I came across the idea of using a binder clip as a set of very tiny, very inexpensive paddles, and I just had to try building them myself. The only part I had to buy (less than $2) was the magnetic latch to use as the base.
The trickiest part was shaping the hard-wood block which worked best with a slight wedge shape with narrower end inserted into the clip. I also grooved the block to help hold the paper clips in place. The contacts were made using very thin single sided copperclad and a paper punch. I have a bunch of stereo headphone jacks and was able to drill tunnels into the wooden block for the wires to escape. A bit of epoxy keeps the jack firmly in place.
The paper clips provide just enough outward force on each paddle to keep them off the contacts which are just glued to the clip. All in all a pretty usable little set of paddles.
I’m probably ready to get on the air using fairly slow CW…just a matter of getting up the nerve!
73,
-john, W1JKS