I have a (nice) set of terminal extractors for various automotive connectors that I spent a few hundred bucks on. 98% of the time I just end up using a t-pin instead, lol. Works better than the purpose made tool most of the time, and I don't have to search for the right terminal tool every time I work on a different connector.
Have you tried the Clover fork pins? They literally changed my life. My points are always lined up now because they force the nesting to stay, well, nested. I can even have less precise block sizes if I use them. Yes, $8.49 (US) seems expensive for 35 pins, but you don't end up using a ton of them as you're sewing things together.
It is just a push button switch.
The orange simply gives a visual indication that it is in the "on" position. The orange indicator is a purely mechanical function of the switch and will occur even if the switch is not connected to anything.
You will have to use trial and error to figure out what it controls. It may not currently control anything. The other option is to somehow trace the wiring.
EDIT: I haven't seen one of these in many years, but apparently they do still sell them:
https://www.amazon.com/35-490-Pushbutton-Push-off-Mechanical-Indicator/dp/B01C3E9DBC
Forget glue, it’s a PITA to remove and smells bad, if you’re only hanging 1” foam, go to a fabric store and get some t-pins. You only need 2-4 per panel and they leave barely any marks to fill when you remove.
Definitely, fabrics like satin will have a mark if you use normal pins, even the dressmaker pins are too thick in my opinion. I found these on Amazon for my satin dress project and they literally saved my life. Dressmaker pins are 0.60 mm, whereas these I'm sharing are 0.50 mm trust me, it makes a difference. I recommend buying 2 packs because it's a small box, and if you are making a big dress, you'll run out of pins. If you don't buy this, just try to always find pins that are extra thin 0.50 for your delicate fabrics. Use normal pins for any other fabric. extra thin pins
I agree with the block-loc ruler for squaring HSTs. I also find with those the consistency in seam allowance is even more important. I put painters tape on my sewing machine to make the seam allowance consistent - I just keep the edge of the fabric against the edge of the tape. I also ordered these fork pins for this project, and they’ve been surprisingly helpful at keeping bulky nested seams exactly where I want them as I sew them together.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PD0FRA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Changing how your hand holds the fabric might help, like using a third hand clamp or embroidery hoop for sewing. Using fork pins for pattern-matching plaids will require less pinning, or switching to washable glue stick basting rather than pins. Either will actually hold better than pins, in my experience, it's amazing to see how much slippage regular straight pins allow.
I'd also consider consulting a physical therapist, there might be simple exercises to do.
Or buy T-pins at Walmart type superstore or order on Amazon here....
https://www.amazon.com/ADVANTUS-Gem-1-5-Inch-T-Pins-100/dp/B001PLOM8Y
They’re great and only leave minuscule holes. Much smaller than a thumb tack.
You can move them & reuse them too!
Another game-changing tool for helping get your corners to line up on blocks of all sizes: fork pins like these: https://www.amazon.com/Clover-240-Fork-Pins-Pack/dp/B000PD0FRA/ref=asc_df_B000PD0FRA/
Once you get the hang of them your life will be forever changed. I'm still not perfect at corner-matching but these pins combined with making sure to iron so my seams always nest, have dramatically improved my accuracy and decreased my frustration.
Look for the Clover brand of pins, esp their silk pins (which aren't just for silk). This Japanese brand makes superior tools and notions. These pins are the best and I always have a few extra boxes on hand.
Get a neaded eraser. It’s sticky and the shavings will stick to it. Warm the eraser by neading in your hands like you word if it were gum. Sticks like gum. There is also blu tack. Art store may have here’s link. Blu Tack Handy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001OZI70/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IRuvFb3CPZQRY
Neaded erasers.
Large Kneaded Eraser (2 Eraser Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012561WIA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aTuvFbPZ3TPXR
Despite the name in the listing, those aren't generally used for permanent decoration the way things like brass upholstery nails are. These are actually upholstery twist pins, a removable way to attach linens like slipcovers or dust ruffles to upholstered furniture and prevent them from sliding around. The heads are clear so they blend in with the fabric underneath if they're used in a spot that might show. Check the box spring on the bed, you'll likely find more of them tacking down the "platform" section of the dust ruffle that lies between the mattress and box spring.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XJ5I9W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_XpJuFbCKK5GAA
WITT
It was found with a bunch of office type of supplies and some sewing pins. To me it's very similar to t-pins(here's a link just in case), but the points are seemingly stubbier making me doubt it might not be for poking into corkboard.
They are called T Pins or Quilters Pins
EDIT: I should say that I have heard them called quilters pins, but a google search for quilters pins returns these further down the page than i would expect if they were commonly called that.
These Sheep Push Pins.. I need them for work too!! They are so, so sweet and innocent !!!
Sorry I guess I needed more coffee this morning as I missed that part. Here is a “mechanical indicator” on a switch. link because it’s mechanical I don’t think you will find one that does three colors.
Here's what I did before I assembled my blocking kit:
Buy t-pins
Rinse knit in sink without any soap
Roll in towel and stomp on it to remove excess water
Lay out a couple fresh clean garbage bags on carpet or spare bed.
Arrange knit on bags and pin with T pins.
It might have another name but it's that putty thing that you use to stick posters and stuff to walls. It should be easy enough to find. Here's a link on amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0001OZI70/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_vq56xbCKKGW0A
I have found these particular silk pins to be of major help. A walking foot or velvet foot depending on your machine. Always use a velvet board to press velvet. Try cross pinning every 3 inches in addition to parallel pinning. I find that helps keep the fabric from "walking". Sometimes I find using a size 10 needle to help too. Best of luck!
I have one similar to this and I love it. Mine was not that expensive, though I bought it a few years ago. I would imagine, if you shop around, you might be able to find something similar with a better price.
http://www.amazon.com/Executive-World-Push-Pin-Travel/dp/B00KJ0DTS6
Maybe instead of a globe - get a travel map. It comes with pins so you can map out where you've been. Found on Amazon real quick: Executive World Push Pin Travel Map with Black Frame and Pins 24 x 36 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KJ0DTS6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_wiEwwbVJAY2H0