Vintage Leviton Switch - Where to Find Identical Replacement?

[tooljunkie4]

Along with a bunch of tools, I picked up a vintage 3-bulb fluorescent garage light fixture. Removed the dead ballasts, and rewired the fixture for direct-voltage LED tubes. Worked out great - with one exception:

THIS mofo, right here. It just doesn't work consistently. Even when I think I've figured out the secret handshake that'll make it switch, it can't be made to dependably close the circuit. I've even opened it up, cleaned the contacts, and re-greased it. The issue is the ratcheting mechanism. It doesn't get pulled along far enough for engagement of the next tooth.

I like the fixture. It works well for lighting up the tool cleaning bench (still working on content for that F/S thread). Just can't be turned off without being unplugged. I would like to obtain another of these switches, but to have it end up being the same general vintage and construction. Strong enough to hang something like...a whole bag of dead squirrels from, without fear that a tiny plastic switch housing is going to crumble under the strain.

Another example: Something strong enough that my young nephews could screw tug on the chain as violently as they're currently inclined to do (while unsupervised and misbehaving) , without fear that they're going to sideline the fixture.

Are you aware of where I might find one of these?

 

[Norcal]

Home Depot should have them, they will be cheap ChiCom specials, but so will Leviton.

 

[Redwolf947]

Yep, HD, Amazon, Menards, your local hardware store. All should have them.

 

[Bert_]

So far 2 replies telling the op to buy what he said he didn't want...

Looks like you can find some NOS switches on eBay.

Would like to see some pictures of the whole light

 

[Stuart in MN]

The modern version of the Leviton switch at Home Depot, for around $15.00: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...it-On-Off-Pull-Chain-Switch-1689-75/301754048

This is a Gardner-Bender switch at Ace Hardware for under $8.00. https://www.acehardware.com/departm...s/ceiling-fan-accessories/3531092?store=07166

 

[Redwolf947]

So far 2 replies telling the op to buy what he said he didn't want...

Looks like you can find some NOS switches on eBay.

Would like to see some pictures of the whole light

Well I missed that part of his post, however, the newer ones sold in hardware stores like ace, are pretty much the same construction, maybe he could replace the guts of the old with the new. Or if you have an old, old, hardware store in your area you could try there. eBay would be an option as well of course..

 

[rlitman]

...I would like to obtain another of these switches, but to have it end up being the same general vintage and construction. Strong enough to hang something like...a whole bag of dead squirrels from, without fear that a tiny plastic switch housing is going to crumble under the strain...

Unfortunately, those old bakelite switches were far more brittle than the current crop of polycarbonate ones.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Along with a bunch of tools, I picked up a vintage 3-bulb fluorescent garage light fixture. Removed the dead ballasts, and rewired the fixture for direct-voltage LED tubes. Worked out great - with one exception:

THIS mofo, right here. It just doesn't work consistently. Even when I think I've figured out the secret handshake that'll make it switch, it can't be made to dependably close the circuit. I've even opened it up, cleaned the contacts, and re-greased it. The issue is the ratcheting mechanism. It doesn't get pulled along far enough for engagement of the next tooth.

I like the fixture. It works well for lighting up the tool cleaning bench (still working on content for that F/S thread). Just can't be turned off without being unplugged. I would like to obtain another of these switches, but to have it end up being the same general vintage and construction. Strong enough to hang something like...a whole bag of dead squirrels from, without fear that a tiny plastic switch housing is going to crumble under the strain.

Another example: Something strong enough that my young nephews could screw tug on the chain as violently as they're currently inclined to do (while unsupervised and misbehaving) , without fear that they're going to sideline the fixture.

Are you aware of where I might find one of these?

Honestly, since Leviton is still in business (thank goodness) I would just get one of their replacement switches, which are widely available (Home Depot on line, for one source). Granted, it's not made out of metal, but it may be better than you think. IMHO I think the hassle of searching for a vintage replacement (in better shape than yours) isn't worth the effort.

If the light fixture is indeed over a workbench, and within reach, perhaps you would consider swapping out the pull chain with a metal toggle switch? I did the same thing many years ago, and I'm sure it would be easier to find a nice metal-handled toggle switch that will fit in the existing hole. It would make it kid-proof, too.

