Vaporproof Fluorescent Fixture - Latch Repair

This is a replacement part for the latches used on fluorescent vaporproof / vaportight fixtures. The swim club that I belong to uses these fixtures in the locker rooms, and this is the part which seems to break most readily. Replacement latches are available at Amazon, but they are $3 each - not too expensive, but I do have a 3D printer...

Your mileage may vary with these - they work fine on our lights.

No suitability for purpose is expressed or implied. These seem to work fine, but the actual use is your responsibility.

Search for LCW Vaporproof/Vaportight plastic clips on Amazon to find production replacement parts.

UPDATE 1 June 2018 - the parts have been in place for nearly a year, and seem to be holding up well.

UPDATE 30 May 2019 - the parts are still going strong, almost two years later. Not bad for cheap PLA from a sub-$200 printer.

UPDATE 30 June 2020 - still in place and looking good, three years on. Pretty gratifying.

UPDATE 27 June 2023 - crazy, but the parts are still in place and functioning.  

Print Settings

Printer:

Monoprice Delta Mini

Rafts:

Doesn't Matter

Supports:

No

Resolution:

0.2

Infill:

25% or greater

Notes:

I made these out of PLA, and they seem plenty strong at 25% infill. Time will tell on their durability, but you can always make more.

For the ultimate fix, feel free to mill one from billet Aluminum. Just be ready to find out that the other parts are now the weak link.

How I Designed This

Designed in Fusion 360, based on measurements from a broken part.

Category: Replacement Parts