Hood Pin Alternatives

derek, where do you get those brackets from. They seem simple enough to make yourself, but then there is an aesthetics issue. I saw them for $2 a piece, and thought I should be able to get a better deal for a bulk order. I was about to order some mercury switches, but they are too expensive for the purpose they serve. I mean they dont save any time, so why spend $7 on something that doesnt make the job easier. It seems to me that either a right angle bracket, or even a straight bracket would be all you would ever need. J Rilla

Owner/Installer

In my application I would lean toward using a magnetic reed switch, instead of a standard hood pin. The reason is because there is no moving parts to break, corrode, and bind. It is not affected by shorting to ground due to moisture and water path ways. Heat is less of a factor when compared to a hood pin. Once the magnetic reed switch has found a suitable location, and its placement is varified by activation, and clearence. The service life of the magnetic reed switch exceeds 10 years. This assumes you purchase those units that are made from high quality iron ore's (sp). Which are perminent magnetics, and not ones that are made, via magnectic induction, these sort of contacts are always used in low cost units found in the hobby stores and those retailers looking to supply all things for all people at a low cost. Just my thoughts on that... Regards EVIL Teken...