Author Topic: how to pull out keycap without using a keycap puller? (Read 76589 times)

Reason · « **on:** Wed, 06 July 2011, 13:17:37 »

I just got a new keyboard from ebay
and I want to take off a keycap to check the switch
but I don't have a keycap puller thingy..
and I'm kinda scared to pull it out forcefully and break something
what can I use to pull they keycap out?

onesie · « **Reply #1 on:** Wed, 06 July 2011, 13:20:12 »

probably not the best way to do it but i use a flat head screwdriver and my fingers

weipim · « **Reply #2 on:** Wed, 06 July 2011, 13:20:28 »

I guess you have.... FINGERSSSS!!! it's easier to take them out with your fingers on abs keys than on pbt/ pom.

you can also use the strip to attach the usb cable. just surround the keycap and pop it out

daerid · « **Reply #3 on:** Wed, 06 July 2011, 13:22:48 »

I've had great luck using two credit cards, or the like. Just wedge them underneath opposite corners of the key, and use the leverage to pop the key off.

Bucky · « **Reply #4 on:** Wed, 06 July 2011, 13:23:38 »

You could do it with a paper clip (probably wouldn't work with the small ones) couldn't you? Just by bending it so it has a flat edge you could put under the key and hold both ends while pulling up gently, or just do that with 2 paper clips which essentially mimics some key pullers.

Reason · « **Reply #5 on:** Wed, 06 July 2011, 13:24:21 »

I looked at the wiki and I tried the two paper clip method and it worked Great!!!

ichitz · « **Reply #6 on:** Wed, 06 July 2011, 14:25:51 »

i just bend some spare wires i had lying around. Or those free wire cable ties that comes with electronics.

Magna224 · « **Reply #7 on:** Wed, 06 July 2011, 14:43:43 »

Should post pics =P

False_Dmitry_II · « **Reply #8 on:** Wed, 06 July 2011, 16:03:40 »

Like someone else has said, using a pci slot cover type thing works great. I even open "impossible to open without breaking" space invader switches with complete success using it.

It really isn't all that hard.

rodya · « **Reply #9 on:** Wed, 06 July 2011, 21:08:22 »

Well don't leave us hanging, what switch is it??!? Oh god the suspense!!

mmmty · « **Reply #10 on:** Wed, 06 July 2011, 21:58:55 »

I used to do it with a multitool before I got key pullers. Much faster with a key puller.

False_Dmitry_II · « **Reply #11 on:** Wed, 06 July 2011, 22:08:24 »

Eh, I'm not impressed with those keypullers.

I can take 2 buckling spring keys off at once with what I use. It also lets me customize my approach for the type of key I'm messing with.

mmmty · « **Reply #12 on:** Wed, 06 July 2011, 22:13:56 »

PCI slot cover probably does a better job than my multitool. The multitool was easier to get to since it's usually in my pocket.

False_Dmitry_II · « **Reply #13 on:** Wed, 06 July 2011, 23:21:49 »

Ever since I started using it (it's actually from one of those things that allow you to supply usb ports from the mobo to the back, because the actual ones that come with cases are paper thin now.) it's been sitting on my desk. That's pretty easy to get to as well.

zerosxl · « **Reply #14 on:** Thu, 07 July 2011, 00:43:00 »

wait sorry I have some what of a related question.
is it bad to remove key caps too much? i remember on my friends steelseries 7g he used to play around with the keys and now some of them slide off rather easily >.>

Tennobanzai · « **Reply #15 on:** Thu, 07 July 2011, 00:46:53 »

flathead screwdriver with electrical tape on it to prevent scratching.

Zhuni · « **Reply #16 on:** Thu, 07 July 2011, 00:59:32 »

If you just want to remove one key grab all four sides of the esc with your fingers and wiggle a little while pulling gently...no need for tools.

False_Dmitry_II · « **Reply #17 on:** Thu, 07 July 2011, 01:20:31 »

Quote from: Zhuni;375192

If you just want to remove one key grab all four sides of the esc with your fingers and wiggle a little while pulling gently...no need for tools.

I'd like to see that. I tried that once, and it seemed like I was going to rip the switch out. I know what that looks like because I've done it before.

Zhuni · « **Reply #18 on:** Thu, 07 July 2011, 01:45:25 »

I've always found it easy. Never need much pressure, just used the tips of my fingers and braced them against the casing around the key so mostly upward pressure can be applied, then sort of rotate you hands so they'll start pronate and end up supinate.

keyb_gr · « **Reply #19 on:** Thu, 07 July 2011, 04:25:33 »

Quote from: zerosxl;375181

wait sorry I have some what of a related question.
is it bad to remove key caps too much? i remember on my friends steelseries 7g he used to play around with the keys and now some of them slide off rather easily >.>

That's why I wouldn't overdo it. Eventually, all things wear. I've had similar problems with two-piece Model M keycaps. Nowadays I tend to avoid pulling keycaps except when giving a board a thorough cleanup, which usually is when I get it and does not need to be repeated for more than a year.

slueth · « **Reply #20 on:** Thu, 07 July 2011, 04:43:56 »

two credit cards to leverage em out.

cactux · « **Reply #21 on:** Thu, 07 July 2011, 05:05:12 »

You can take a look at The CACTUX PULLER

JBert · « **Reply #22 on:** Fri, 08 July 2011, 17:15:08 »

I use a piece of string in which I've made two loops, then use some non-scratching material like a popsicle stick to get the loops under a key.

