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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: aref on Sun, 30 March 2014, 11:20:35

Title: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: aref on Sun, 30 March 2014, 11:20:35
GH: Is there a special tool, self-made or purchased, that you use to separate
the upper from lower case when disassembling keyboard housings?

Thanks for the assist.
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: Photekq on Sun, 30 March 2014, 11:21:30
A credit card
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: Pacifist on Sun, 30 March 2014, 11:40:09
A credit card

+1

Its really as simple as that
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: Candyflip on Sun, 30 March 2014, 11:41:35
A credit card
+1
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: amos5606 on Sun, 30 March 2014, 11:43:38
You can use a Swiss army knife, I think it's much more stronger than a credit card.
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: aref on Sun, 30 March 2014, 11:48:24
Thanks for the collective recommendation.

I've three zero-balance Starbucks' cards that are
going to be used to disassemble keyboards.
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: dorkvader on Sun, 30 March 2014, 11:51:57
I used a butterknife on the first one, but after that, have been just using my fingers.

Of course, the best tool is a nylon stick, also called a "black stick" or "spudger".
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 30 March 2014, 12:16:38
There is a plastic tool coolermaster sends with the replacement tops. It works well.
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: aref on Sun, 30 March 2014, 12:57:08
There is a plastic tool coolermaster sends with the replacement tops. It works well.

I took a look at CM's website and couldn't find any info. If you have information
on the plastic tool, I'd appreciate it if you could forward to me. Thanks.
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 30 March 2014, 13:32:54
There is a plastic tool coolermaster sends with the replacement tops. It works well.

I took a look at CM's website and couldn't find any info. If you have information
on the plastic tool, I'd appreciate it if you could forward to me. Thanks.

It comes in the package when you buy the topcase from CM. It's just a little piece of white plastic, but it seriously is the best tool for the job.
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: strict on Sun, 30 March 2014, 18:19:13
Plastic razor blades. IMO, even easier than a credit card and doesn't damage the plastic at all like a butter knife.

http://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Razor-Blades-Double-Scrape/dp/B0050P0PJQ
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: aref on Sun, 30 March 2014, 18:31:47
Plastic razor blades. IMO, even easier than a credit card and doesn't damage the plastic at all like a butter knife.

http://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Razor-Blades-Double-Scrape/dp/B0050P0PJQ

Nice! These are worth having on hand. Thanks for the tip and the link. I ordered two packs.
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: HPE1000 on Sun, 30 March 2014, 19:39:05
Yep, the tool that comes with replacement QFR top covers is amazing.

I know you already ordered something else, but putting it out there for people down the road I guess.
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: laffindude on Sun, 30 March 2014, 22:36:52
http://www.bricojapan.com/uploads/5/0/8/7/5087591/1869422_orig.jpg

I use one of those iPhone opening tools. Those blue stick thingers.
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 30 March 2014, 22:41:45
There is a plastic tool coolermaster sends with the replacement tops. It works well.

I took a look at CM's website and couldn't find any info. If you have information
on the plastic tool, I'd appreciate it if you could forward to me. Thanks.

[attach=1]

You can sort of see it in this pic. IF mkawa still has any of those cheap QFR tops it's worth buying one to get the tool :D

I'd offer you one of mine but I keep losing them :(
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: laffindude on Sun, 30 March 2014, 22:53:28
^Ah those things. I was given one but don't know where I put it. I'll see if I can get a few more. iPhone tool works well enough for now.
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: nubbinator on Sun, 30 March 2014, 22:54:16
Plastic or even metal putty knife.  I've tried several different things and hands down the putty knife works the best every time.
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: clickclack123 on Mon, 31 March 2014, 00:24:13
They're called "spudger (http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_sop=15&LH_BIN=1&_nkw=spudger&rt=nc&LH_PrefLoc=2)s" or pry tools. I bought one on ebay a while back and it's probably the tool that I've used the most out of anything!! Best dollar I ever spent!!

[attach=1]
Title: Re: Tool Recommendation for separating CM and Filco keyboard housings
Post by: CommonCurt on Mon, 31 March 2014, 00:37:40
Yep, the tool that comes with replacement QFR top covers is amazing.

I know you already ordered something else, but putting it out there for people down the road I guess.

Hands down the little tool that comes with QFR replacement case.  Works better then anything else that I have tried. Plus it doesn't scratch anything up.