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Just successfully repaired a broken scissor switch on my Thinkpad using a male pin header, a hobby knife, and some epoxy. One of the pegs on the scissor switch had broken off, and the metal from a male pin header was exactly the right size and shape to replace the whole section. In the past I would have replaced the whole keyboard. Feels like I've just leveled up! :D
11 months ago · 👍 wim, p13, cobradile94
After writing this I realized I use the "context menu" key not at all, to the point I'd developed a blind spot for it. Here's hoping I don't have any more keys break! · 11 months ago
My last attempt involved using thread to lash a bit of paperclip to the half of the switch I'd cut and then covering it with super glue. Was quite sturdy! But even just the single wrapping of thread added too much bulk to work.
In the end I decided I didn't use my right Ctrl key nearly as much as the broken one (the "O" key) and just took the parts from there.
Not a satisfying resolution, but I guess it'll do for now. · 11 months ago
McGyver theme music* · 11 months ago
Yeah. My idea was to solder together bits of paper clip to create the appropriate shape, but that proved too difficult. The solder joints broke when I tried to install the one that I managed to finally make as well. Tried just bending some wire into the right shape as well, but no luck there either. Not sure at the moment what to try next. I don't think my FDM 3D printer can do small enough bits, and they'd almost certainly not be strong enough anyway at that size. · 11 months ago
Plastics can be difficult to bond with any strength. Hot melt glue works well, but key-switches are probably too small and fiddly to use this. Then again, epoxy kind of worked maybe. Beware, the heat from an iron might warp the plastic! · 11 months ago
Next attempt will involve paper clips and solder. · 11 months ago
Should have spent more time using it before announcing success. The epoxy just failed. ;_; · 11 months ago