Best way to replace tact switches on PCB

[andygk]

hi all

I need to replace all 12 tact switches on a small PCB as attached pic.  The PCB is secured to the chassis of the device using the black plastic spacer things which expand once they're pushed through the PCB.  My working assumption is that I must be able to get to the rear of the board in order to fit the new switches (if not remove the old ones).

However if that's true, how do I get the board off the chassis without breaking the plastic spacer things?  Or can I find some replacements somewhere to reattach the board afterwards?

Thanks for any advice!

[Ian.M]

We'd need to see well lit closeups of one of the black plastic spacers, from both sides to tell you for sure.  Some plastic clips have a center pin expanding them that can be pushed out from the other side with a blunt tipped probe, or possibly by prying off a cap, but others have teeth that need to be compressed by pushing a smooth edged metal tube over them so you can ease the PCB one corner at a time by a little bit till it comes off.  The latter can be removed by squeezing with pliers but that usually wrecks them.

[andygk]

We'd need to see well lit closeups of one of the black plastic spacers, from both sides to tell you for sure.  Some plastic clips have a center pin expanding them that can be pushed out from the other side with a blunt tipped probe, or possibly by prying off a cap, but others have teeth that need to be compressed by pushing a smooth edged metal tube over them so you can ease the PCB one corner at a time by a little bit till it comes off.  The latter can be removed by squeezing with pliers but that usually wrecks them.

Many thanks Ian, have attached a couple more pics which hopefully are a bit clearer. I think we're talking about the one's with teeth. in which case my hunt for a smooth edged metal tube starts here...

[fmashockie]

I would just replace the originals if you damage them getting them off.  I just use a set of pliers to gently squeeze them to get the board out.  Sometimes they still work, sometimes they don't.  Fortunately, you can buy these things from a variety of different places in different shapes/sizes.  They're sometimes called Xmas tree clips, but I'm sure they have other names, too.

https://www.dgsretail.com/H7926/White-Plastic-Push-Pin-Xmas-Tree-Clips-1/4-Inch-Holes?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA67CrBhC1ARIsACKAa8RulTwZmmiWdMT7imiCJhIXn_lrmr2gei9iDVAPdBb85o_-3RG3h_YaAgjWEALw_wcB

[BrokenYugo]

Gently try to lift one corner of the board, hold pressure while you carefully push the fingers on the nearest post inward with pliers or a poker. Once you have one corner popped up past the fingers work your way around until it's free. Again, be gentle, this sort of stuff usually comes apart easy if you do it right.

[Ian.M]

Yep. that two barb style can be released with pliers.  Serrated jaw (so they don't slip) needle nose pliers used end-on, not from the side, with the tips almost right up against the PCB should release those without damage.

[andygk]

Thanks all for your advice, it's off, and no breakages!