 

[wssix99]

Any modern switch should work. You should be able to find the pull chain in whatever finish you are after. If you want to keep the patina of the old switch, just re-use the old hardware. The threads should be the same.

 

[Norcal]

Any modern switch should work. You should be able to find the pull chain in whatever finish you are after. If you want to keep the patina of the old switch, just re-use the old hardware. The threads should be the same.

Do not count on the threads being the same, most if not all are of Chicom origin, including Leviton.

 

[wssix99]

The pictures look like good 'ol 1/8 IPS fittings.

 

[Zeke]

The original switch wouldn't tolerate "enough that my young nephews could screw tug on the chain as violently as they're currently inclined to do (while unsupervised and misbehaving) , without fear that they're going to sideline the fixture."

 

[tooljunkie4]

The original switch wouldn't tolerate "enough that my young nephews could screw tug on the chain as violently as they're currently inclined to do (while unsupervised and misbehaving) , without fear that they're going to sideline the fixture."

The original switch was DOA - before the cleanup and rebuild.

Put it back in your pants, Sir. This is not the place.

 

[dscheidt]

Do not count on the threads being the same, most if not all are of Chicom origin, including Leviton.

While there are doubtless things that aren't, most copies retain the original threading, because there are plenty of uses where the switch is threaded into the fixture, or needs to work with some other piece of hardware (like a lamp key, which are all 4-36 threads). I'd expect anything sold by an old line brand would be, because they understand that. If what you get is wrong, return it, and try something else.

 

[Norcal]

While there are doubtless things that aren't, most copies retain the original threading, because there are plenty of uses where the switch is threaded into the fixture, or needs to work with some other piece of hardware (like a lamp key, which are all 4-36 threads). I'd expect anything sold by an old line brand would be, because they understand that. If what you get is wrong, return it, and try something else.

I have had the opposite experience with those canopy switches which is why it was mentioned.

 

[wssix99]

Another example: Something strong enough that my young nephews could screw tug on the chain as violently as they're currently inclined to do (while unsupervised and misbehaving) , without fear that they're going to sideline the fixture.

Just shorten up the chain so they have to get in real close.

 

[Zeke]

Just shorten up the chain so they have to get in real close.

Don't joke with him. He's touchy. I joked, he didn't like it.

 

[tooljunkie4]

Just shorten up the chain so they have to get in real close.

Seeing this now, I only wish there were a fan attached.

Don't joke with him. He's touchy. I joked, he didn't like it.

In the same way that you joked with that new guy last evening?

 

[wssix99]

I wasn't joking all the way. I'm not a fan of pull switch quality and usually shorten them up/remove them and go to wall switches.

But... its all coming back to me from when I used to sell these things...

You probably want to abandon the Leviton and search for ceiling fan pull switches. As discussed above, the switches are commodity items and the ends all thread the same. The top fan companies make/take high quality pull chain switches. This has been a tradition since way back in the day. (Heavy duty fan motors needed a beefier switch than a light fixture.) While needed for the fan, the quality carried over to the on/off light switches.

It looks like a Chinese company, Zing Ear has that corner of the market now and supplies the OEMs. They do make an all metal switch, which you can find on Amazon.

 

[dogdog]

Home Depot should have them, they will be cheap ChiCom specials, but so will Leviton.

Yup Homedepot have them... it's by the electrical end of the isles in my stores... Lowes also have them.. both are by where the replacement light bulb sockets are.

 

[tooljunkie4]

So far 2 replies telling the op to buy what he said he didn't want...

Looks like you can find some NOS switches on eBay.

Would like to see some pictures of the whole light

This is what I ended up doing. Same housings and markings, but without the cloth insulation on its wires. Thank you for the suggestion.

Only one problem remains: Where to get stainless #6 ball chain and connectors without having to buy 100 of the things.

Will photograph and post the thing when I get it apart to install the new switch. No point in gutting it until I have all of the parts in-hand.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Just about any hardware store. Possibly even department stores have a length of extension chain that comes with a connector. Many have a variety of decorative pulls.