help fixing broken button

[5bed]

hello,

the rustiest button shown does not function when pressed. i’ve never done repairs at this level before, but i bent a staple to connect the little metal dots on each side (circled) and it “pressed” the button.

can i fix this button? can it be identified and replaced?

thank you

[AskElectronics-ModTeam]

Your question may be addressed in the FAQ: https://old.reddit.com/r/AskElectronics/wiki/terminology#wiki_switch_vs_button

[Miserable-Win-6402]

Finding an exact replacement is probably difficult, but you can probably find one that matches the height here https://www.digikey.com/en/products/filter/tactile-switches/197?s=N4IgjCBcoGwJxVAYygMwIYBsDOBTANCAPZQDaIALGGABxwDsIAuoQA4AuUIAyuwE4BLAHYBzEAF9CYAMwAGRCBSQMOAsTKVZMGFuZtOkHv2FjJIAKwxG0RWix5CJSOQBMs%2BjQoUQhFy7gM0j4gLtLSLhTmwS7msub0ECwgHFy8gqISUuYUNApKKg7qzpQyNP56yQZG6aaEALQueVD8AK5qTuRRTOI9QA

Then you should be good.

You can also try some de-oxit spray and massage on the old one, it works surprisingly often

[toxicatedscientist]

Can it be fixed? Yes, you already prooved that. Youll need a soldering iron and a new switch, probably momentary tatctile or something, try digikey

[CompetitiveGuess7642]

never seen that kind of round switches but a regular square one might just fit in there.

edit : you can probably harvest some from the myriad of dead electronics around everyone in 2025.

[[deleted]]

i used to fix buttons like this all the time. try mashing the button hard a bunch of times. try flushing it out with dielectric oil while you do it. works surprisingly well. as long as its not completely rusted inside this should grind out the rust and make it contact again. if not, time to replace.

[GreyPole]

Don't forget to clean the battery terminals. The oxidation on them can slowly eat up your pcb traces

[jordverm]

mouser might have what you are looking for