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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: t888 on Thu, 02 July 2015, 19:07:47

Title: Need help repairing key/spring on Unicomp Spacesaver M Black Buckling Spring USB
Post by: t888 on Thu, 02 July 2015, 19:07:47

Hello everyone,

My Unicomp Spacesaver M Black Buckling Spring USB keyboard is in need of some slight repair.  The spring on the left arrow key got lost and now the key is unusable like a flat pancake.

1) Does anyone know where I can get some spare springs?

2) Most importantly... how can I re-install the spring?  I tried before (when I had the spring) and it was very difficult.  I'm sure there is a trick to it, or perhaps I need a tool of some sort?

Thanks in advanced!!   :D

Title: Re: Need help repairing key/spring on Unicomp Spacesaver M Black Buckling Spring USB
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 02 July 2015, 19:10:39

Search for the "Chopstick of Death" technique of replacing springs. Then scavenge one from a key you never use.

Send me a personal message and I will send one to you for postage.

Title: Re: Need help repairing key/spring on Unicomp Spacesaver M Black Buckling Spring USB
Post by: t888 on Thu, 02 July 2015, 21:10:59

Thanks fohat.digs

I'll give it a go.  Fingers crossed!   :thumb:

Title: Re: Need help repairing key/spring on Unicomp Spacesaver M Black Buckling Spring USB
Post by: harlw on Fri, 03 July 2015, 08:55:41

You can buy a springspring here http://www.pckeyboard.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=PCK&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PVPLASM (http://www.pckeyboard.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=PCK&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PVPLASM).

Title: Re: Need help repairing key/spring on Unicomp Spacesaver M Black Buckling Spring USB
Post by: Janeiac on Thu, 09 July 2015, 02:54:15

I don't know what "chopstick of death" is -- couldn't find it in a brief search-- but maybe it's the similar  to what I did when a spring popped out as I pulled a key. I got an ordinary wood/graphite pencil with the sharpened point partly dulled to just the right diameter, and screwed the spring onto the tip, straight onto the point, so I could position it accurately. Look into the place where it goes and you will see a little round plastic nubbin sticking up. Press and screw the spring onto that by twisting the pencil, then hold it in position with two fingers while gently wiggling and easing off the pencil point. Worked for me twice.

Title: Re: Need help repairing key/spring on Unicomp Spacesaver M Black Buckling Spring USB
Post by: t888 on Sat, 11 July 2015, 10:44:04

Quote from: harlw on Fri, 03 July 2015, 08:55:41

You can buy a springspring here http://www.pckeyboard.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=PCK&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PVPLASM (http://www.pckeyboard.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=PCK&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PVPLASM).

Thanks!  I order 10 of them.. just in case  :))