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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,084 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,084 | I bought a stringer of LED lights for the upper section of my toolbox and want to rig a proximity switch on the lid to turn the lights on when the lid is opened. I found several on Amazon and can figure it out, but wondered if any of you fellas have a recommendation.
Allen
Yeah, well, that's just like, you know , your opinion, man - The Dude
1948 Chevy 3600 - goal Original restoration, Current Stage 1 - Disassembly and getting body in primer
1954 GMC 3100 goal Hot Rod, Current Stage 1 - Get body in primer
1931 Ford Model A 5 window Coupe - Old Skool Hot Rod
1945 Ford 2N Tractor - Runs great
1964 Ford 2000 Tractor - Use it every week
1974 Stingray Corvette
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 | Most of those sensors/switches are NO. That could be a bit challenging. They have very small sensing distances. I think they are mostly DC. Is this toolbox in your truck or house? Why do you need a proximity switch, that is not the common use for them. You could install a momentary push button NC bulkhead mount switch. (I.E. Jamb mounted dome light switch/glove box switch) This would of course be totally mechanical as opposed to the totally electronic one you ask about. There are also mercury switches that were used for your type purpose. (I.E.60 Pontiac trunk light switch). Now called mercury tilt switches and frequently used to send alarm signal from unauthorized trunk or hood opening. Or at my house, the refrigerator 
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,084 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,084 | It is in a big rolling toolbox in the shop. Matco uses proximity switches in some of their boxes for the same purpose. The lights run off a little 12 V DC transformer. Lot's of ways to skin this cat, including adding another power strip that I can switch on when I open the box. The one I have in it now, I leave on for charging batt packs and a battery tender.
Allen
Yeah, well, that's just like, you know , your opinion, man - The Dude
1948 Chevy 3600 - goal Original restoration, Current Stage 1 - Disassembly and getting body in primer
1954 GMC 3100 goal Hot Rod, Current Stage 1 - Get body in primer
1931 Ford Model A 5 window Coupe - Old Skool Hot Rod
1945 Ford 2N Tractor - Runs great
1964 Ford 2000 Tractor - Use it every week
1974 Stingray Corvette
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 239 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 239 | Have you thought about using a micro switch much like the ones you find on a washing machine lid? they are cheaper and less sensitive to environmental conditions.
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.
-Unknown-
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 3,399 Gas Pumper | | Gas Pumper Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 3,399 | There are examples of those switches everywhere Allen. The washing machine switch is a great idea. On my printing presses we have several switches that have a roller bearing on the end so it smoothly transitions when the doors are closed as part of a safety shutoff system. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 | Those are momentary push button NO (normally open) switches, as I said he needs NC (normally closed) in my opinion. I would use a stick-on tap light. AS SEEN ON TV  or a motion sensor light aimed at the tool box. I have motion lights inside my shop for when my hands are full. Good if your light switch is far from a door.
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,084 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,084 | Great ideas fellas....many thanks
Allen
Yeah, well, that's just like, you know , your opinion, man - The Dude
1948 Chevy 3600 - goal Original restoration, Current Stage 1 - Disassembly and getting body in primer
1954 GMC 3100 goal Hot Rod, Current Stage 1 - Get body in primer
1931 Ford Model A 5 window Coupe - Old Skool Hot Rod
1945 Ford 2N Tractor - Runs great
1964 Ford 2000 Tractor - Use it every week
1974 Stingray Corvette
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