How to Insert the Switch for Circuit Bending

Circuit bending is a popular hobby that involves modifying an electronic toy or instrument by adding components and buttons to the toy. This allows you to make new sounds with the toy by bending the circuits on the circuit board. One way to do this is to insert a new switch on the toy, something easily done with the right tools and a little know-how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soldering iron
• Solder
• Batteries
• Jewelers screwdrivers
• Switches
• Drill
• Drill bit
• Wire
• Wire cutters/strippers
• Alligator clips
• Permanent marker
• Dremel

1. Find or purchase the toy you are interested in bending, gather the items you will need for your circuit bending project, including additional switches, and put together a work space that is heat resistant.

2. Open the casing by removing the screws and carefully lifting the back of the casing, watching for any wires connecting the front to the back. These are sometimes connected this way to connect battery packs or speakers. Lay the casing open and assess the internal compartment.

3. Decide on where to put a switch and prepare the toy for its new switch by placing it against the front of the casing and drawing around it with a permanent marker.

4. Drill a couple of pilot holes, then use the Dremel tool to expand those holes to the entire size of the drawn area. Check to see if the switch fits and make any necessary changes.

5. Place the switch in the hole from the front of the toy. Some switches have retaining clips that will hold it in place, while others may require inserting a couple of screws through the casing and through the screw holes to hold it in place.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have a heat resistant work space, you can purchase a heat resistant mat from most hardware and craft stores.