FingerTech Mini Power Switch Torx
The FingerTech Mini Power Switch is the #1 choice for combat robots — small, lightweight, and rated for 40A continuous with 100A burst. Activated with a simple twist of a T10 Torx key, it stays on through intense vibration and high G-force impacts. Reliable power and competition ready. The SAE version of this switch is our biggest seller.
Sold individually — one switch per order. Mounting hardware not included; pick up the Mini Power Switch Mounting Kit to secure it properly to your chassis.
$9.50
15 in stock (can be backordered)
What it is / Who it’s for
The FingerTech Mini Power Switch from FingerTech Robotics is the go-to power switch for combat robots — and our biggest seller. Rated for 40A continuous and 100A burst, it’s small enough to fit in the tightest builds and tough enough to survive the abuse of competition. It’s also one of the few screw-type switches used in model rocketry.
How it works
A T10 Torx key tightens the screw clockwise to connect the two copper terminals and power the robot. One full rotation counterclockwise disconnects power. The nylon body is undersized to keep the screw from backing out due to vibration — no accidental shutdowns mid-match. An on/off indicator label is included to help event organizers identify the correct direction to deactivate your robot.
Installation
Two mounting holes, spaced 7.6mm (0.30in) apart, are sized to accept 2mm or 2-56 screws. They can also be tapped for 3mm or 4-40 threads. If threading the body, use screws long enough to engage both halves. Need to mount it cleanly? Skip the hot glue and zip ties — the Mini Power Switch Mounting Kit has the right screws, washers, and nuts to secure it properly to any chassis.
Connect the battery to the terminal closest to the screw head. The screw head is part of the circuit (constant connection to the far terminal) — this ensures the far terminal is not live when the robot is off.
Operation
Use a T10 Torx Key to tighten the screw clockwise — this connects the two copper terminals. One full rotation counterclockwise disconnects power. It does not take a lot of force to make a good connection — just finger-tight. If you’re worried about stripping the socket, you’re using too much force.
Current and temperature
Rated at 40A continuous and 100A burst for 10 seconds using 16-gauge wire. Wire size is the main limiting factor — more heat is generated in smaller wires and poor connections. FingerTech has tested the switch with 10ga wire at 95A for 3 minutes. For higher current applications, use heavier wire. The 16ga wires get uncomfortably hot at 40A and nearly untouchable at 50A — well before the switch itself gets hot.
Allowable soldering temperatures
350°C continuous — 400°C for 1 minute — 450°C for 12 seconds — 480°C for 8 seconds.
In the press
Servo Magazine reviewed the Mini Power Switch in their April 2013 issue. Read the Servo Magazine Mini Power Switch review here.
Sold individually — one FingerTech Mini Power Switch per order.
The Mini Power Switch Family
The Mini Power Switch is available in three drive variants — standard hex, metric hex, and Torx — so you can run the tool you prefer. Replacement screws are also available for each variant, making field repairs fast without desoldering. Browse the full lineup:
- FingerTech Mini Switch — standard 3/32in hex drive
- FingerTech Mini Switch Metric — 2.5mm metric hex drive
- FingerTech Mini Switch Torx — T10 Torx drive (this product)
- FingerTech Mini Switch Screw — standard hex replacement screw
- FingerTech Mini Switch Metric Screw — metric hex replacement screw
- FingerTech Mini Switch Torx Screw — T10 Torx replacement screw
Features
- Our biggest seller — the FingerTech Mini Power Switch is the #1 choice for combat robots and model rocketry
- 40A continuous, 100A burst — rated for 40A continuous and 100A burst for 10 seconds using 16ga wire
- Twist to activate — one T10 Torx key- turn clockwise to power on; one full turn counterclockwise to disconnect
- Vibration-resistant — undersized nylon body keeps the screw from backing out under high G-force impacts and intense vibration
- Tiny and lightweight — 0.50in × 0.50in × 0.25in (12.7mm × 12.7mm × 6.4mm); 2.15g (0.076oz)
- On/off indicator label included — helps event organizers identify the correct direction to deactivate your robot
- Mountable your way — two mounting holes accept 2mm or 2-56 screws; tappable for 3mm or 4-40 threads; pair with the Mini Power Switch Mounting Kit for a clean install
- Servo Magazine reviewed — independently reviewed and praised in Servo Magazine's April 2013 issue
FingerTech Mini Power Switch Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | High-temperature nylon body, copper terminals, aluminum screw |
| Length | 0.50in (12.7mm) |
| Width | 0.50in (12.7mm) |
| Height | 0.25in (6.4mm) |
| Weight | 0.076oz (2.15g) |
| Copper Terminals | 3.5mm × 1.0mm (0.14in × 0.04in), extending 6.4mm (0.25in) from switch body |
| Mounting Holes | 2 holes, spaced 7.6mm (0.30in) apart — pass-through 2mm or 2-56 screws; tappable for 3mm or 4-40 threads |
| Rated Current | 40A continuous (using 16ga wire) |
| Burst Current | 100A for 10 seconds (using 16ga wire) |
| Allowable Soldering Temp | 350°C continuous — 400°C for 1 min — 450°C for 12s — 480°C for 8s |
| Drive | T10 Torx Key |
| Includes | On/off indicator label |
Frequently Asked Questions
What tool do I need to operate the switch?
A T10 Torx key. Tighten clockwise to connect power, one half turn counterclockwise to disconnect. Finger-tight is all you need — don't overtighten or you risk stripping the socket.
How do I mount the switch to my chassis?
The switch has two mounting holes spaced 7.6mm (0.30in) apart. They accept 2mm or 2-56 screws, or can be tapped for 3mm or 4-40 threads. For a clean, secure install, pick up the Mini Power Switch Mounting Kit — it includes the right screws, washers, and nuts for any chassis type.
Which terminal do I connect the battery to?
Connect the battery to the terminal closest to the screw head. The screw head is part of the circuit and maintains a constant connection to the far terminal — wiring it this way ensures the far terminal is not live when the robot is off.
What current can the switch handle?
40A continuous and 100A burst for 10 seconds, tested with 16ga wire. According to Fingertech, "Keep in mind that the size of the wire and type of wire insulation is the main limiting factor. More heat is generated in smaller wires and in poor connections. We have tested the switch with 10ga wire and were able to run 95A for 3 minutes."
Can I replace the screw if it gets damaged?
Yes — the screw is a replaceable part. Pick up a FingerTech Mini Power Switch Replacement Screw to get back in action fast without desoldering and resoldering the switch.
Are metric and Torx versions available?
Yes — the Mini Power Switch is available in three drive variants. Choose the one that matches your tooling:
- FingerTech Mini Switch — standard 3/32in hex drive
- FingerTech Mini Switch Metric — 2.5mm metric hex drive
- FingerTech Mini Switch Torx — T10 Torx drive
How many switches are included per order?
One switch per order.
