> The manufacturer wants to change to a surface mount switch.
> I'm a bit dubious about the probable longevity of the mounting if solder
> alone is used. Adhesive could be added as a backup.
> 
> Any thoughts?
> 
> Ant experiences to relate?
> 
> Vaguely related data points:
> 
> - Solder is subject to creep tatigue.
> 
> - Make a key ring from an old SIM RAM card with SMD RAM chips. Notice a
few
> weeks/months on that all the ICs have invariably fallen off.


On the RAM key rings I've made I ran a thin bead of superglue along the
edges of the chips (the ones without the pins) and I think they're all still
attached.  A good thump would probably dislodge them.  Epoxy would be
better, but is harder to handle.  You could glue the switch on first, so the
glue is under and not just around it.  Remember that superglue will fail
when heated, so the switches would need to be hand soldered.  Well, the
gluing would be manual too, so no big deal.  Check woodworking stores for
superglue, they sell high viscosity versions in largish quantities.  Often
used for coating pens, stabilising wood (eg knot holes) and so on.

The rubber boot could have a plastic insert, so any side load would mean it
would slide across the switch, and not transfer the movement.  Similar to
how lot of stuff (eg VCRs with the buttons in the faceplate) works.

Drown it in hot glue?

Design the housing so it fits around the switch?

Say 'sod it' and use a reed switch & magnet?

Tony

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