Replacing a broken plastic switch for a range hood

Question

I have a Broan Micromate range hood model 12000. The switch for the light broke. They don’t sell them anymore. I don’t want this to be the reason I have to replace the whole thing, but I’m stumped for reasonable next steps.

Here’s the panel with the broken switch.

Here’s what the switch ought to look like. One of the plastic paddles on the back snapped off:

The range hood has 2 switches, so I have a good one. I don’t own a 3D printer and it’s not worth it to me to try to print one myself. I couldn’t find any online services.

The switch cover goes through the faceplate, and straddles the actual switch shown here. The way this control board is mounted, you can’t reach these real switches without the broken switch cover. And the switches are super stiff.

The top of the picture is where the plastic piece sits.

So since I can’t buy a replacement switch for a few bucks I’m going to have to spend at least $400 to replace this with a new microwave vent hood. Any ideas???

Update So I got out the calipers and measured the existing switch, and this is my best guess at how much I can add to the paddles and still have it fit the openings. I have a SketchUp file, exported it to .stl, and I'm attempting to have someone on fiverr print it for me. Fingers crossed!

Final update: The 3D printed switches came and work. One of them had to be shaved down a little further, but they are so much beefier I expect them to last a good long while!

Answer 1

If there is room for it, you could get a small angle bracket, saw/file it to size, and glue it to replace the broken paddle.

OR

Build out a big rectangular chunk around the back of the plastic handle using two-part epoxy, incorporating the remaining paddle and the recessed part to give it strength. File it down to size around the edges so it fits in the available space, and file down a channel in the middle to operate the electrical switch.

OR

You could get it 3D printed.

• Look for a Maker Space near you and offer a club member money to do it.
• Look for a teenager with a printer and offer a commission. If you know any local teenager ask them to post something at school, otherwise join a Facebook group of local moms and post the offer there.
• Look on eBay/Etsy/Fiverr etc for 3d printing services.

Answer 2

First thing I'd do is contact the manufacturer. Most of them sell replacement parts.

If replacements aren't available, and I had to fix it?

The two things in the bottom photo are the actual switches. And it looks like they're soldered to a circuit board. One solution would be to remove the switch from the circuit board, and in its place add a switch that's attached to the board by wires. Kind of tricky, but it could work. Another solution, potentially easier: leave the switch where it is, and permanently leave it in the ON position. Find the wires that go to the light (there should be 2). Cut one of those wires, and splice a new switch into it. You might have to cut a hole in the enclosure to put the new switch into.

Answer 3

Here's another off-beat idea: drill a couple small holes in the actual switch, fabricate some wire loops through the holes that the remaining "peg" on your broken switch cover will fit into.

Or make a metal box that will fit around the switch that's big enough for the peg, and glue it to the switch.

Oh, also, shoot some silicone lube into the switch in case it's sticky, or your remaining peg may bite the dust too.

Answer 4

I would consider gluing a plastic tube to the existing pin and that body.

If you heat and squash the tube slightly then you should have sufficient strength.

However, it all depends on the available space.