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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: c12rlpac on Thu, 28 March 2019, 14:15:45

Title: IBM 5251 spring Replacements
Post by: c12rlpac on Thu, 28 March 2019, 14:15:45
does anyone know where I can get some spring replacements for a few of the springs some of mine are just to rusty to make the cut
Title: Re: IBM 5251 spring Replacements
Post by: darkcruix on Fri, 29 March 2019, 09:31:31
Good question,
I haven't found new springs with the same config.
I got my additional spring from orihalcon (ebay). I bought full switch modules, as I only had to replace two of them.

I'd be interested in a way to get those springs alone, also.
Title: Re: IBM 5251 spring Replacements
Post by: tron on Sat, 30 March 2019, 11:26:38
I looked into replacing springs awhile ago and couldn't find anything that matched iBM specs. It's important to note that there is no real standard for beamspring spring weight. I have four different models and they all have different weighting and coil thickness (one of them even has plated springs). I tried putting lighter springs in modules that originally had heavy springs and the return force wasn't enough to push the slider back up which suggests the plate springs also varied in thickness over the years.

The last time I checked Orihalcon offered loose springs but the price is so close to a full module you might as well buy full switches.
Title: Re: IBM 5251 spring Replacements
Post by: c12rlpac on Sun, 31 March 2019, 16:47:47
where did you find the 4 springs?