I have a circa 1920 push-button light switch which sticks occasionally. The push buttons move fine, but sometimes the blade switch inside doesn't flip unless the button is pressed very hard. I'd hate to replace this, because this antique switch has a more solid feel than replicas I've used. Is there a safe lubricant for mains power the switches?
And yes, I plan to remove the paint. :)
Edit: I would take it apart to clean, but the screws have been sealed by some kind of resin.
Oil, no. Lubricate, yes. Common oils have multiple problems for electrical devices, the worst of which is possible flammability. You can get specific electrical "contact lubricant" for this though. It is usually not sold in hardware stores, you may have to order it on-line and the smallest package will be a lot more than you need, but don't substitute. And to those who will tell you "WD-40", that is NOT a good lubricant, despite what people think. It's main purpose is as a water displacement agent, in fact that's what the "WD" stands for (Water Displacer, attempt #40 is where the name came from). As a lube, it only lasts a couple of weeks before it breaks down and evaporates.
And NEVER apply any lubricant to an energized device.
I would use dielectric grease, which is widely available at auto parts stores. Apply to blades, contact points and pivot points with a toothpick, bamboo skewer or other applicator. Work the mechanism a few times and apply a little more. Power off, of course.
I would spray it with contact cleaner. And then cycle the switch several times.
That should clean out any gunk interfering with the operation.
Use switch cleaner spray to clean any gunk away, then use a silicon grease with a small craft paint brush.
I wouldn't.
Most oils are flammable.
Those that are not are usually toxic.
Substances that are used to improve contacts don't generally deal with interrupting contacts. Expect soot buildup.
Any (organic) liquid may degrade the primitive plastic of the buttons.
And finally, you have a better course of action: Disassemble it and see where the moving parts have worn out. Some of these can be assembled with some part flipped and work 50 more years.
That material that's covering the screws can be removed by putting a drop of acetone on it and letting it sit for a few minutes. Then simply unscrew whatever you're trying to take off.
There is a type of dry lubricant that is easily accessible and can lubricate your switch.
A pencil (aka Graphite).
You generously write over the area where you need lubricated, use the switch a few times, and keep doing it until it starts working again. The graphite works great as a lubricate and doesn't "leak" everywhere.
Graphite does conduct electricity, but you have to pack the switch with graphite powder before this is an issue.
