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Other Vintage Household Electrical or Electromechanical Items For discussions about other vintage (over 25 years old) electrical and electromechanical household items. See the sticky thread for details.

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Old 2nd Feb 2018, 10:18 am   #1
boombox
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Default Byron doorbell

I bought a Byron doorbell the other day - it is appalling quality. Just a warning really.

The screws it is supplied with are rubbish pozi headed brass coloured jobbies, the button mechanism itself is prone to coming undone and depositing the porcelain button onto the pavement, the text "press" rubs off and the worst bit - you have to REALLY shove the button to make the contact - which most of my visitors do not seem minded to do.
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Old 2nd Feb 2018, 10:23 am   #2
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Default Re: Byron doorbell

and it looks so nice in the picture!

Martin
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Old 2nd Feb 2018, 11:41 am   #3
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Default Re: Byron doorbell

Agreed. I have a very similar Bryon bell push and the button is forever popping out and ending up on the door step.
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Old 2nd Feb 2018, 11:45 am   #4
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Default Re: Byron doorbell

And do you have the same problem with it requiring a ridiculously hard push?
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Old 2nd Feb 2018, 11:50 am   #5
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Default Re: Byron doorbell

My 1930s brass bell-push needed replacing; the wooden patress had rotted and rainwater had got into the mechanism and the springy metal strips had corroded and snapped. The Bakelite threaded base had also swollen and distorted. However, the heavy cast brass cover was fine.

After looking at the awful modern repros, I bought a high-quality, NO, weatherproof, panel-mount, momentary-action switch from CPC (not cheap at >£12):
http://cpc.farnell.com/otto-controls...P=TREML007-003

I fitted this to the original brass cover using an extra O-ring to make it fit snugly, discarded the wooden and Bakelite bits and simply attached the cover directly to the brick wall with a thin bead of brown silicone.

It looks great, works a treat, and I have every confidence it will last for many years. It has a lovely, tactile action.

Last edited by Nickthedentist; 2nd Feb 2018 at 11:56 am.
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Old 2nd Feb 2018, 11:53 am   #6
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Default Re: Byron doorbell

Is the escutcheon actually brass ?

How about a pic of the "works" so we can all offer helpful(?) suggestions to sort it out?

Edit: Nick's suggestion seems to be the biz.

Pic of the crapite would be interesting anyway.
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Old 2nd Feb 2018, 11:53 am   #7
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Default Re: Byron doorbell

Quote:
Originally Posted by boombox View Post
Quote:
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Agreed. I have a very similar Bryon bell push and the button is forever popping out and ending up on the door step.
And do you have the same problem with it requiring a ridiculously hard push?
No. It does have a tendency to stick on though. Not good with a bing bong type bell as it holds the magnet energised. You only notice when you hear the mains hum.
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Old 2nd Feb 2018, 12:50 pm   #8
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Default Re: Byron doorbell

I have an old Victorian bell push that doesn't fall apart but does need a firm press. Our local locksmith does sell a range of bell pushes but I have never tested any. https://www.inbrass.co.uk/acatalog/doorbells.html

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Old 2nd Feb 2018, 1:08 pm   #9
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Default Re: Byron doorbell

You also see salvaged originals in "antiques centres" and in open-air markets sometimes. Not cheap, but...
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Old 2nd Feb 2018, 4:25 pm   #10
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Default Re: Byron doorbell

I seem to recall that Byron wireless bells need a firm push too. Maybe their button designer has big hands?
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Old 2nd Feb 2018, 6:44 pm   #11
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Default Re: Byron doorbell

Quote:
Originally Posted by boombox View Post
I bought a Byron doorbell[/URL] the other day - it is appalling quality.
Yes.

I stick to Friedland where possible.
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Old 2nd Feb 2018, 6:55 pm   #12
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Default Re: Byron doorbell

Agreed, our wireless one has been up for over 10 years, as the base plugs in it's only needed a few batteries in the transmitter, plus my gran's wired one has been up for probably longer than I've been alive and the only thing that has failed is the cable that goes to the push button.
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Old 3rd Feb 2018, 4:40 pm   #13
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Default Re: Byron doorbell

I use a 'stick through the door frame' wind up doorbell, yet to fail. Back on topic... I have three push buttons on my motorcycle (aftermarket, added by me for the radio) much the same as Nicks CPC one but less than quid each from eBay, they have lasted a few years now outside all the time and not under a porch. I did take one apart before making the thing, well sealed and with sprung (with a proper spring) silver contacts.
 
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