It goes slow but works wonders on larger keys where you can't use your metal wire puller.

ichitz · « **Reply #23 on:** Fri, 08 July 2011, 21:04:39 »

This is what i used. Bent some extra wires leftover from sculpting. Took a minute to bend and gets the job done.

BiNiaRiS · « **Reply #24 on:** Fri, 08 July 2011, 22:26:20 »

I've pulled maybe 300 caps with 2 big paperclips. Didn't mod them or bend them at all. Just stick each one down the side, then slide it over each corner and pull up simultaneously. Super easy.

That being said I just ordered a filco key puller from a member on here since I plan on doing this a lot it makes sense.

theferenc · « **Reply #25 on:** Fri, 08 July 2011, 22:53:12 »

On the kinesis, pulling off the 1 key is really easy with your fingers. Actually, most of them are pretty easy with just your fingers. That's the only Cherry MX switch based keyboard I have at the moment, so I can't say about others.

Buckling springs, I use the back of a box opener (the flat slider kind), and just go right down the row. I only ever pull them when I'm bolt modding or cleaning, though, so it's usually an all or nothing kinda deal.

With ALPS, I use a jewelers screwdriver, and leverage up under the key onto the top of the switch housing -- small lift, and the cap pops right off. Once I figured that out, I've never had an issue pulling ALPS keys any more. I tried my wire key pulled, snapped the stem right off, pulling straight up. ALPS do NOT like to be pulled up.

Thorn_Ike · « **Reply #26 on:** Sun, 01 July 2018, 22:43:30 »

I use 2 pennies. Wedge them between the sides, then pull upwards. It may take some work but keep with it.

BlindAssassin111 · « **Reply #27 on:** Sun, 01 July 2018, 22:50:44 »

Quote from: Thorn_Ike on Sun, 01 July 2018, 22:43:30

I use 2 pennies. Wedge them between the sides, then pull upwards. It may take some work but keep with it.

...You do realized this was posted 7 years ago, right?

jcoffin1981 · « **Reply #28 on:** Tue, 03 July 2018, 02:30:19 »

If u own even a single mechanical board it's worth it to get a dedicated cap puller. Even just to clean the plate underneath periodically. There are two hooks that can be manipulated to remove any cap. The included plastic puller are carp and break after 2 or3 uses.

rich1051414 · « **Reply #29 on:** Sun, 08 July 2018, 09:39:16 »

Pointed tweezers work for me. Keep them open so you lift both sides at the same time. Pointed so you have room between caps.

Although I have a dozen keycap pullers, for some reason I can't find any when I just need to lift a cap or two. Frustrating

fohat.digs · « **Reply #30 on:** Sun, 08 July 2018, 11:03:46 »

it is worth making one at zero cost

ag36 · « **Reply #31 on:** Sun, 08 July 2018, 12:46:37 »

I use paracords, at least it worked on my cracked alps spacebar which I can't use wire puller on.

Sgt_4Leaf · « **Reply #32 on:** Mon, 09 July 2018, 07:09:05 »

I have several keycap pullers, but at one point when I didn't have the right fit (no wired puller) for the Esc which I wanted to replace - I took a piece of thread, made two loops hooked them on each side of the keycap, balanced the keycap with my finger to prevent unnecessary lateral force and pulled up.

Techno Trousers · « **Reply #33 on:** Mon, 09 July 2018, 07:40:01 »

So much great advice... Meanwhile OP hasn't posted since April 2013. I hope he or she is still out there somewhere. Lol.

Sgt_4Leaf · « **Reply #34 on:** Mon, 09 July 2018, 10:40:34 »

Quote from: Techno Trousers on Mon, 09 July 2018, 07:40:01

So much great advice... Meanwhile OP hasn't posted since April 2013. I hope he or she is still out there somewhere. Lol.

True

), But as with any forum thread - it isn't just about the OP, many people come to these threads from search engines... Sometimes many years later (which is yet another issue... Outdated info etc.).

xtrafrood · « **Reply #35 on:** Mon, 09 July 2018, 20:53:17 »

I had no idea this thread existed. Inspired me to make a keypuller from some apoxie sculpt. I had some left over from a home improvement project, and couldn't make a keycap with the stuff so why not toss some wire in it and see how it works as a keypuller. Seems as though it functions as intended (should have spent more time with shaping and smoothing).

edit - kinda just looks like a lump of clay in the picture. So here's a crappy cell camera video

Not a valid vimeo URL

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Author Topic: how to pull out keycap without using a keycap puller? (Read 76589 times)