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Posted: 8/28/2026 8:55:38 PM EDT
[Last Edit: USMC88-93][Edited]
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I am a little gun shy as to which switch manufacturer to go with for my 2006 vintage pre Steiner ownership Laser Devices Inc DBAL-A2 I see multiple old threads (archived) and YouTube videos about Mod buttons or other modern switches damaging the port in the unit and being too tight to remove easily. Is it the two metal pins being too long and getting stuck when pulling out? Is it the plastic housing surrounding the two metal pins that is too large and not giving the pins room when pulling out? Also threads about the plugs inserting too deep or too shallow and having to put something in the hole line a small piece of rubber band or plastic to hep the pins make proper contact or the necessity to rotate the plug in the hole to find where the pins make proper contact. Is there a master thread or informational resource for which tape switches and buttons to stay away from or a "how to" as to how to modify the plugs by trimming, sanding, or otherwise? Lubricate the port help? Twist the connector when inserting or extracting to avoid damage help? Or am I over thinking it and shove whatever I buy in there and try it out?  |
Plays well with self, and cleverly disguised as a responsible adult.
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Unfortunately, some ports have issues while others don’t. Most of the issues have been with Unity switches. You’ll know right away as you plug it in if it feels like it’s going to be real tight. I haven’t heard of those issues with the Surefire dual switch or the Steiner OE single switch. |
Managing Director of Commercial Sales & Inside Sales
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC.
http://www.tnvc.com
[email protected]
(909) 796-7000 Ex. 610
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC.
http://www.tnvc.com
[email protected]
(909) 796-7000 Ex. 610
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Unfortunately, there is no rhyme or reason when it comes to non-Steiner crane connectors. Many have no issues while some do. The ports themselves are the issue. In the past, Unity has been blamed, but for example I very, very recently had a customer with a DBAL D2 prolapse his port with a Surefire dual switch. Whenever we've come across a connector that's too tight in a port, that same connector will fit into every other laser. |
Managing Director of Commercial Sales & Inside Sales
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC.
http://www.tnvc.com
[email protected]
(909) 796-7000 Ex. 610
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC.
http://www.tnvc.com
[email protected]
(909) 796-7000 Ex. 610
| If you look closely at a SureFire vs a Steiner plug there is a ledge of a that keeps it from complete seating in the DBAL D2. Some have tried to shave down the ledge to be able to insert the plug all the way in but it not as secure as a Steiner plug. IIRC Insight plugs that can be found on Ebay work with the D2 and OTALC. I'll try it out and report back today. |
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