Push-Push panel latches - I found a source in the UK :-)

[Fraser]

For anyone else who has been searching for the Push-push type panel latches that are used on all manner of equipment, I have found a source in the UK that can supply both the latch and the male pin as well 

I have had these little catches fail in the past but could not track down the exact item to replace them. The latest failure was one of the catches on my Hygea Ultrasonic Cleaner printer door. I searched in earnest this time and found a chap on ebay selling the exact type of catch that I needed. They were being sold as for central heating boiler door parts and so thought they would be too large....they are not.  I contacted the seller and bought 20 of the catches and the associated male pin. Those should last me a lifetime  The seller said he is expecting the catches with built in switch contacts soon as well. Those are used in cars I think.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Worcester-boiler-bosch-catch-latch-push-to-open-panel-door-combi-control-bax-/191795668086?hash=item2ca7e9a476:g:VFgAAOSw0e9UzhD9

Hope this helps others

Fraser

[Fraser]

I almost forgot, the latches cost me less than 60p each and the male pins are around 35p each. Not bad and better than buying via ebay.

Fraser

[stj]

you can get those from places that sell tv / video spares etc.
i used to use them a lot on tv front-panels.

[Fraser]

Sadly TV and video spares shops and suppliers are becoming a rarity in the UK these days . A sign of the times. People scrap rather than pay for repairs. When I was a student working Saturdays in an Electronics Emporium, my boss also owned a TV repair shop. He forecast its demise due to cheap imports and he was right. Fortunately he retired and closed the shop before such became non-viable.

I used to buy from on line TV/video sellers but even they are becoming less common and parts prices could also be high.

One of the problems I had was the search term to use for these latches/catches. I found only one source on eBay after trying all manner of search terms. They are neat little catches but a PITA when they fail.

Fraser

[nowlan]

> Not bad and better than buying via ebay.
You gave a link to ebay?

What exactly are these for? Holding the little door that covers the fine tuning knobs on crt tv?

[Fraser]

@nowlan,

You make contact with the seller via the ebay messaging system. I included my telephone number and he phoned me !

These catches are found in many applications.... TV hidden control panel covers, Gas Boiler control covers, car pop-out draws, panel mounted printer thermal paper trays, Thermal video printer front panel etc. These are just places I have seen them recently. They are actually pretty clever but magnets are often used as an alternative these days.

Fraser

[stj]

Tidman sold them.

http://tidmanmailorder.co.uk/