Switchcraft 3 Way Rattle

[Duplex Dave]

I got an ES 330 on the bench with a rattling 3 way switch (original Switchcraft part). It's not the tabs inside that can easily be bent for more tension. This is rattling in the middle position and it's the toggle itself vibrating along the axis of the shaft that runs through it. So I ordered another Switchcraft 3-way from StewMac, and this one rattles even more! It's actually looser on the axis. There are few threads out there about this problem but no solutions. Anyone here have this issue? Would not be too big a problem on a solid body, but the 330 is like a 335 without the block through the body, so it's very much acoustic and yes it can be heard through the amp...

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions, Dave 

[Jeff R]

The Switchcraft long shaft 3-way I just put in the LP Deluxe restoration I'm doing rattles like what you're describing in the middle position. I haven't addressed it but I probably should since I'll be selling the guitar when I'm done.

My first thought would be to take a dot of a rubber cement or a similar cushoney goop with a toothpick, dab it on the toggle axles/pins and then use my finger to push the goop in the holes and around the pins. I'd think just a little goop getting in that pin shaft would not restrict movement but kill that rattle or somewhat reduce it.

[Duplex Dave]

Yes, this was my first thought as well, inject something. In the 2 switches I have the axle is solid, it's the 'ball' of the switch base that's moving. So I went against my best repair instincts and used the only thing I could and it worked. Medium viscosity CA glue on a toothpick. I hit the gap and wiped the area with a Q-tip. I kept the switch moving as I hit the area with some accelerator on a Q-tip. It wanted to freeze up at first but I kept it moving, after a minute or two the CA cured and provided enough gap filling to remedy the problem. The switch is actually very solid feeling when moving through the 3 positions. This was a little risky, but I've been using CA glue for 20 years in guitar repair and know how to manipulate it, applying too much could have easily turned into a mess. 

[Jeff R]

My other thought was a dab of petroleum jelly. But just a dab!

[Duplex Dave]

Exactly what I was thinking also, that or dielectric grease (same viscosity). But, I needed a way to inject it. CA glue flows really well.

I had a syringe of that Big Bens nut lube (no joke) or maybe its Big Bends? That had a tip small enough to inject a bit but I can't find it...

[Jeff R]

Children's oral liquid syringes are good for injecting thicker stuff with control.

[Duplex Dave]

There you go, give it a shot!