needed. This stuff is cheap tin, so I just used a couple of chisels to cut out the switch holes. I also used an old indention drill bit to press the screw holes down a bit so the screws will sit flush.

Test fitting.. Used a file to get a nice tight fit..

and the finished product. It fits rather nicely. The paint around the holes chipped away a bit but isn't too noticeable. However I'm going to go back over that area with a marker so the bare metal there isn't obvious...

Hope y'all enjoy.. Please post up pics if you've done it before.

 

[NKlamerus]

That looks awesome!!!!

 

[77thor]

Great idea!

 

[mo2872]

Way cool......just what I need, another project!!!

 

[CheckeredFlag]

nice !`

 

[Skeetobite]

Very cool. I like that a lot!

 

[nine4gmc]

Consider that idea stolen!

 

[Sgt Beavis]

ya can't steal what is freely given..

 

[Sgt Beavis]

OH, a quick lesson's learnt..

That painters tape is sticky enough to pull the paint off the sign. I suggest trying plain ole masking tape.

 

[nine4gmc]

Or do the layout on the back side.

 

[green.bubbly]

You still need to replace that odd colored switch.

From a Saints fan. BHM

 

[MScott]

What did you use to cut those rectangular slots?

 

[Premium08]

You still need to replace that odd colored switch.

From a Saints fan. BHM

Dam you beat me to it, OP what an awesome idea, good work

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[Sgt Beavis]

Or do the layout on the back side.

The issue there is using a chisel or a corner punch to cut the squares out. Even when backing it up with a board, the metal is going to be impressed from the cut. Even then, I speculate the paint will crack and flake off if not supported by something like tape.

Perhaps someone has a better method than using a chisel or punch to cut it. I think I'll try a Dremel next time..

You still need to replace that odd colored switch.

From a Saints fan. BHM

Hello my WhoDat brother. My home office is WhoDat heaven. The garage is dedicated to woodworking and Fords (or my wife's very uncharacteristic Mercedes.. But then MB is the Superdome sponsor. )

I do plan to do something like this for my office. I'll get back to you at the home board when I do..

 

[JakeKohl]

...
From a Saints fan. BHM

From a Falcons fan, we'll see you guys on Sept. 7th!

 

[Sgt Beavis]

Looking forward to it. It is always an awesome game.... I only wish I could be there but I'll settle for the Saint/Cowboys later that month.

 

[green.bubbly]

Perhaps someone has a better method than using a chisel or punch to cut it. I think I'll try a Dremel next time..

I wonder how a mortising bit on a drill press would handle that metal?

 

[Sgt Beavis]

I wonder how a mortising bit on a drill press would handle that metal?

I think the key isn't the cutting device but supporting the material from underneath. A piece of pine gives way to much but then anything solid like a metal block can damage your cutting blade.

Next time, I'll use hard maple..

 

[smokem2020]

I can see a motorcycle licence plate switch in my future. Thanks for the idea

 

[nine4gmc]

Looking forward to it. It is always an awesome game.... I only wish I could be there but I'll settle for the Saint/Cowboys later that month.

GO COWBOYS!!

 

[Robbo]

OH, a quick lesson's learnt..

That painters tape is sticky enough to pull the paint off the sign. I suggest trying plain ole masking tape.

If you stick it on & pull it off your shirt or pants a time or two before applying it, it will reduce the stickiness....unless your clothes are really dirty/lint filled, then it'll take it all away haha.



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[Sgt Beavis]

I re-uploaded the photos. Has anyone else tried doing this? I've got a new garage so I'm thinking I'll make a couple new ones.

 

[rburke65]

I'm thinking you owe the wife a dinner!

 

[BryceW]

Looks good, might have to do something similar.

 

[Tduby]

Nobody else's OCD is high enough to not point out the odd light switch? Nice job otherwise

 

[AntonLargiader]

Nobody else's OCD is high enough to not point out the odd light switch? Nice job otherwise

Around here, I thought they'd be asking to see the UL listing!