Does anyone know how to fix an alps switch actuation?

[SpacemanToby]

I have some old orange alps that I'm trying to use, and there are a couple that didn't seem to be working. I took one apart and used a multimeter to see if there's any contact happening, and I can get it to work if I really mash down the contacts with my fingers. The slider is does not press hard enough to actuate the switch. I'm afraid to break the contact, and there's no obvious dirt or corrosion that might be causing the issue. Has anyone had this problem?

[andrewjoy]

First off give the switch pate a good clean. You can usually slide off the metal part over the contacts and give it a good wipe with a cotton bud and alcohol.

You can also bend the metal leaf up slightly to allow the slider to apply more force to it

[SpacemanToby]

A toothbrush and some alcohol did the trick. Thanks!