Banana patchbox release dilemma

[smallpatch]

Ok,
I just finished a release for a patchbox per Ken G's tutorial.  The problem is.... as short as it is, I can't any movement out of it.
It's less than an inch long, by 1/16" thick, and by the time its embedded in wood, there's just no room for play. 
Any ideas?  Thinner yet?

[Nate McKenzie]

It looks like the spring part is flattened end to end of the button. It would work better if flattened side to side.

[smallpatch]

It's actually square Nate. Flat both ways.

[heinz]

Do you have enough free space behind the spring for it to flex open?  You want at least half that spring free of the wood.  I hope that makes sense

[Mark Elliott]

You need to file it real thin perpendicular to the direction of the desired movement.    I mean like 1/32" thin.   

[rich pierce]

Making it half as thick will reduce spring strength by 75%.

[smallpatch]

Thanks guys, I kinda thought the same thing, but I've filed so much off this giant cut nail, that was getting kinda scared.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Thanks again.

[PPatch]

Nice nail smallpatch, good job. A wee bit thinner and it ought to function as your latch. It won't move much, just enough to allow the lid to shut and open. Polish the underside of the lip of the patchbox so it will slide over the nail head on the way to closing.

dave