10 Key Repair-Related Projects To Stretch Your Creativity
How to Fix a Key Scratch on Your Car
If you have a key scratch on your vehicle that you wish to fix, there are several options to choose from. Mobile auto detailing experts can repair scratches caused by keys, and restore the pristine appearance of your vehicle.
Begin by observing the key and identifying any problems. Then, test the key to make sure it's working correctly.
1. Take off the cap on the key.
Keyboards are prone to wear and tear due to daily use. They may collect food, dust hair, objects that can cause malfunction. Cleaning your keyboard will help eliminate these particles and extend the life of your keyboard.
The first step is to turn off your computer and disconnect the keyboard, if you can. This will prevent accidental commands from being typed while you're working on the keyboard. Next, find a clear workspace where you can set out each of the keys. This will make it easier to connect them once you're done.
If you don't have a keycap remover tool, you can try using an flathead screwdriver or butter knife. You can also make your own by creating a paperclip in a "U" shape and then bend the ends so that it can be able to hook onto a key. Once you've removed your keycap, wash it off and wipe the switch clean.
You can also clean the stems of keys which are the small towers or clips that protrude from the faceplate of each key. To clean the faceplate, use a cotton swab that has been dipped into isopropyl. Be careful not to get any alcohol on the printed part of the key as it could cause damage to it.
After you've cleaned your key, it's time to reattach it. Begin with the top left corner, and move down each row one key at a time. If you're using a brand new keycap, make sure you align it with the switch and press it down evenly across all sides to lock it into place.
When you're reattaching the cap pay attention to larger keys like the space bar and enter. These keys are connected to a support bar made of metal which can easily be damaged if you're not careful. After you've put all the keycaps back on the keyboard and tested the keys by pressing them down. When the keycap has been properly reattached you should hear a clicking sound and feel it press down. If you don't then you might need to try reattaching the keycap again or taking it to an expert.
2. Clean is the most important thing.
It could be for a variety of reasons why a keyboard feels mushy or sticky, but most commonly it's because the key hasn't been set correctly into its base or key mechanism. For desktop keyboards, the easiest method to fix this is to use a sharp prying device such as a flathead screwdriver or butter knife to pry the corner of the key loose. There will be a sound when the key is removed, and you can then clean it with alcohol or water to clean it. If keys are rusty, you can scrub them with lemon and salt or put them in an aqueous solution of water and vinegar to remove iron particles that cause corrosion.
Before you do anything, make sure you shut down your computer and disconnect it if necessary. It's also important to ensure that you are grounded, as the last thing you want is to damage sensitive electronic components by generating static electricity.
Begin by wiping the entire key and its surroundings with an unlinty cloth that you've wrung out well to avoid getting any moisture in between the keys. Use a mild cleaning solution as stronger cleaners can damage the plastic.
Then, use a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to wipe around the edges of the keys and the area around it. Avoid getting any alcohol on the print as this can cause discoloration and even smudge the lettering off your keys.
You can also purchase an electronic cleaning brush at an ordinary store. This will help get rid of stubborn dirt and other debris. There are a variety of products available with an emulsifying gel consistency which can be laid over your keyboard, then removed to get rid of any loose debris that has accumulated between your keys.
If your key remains sticky or mushy after you've tried all of the above, it might be time to replace it. It can be a straightforward or complex procedure, based on the type of keys. You may have to disassemble the entire key mechanism to remove the old one and replace it with the new key.
3. Reattach the keycap
We don't often think about the keys to our car until they break or locked inside the car. This can be a real headache however there are a few ways to help fix the problem and save you money.
Try first using compressed air to blast away any dust or debris that might be blocking the key switch. If this doesn't work, you can try prying the cap off of the key and clean it.
Make use of a plastic tool, like a credit-card or a spudger. (You could also use a knife if you are in a hurry). You should also be equipped with a small tool, such as a toothpick or tweezers to clean the tiny grooves around the key.
After cleaning the key, reattaching it to the keycap will allow you test it. If the key does not respond, you may need to replace your key switch.
If your keyboard is old or your key switch is damaged, you'll have to purchase a new one and then solder it to the existing. This is a complicated fix, but it's often the only one if the key doesn't work anymore.
One of the most common reasons for keys to stop working is due to the accumulation of dust under the key. If this is the case, all you need to do is clean the area thoroughly and get rid of any debris or dirt.
A key may cease to function because the switch has corroded. This can happen when water or other liquids get into the switch, and it could cause corrosion that will eventually eat away at the key switch pins and connectors on the circuit board.
To avoid this taking place, you should clean the circuit board using contact cleaner prior to replacing the key. This will make the switch more resistant to corrosion, and will make it easier to take it out and connect an entirely new switch.
If you're not confident doing this on your own, you can always take the laptop to an electronics repair shop to have it fixed. They will be able inform you if your key switch is salvageable and if not, they can replace it.
4. Test the key
It can be a hassle and even risky when a key doesn't work to start your vehicle. If you have to purchase an entirely new key fob, it could be expensive. But, before you head to the auto shop or an electronics store there are a few quick fixes you can try. You should first try an alternative key to verify that it's your original key that is causing the issue. This will help you identify the issue and will save you money in the end.
If the key still doesn't work, you need to examine it in detail to determine what the problem is. The key cap, key carriage and key pad are the three major parts of most keys. key fob repairs of these parts may cause a variety of issues for the key. The most common issue is that the cap of the key may be loose or slanted, which could hinder it from snapping back into position when you press the key down. You can usually fix this by re-seating the key cap.
Another possibility is that the key carriage or the key pad could be damaged or dirty. These parts are hard to repair, but they can be cleaned with the use of a toothpick and tweezer. Be careful not to harm any internal parts since this could cause your key to cease functioning completely.
You can also attempt a key rollover test. This test checks whether or not the key can register multiple combinations of keys at the same time. You can test this by pressing a number of keys at the same time and then evaluating whether or not they register correctly. If any keys do not register, you may have to clean them or replace them.
You can also replace the battery in your key fob. This is an easy and inexpensive method to test your key and also help you to determine if the problem is due to a dead battery or a malfunctioning ignition switch.