Easy service stabilizers?

[typo]

I am sure this has been asked 100 times. I apologize if so. This is a completely custom keyboard. AFAIK it has a stainless steel plate. It is MX style. Soldered. My grandpa probably had many hard hours on it but he was very clean. So, all of the stabilizers are pretty stiff and clunky. I figure they just need lube? Can I lube them by just removing their key caps or must I open the case? If I have to open the case it is a job for a friend. Thank you

[typo]

Never mind. Yes, it can be done. At least to the extent that I require.

[treeleaf64]

Have fun

[Leslieann]

If they are Costar stabs, yes, just pull the cap and you can then remove the stab entirely.
If they are Cherry style plate mount you need to pull the switch they are mounted to.
If they are Cherry style PCB stabs you need to pull many switches, possibly all of them in order to properly lube them.

I really hope you didn't just drizzle some oil down into the stab.

[typo]

https://switchandclick.com/2020/06/24/how-to-lube-stabilizers-without-desoldering-in-5-easy-steps/

Did this. Worked like a charm. I was not looking for any benefit. I had stiff stabs. He used the heck out of this board and they were already lubed.

[ideus]

I have been using Cherry style stabs until now, that I made a custom-board with Costar stabs. I regret all my years stuck with Cherry's. The Costars are just as no stabilizer is there, as any stab should be, in the first place.

[Leslieann]

Did this. Worked like a charm. I was not looking for any benefit. I had stiff stabs. He used the heck out of this board and they were already lubed.

That's nearly the equivalent of spray lubing.

While not as bad as just randomly spraying lube any dust or dirt around the top of the stabs was now pushed down in. You may have removed 90% of the friction but you're now wet sanding the rest.

[typo]

I was not aware they could be spray lubed? I figured that would cause a mess. It would have been even easier. I understand this was not ideal. I did not do it for improved feel. i did it simple to un-stick them. I do not posses the abilities my grandfather did when he was younger. There is no way I could take apart a key board. I do not know of anyone that could do it for me. This worked in a pinch. How long it lasts, time will tell.

[Leslieann]

Do NOT spray lube.
It's a quick solution that creates long term problems.

[ideus]

The stab's metal wire and the plastic supports different hardnesses make an autolubricating assembly. Adding lub is not needed.

[Leslieann]

The stab's metal wire and the plastic supports different hardnesses make an autolubricating assembly. Adding lub is not needed.

Self lubricating plastics are great, but they're never as good as actual lube and more importantly (for me at least) they do nothing to stop rattle where the metal goes into the plastic. Grease doesn't just lubricate it fills gaps and it does so without binding, something you simply can't do with self lubricating plastics.

[typo]

My issue was not about "feel". I am not a guru like you folks or my grandpa. To me it is just another thing. The issue here was the stabs were sticking in the down position. I did that lube trick and all is good. Works for me. Even if I had to do it again. There is no way I can take apart the keyboard. This is not a big deal because it was not about "feel". For that I am sure it needs to be done correctly.

Edit: not just in regard to keyboards. Leslie, I am not dumb enough to spray anything on "intact" electronics. Some people spray "tuner cleaner" ETC. That type of thing is looking for huge problems. If you cannot properly service an item yourself, bring it somewhere where they can. Otherwise I will bet you that you will be buying a new one. Or doing without it.  As you stated Leslie, there is nowhere for it to drain.This can close circuits ETC. What I did is not highly effective but served it's purpose in my case. At least I did not get grease where it does not belong. I may not have gotten much, but it did suffice to unstick them.

You guy's can continue to discuss this if you wish but I am not going to watch this thread for a while. Thank you to those that helped.