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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: FRANCO on Wed, 27 November 2019, 12:33:43

Title: IBM 5251 Spacebar broke...Need a fix
Post by: FRANCO on Wed, 27 November 2019, 12:33:43
The hole that holds the stabilizer broke (pics below) while I was cleaning the keyboard. I actually removed the spacebar with no fuss. But when I went to remove the stabilizer, I literally just touched it and it popped the plastic holder clean off. Anyone know of a fix? Unfortunately, spares are hard to come by =/

https://imgur.com/2wCLuvc
https://imgur.com/HrKmHCO
Title: Re: IBM 5251 Spacebar broke...Need a fix
Post by: gipetto on Wed, 27 November 2019, 14:03:13
I've repaired plastic before by cutting out a piece of perspex sheet, filing it to shape and supergluing it in place. In your case, depending on the length of the stab wire, you could glue it to the side of the remaining piece.

a different approach would be to melt two holes through the remaining piece, and push some stiff wire through one hole, then over the top of the remaining piece and in to the other hole. you can taper the wire into a point over the damaged area to prevent any movement.
Title: Re: IBM 5251 Spacebar broke...Need a fix
Post by: FRANCO on Wed, 27 November 2019, 15:07:06
I've repaired plastic before by cutting out a piece of perspex sheet, filing it to shape and supergluing it in place. In your case, depending on the length of the stab wire, you could glue it to the side of the remaining piece.

a different approach would be to melt two holes through the remaining piece, and push some stiff wire through one hole, then over the top of the remaining piece and in to the other hole. you can taper the wire into a point over the damaged area to prevent any movement.

Thanks! I think I'll try the perspex sheet.

edit, in looking up perspex, I found moldable plastic...Thanks again man!