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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: BlueStar128 on Fri, 31 January 2020, 16:25:52

Title: Best tool to open non-mounted switches?
Post by: BlueStar128 on Fri, 31 January 2020, 16:25:52
Does anyone know of a tool to buy online to disassemble switches? Currently have some kailh box browns and I've been wanting to replace the springs so that's why I'm asking. I'd love to hear some reccomendations
Title: Re: Best tool to open non-mounted switches?
Post by: Sup on Fri, 31 January 2020, 16:44:14
you can easily open those switches i used my nails once to open my box burnt oranges.
Title: Re: Best tool to open non-mounted switches?
Post by: BlueStar128 on Fri, 31 January 2020, 17:29:57
you can easily open those switches i used my nails once to open my box burnt oranges.
Can you? How do you do it? I'd try with my nails but they're small, so it probably won't work.
Title: Re: Best tool to open non-mounted switches?
Post by: clik_clak on Fri, 31 January 2020, 17:39:28
Box knife fits easily and is the best tool I've found for opening them. Slide it under, quick gentle twist and one side will pop open. That's for Kailh box switches.

MX style switches, the best tool for opening them is the top from another MX switch. Slide the latch from the top under the latch for the other and it will pop right open. Best feature is they are always the same size, so they fit perfect every time.
Title: Re: Best tool to open non-mounted switches?
Post by: Tactile on Fri, 31 January 2020, 18:01:12
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1363
Title: Re: Best tool to open non-mounted switches?
Post by: Sup on Fri, 31 January 2020, 20:13:13
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1363

Don't buy these. These are only used for your standard MX style switches. Just get a flat head screw driver or a dull knife and pry it under the tab carefully and it should un clip.
Title: Re: Best tool to open non-mounted switches?
Post by: treeleaf64 on Fri, 31 January 2020, 20:41:21
There are 3d printed switch openers you can buy. There was also a KBDFans x ai03 switch opener that worked for BOX switches and normal style MX, but I don't think it is in GB anymore.
Title: Re: Best tool to open non-mounted switches?
Post by: powwu on Sat, 01 February 2020, 10:48:38
I've been able to open box switches with just my nail. If you don't have fingers, I'd recommend using a pry tool or a flathead screwdriver.
Title: Re: Best tool to open non-mounted switches?
Post by: Rob27shred on Sat, 01 February 2020, 12:10:29
For BOX switches I have always used a utility knife blade to open them, works really well & is just as quick as any openers I have tried. For MX I use the linked MKB.com opener.
Title: Re: Best tool to open non-mounted switches?
Post by: treeleaf64 on Tue, 04 February 2020, 13:30:09
I've been able to open box switches with just my nail. If you don't have fingers, I'd recommend using a pry tool or a flathead screwdriver.

What a horrible recommendation! People without fingers can't use those tools  :p

If you don't have fingers, I don't recommend trying to take apart a keyboard, let alone use one  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Best tool to open non-mounted switches?
Post by: rjohn on Tue, 04 February 2020, 13:54:02
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1363
will those work on soldered switches ?
Title: Re: Best tool to open non-mounted switches?
Post by: powwu on Tue, 04 February 2020, 14:12:31
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1363
will those work on soldered switches ?
Yes, they will. Be careful with the leaf, though.
Title: Re: Best tool to open non-mounted switches?
Post by: rjohn on Wed, 19 February 2020, 16:32:08
thanks
Title: Re: Best tool to open non-mounted switches?
Post by: treeleaf64 on Thu, 20 February 2020, 11:13:42
I use a flat head screwdriver. I like small tipped ones. You can place the end of the screwdriver on your desk, and the head facing up. Then, you can open your switches with minimal force.
If I use my hand to hold the switch, it hurts my hands after a few dozen switches. I use the "table method" to exert the force of gravity. :)