PF switch is too stiff

[AVCampos]

Hey guys, I'm in a bit of a pickle here.

I want to semi-automate a MOC by using a PF switch mechanically attached to two opposing bumpers. I have a pair of rubber bands set to keep the switch in either of the two "on" positions.

The problem is that the switch is so stiff that the bumpers by themselves are unable to fully flip it, so it gets stuck in the middle "off" position.

The light grey beams at the tips constitute the bumper, and connect to the switch via the black diagonal beams. I'd probably have more success with a 9V switch, but I don't have any available and all the other electrical components are PF so using converter cables isn't practical.

Any tips on how to make this work? Thanks!

[Blakbird]

The switches are super stiff when they are new. Last time I had this issue I just worked the switch back and forth for an hour while I watched Star Trek. By the time the Tribbles were contained, the switch was nice and smooth.

[Kiwi_Builder]

I know this isn't a very practical solution but if you either have an older switch use that because it has less resistance from a lot of usage, otherwise just flicking the switch back and forth heaps will loosen it up. Good luck

[DrJB]

The switches are super stiff when they are new. Last time I had this issue I just worked the switch back and forth for an hour while I watched Star Trek. By the time the Tribbles were contained, the switch was nice and smooth.

It must have been a rerun, cuz the tribbles are from 40+ years before the new pf switch came up.

[thomol]

It must have been a rerun, cuz the tribbles are from 40+ years before the new pf switch came up.

Don't you know that Blakbird can travel in time? Regarding to Star Fleet, only Kirk has more time travel violations.

[dr_spock]

You could make a motorized mechanism to rock the switch back and forth to loosen it up if you don't want to spend an hour watching tribbles. Also do those rubber bands cause additional resistance to moving?

[AVCampos]

Thanks all! Yeah, I'll work out that switch until it moves by itself and generates limitless energy. As for the rubber bands, they're there to force the switch in either of the two extreme positions: compared to no bands, it takes more effort to reach the mid point, but they automatically pull the switch past that.

[NXT45]

I made lucioswitches tractor truck and the switch used for the automatic pneumatic pump was really smooth when I disassembled it.