geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: spremino on Mon, 23 November 2009, 16:34:44

Title: Cleaning Model M spiral cable?
Post by: spremino on Mon, 23 November 2009, 16:34:44

Hello,

how would you advice cleaning the spiral cable of a Model M? Do you think denture tabs would work for it too?

Thanks

Title: Cleaning Model M spiral cable?
Post by: sixty on Mon, 23 November 2009, 16:43:42

Yes denture tabs work, I have cleaned one cable using the same technique before (obviously keep both connecting ends out of the water)

Title: Cleaning Model M spiral cable?
Post by: microsoft windows on Mon, 23 November 2009, 20:24:40

No matter what you do, those old springy keyboard cables will be dirty. I have never EVER seen a clean one in my life.

I remember having to pass a keyboard around when multiple people were using a computer, and when you let go of it, it would spring back with quite a lot of force.

Title: Cleaning Model M spiral cable?
Post by: Shawn Stanford on Tue, 24 November 2009, 07:48:51

I'd wrap the ends in plastic bags with rubber bands on them and run it through the dishwasher...

Title: Cleaning Model M spiral cable?
Post by: timw4mail on Tue, 24 November 2009, 07:56:24

If you have the patience to do so, rubbing alcohol seems to get rid of the dirt with a minimal amount of elbow grease.

Title: Cleaning Model M spiral cable?
Post by: lowpoly on Tue, 24 November 2009, 08:04:45

Quote from: Shawn Stanford;135860

I'd wrap the ends in plastic bags with rubber bands on them and run it through the dishwasher...

Tried it (without the plastic bags), with limited success.

Title: Cleaning Model M spiral cable?
Post by: TWX on Tue, 24 November 2009, 08:13:56

An oversized pipe cleaner saturated with WD-40, run back and forth a few times, then another one that's just wet with water.  IF WD-40 isn't adequate, mineral spirits.

Title: Cleaning Model M spiral cable?
Post by: ocdonkb on Tue, 24 November 2009, 12:46:10

have cleaned a bunch of these now... usually just a towel with some 409. Worked for me.

Title: Cleaning Model M spiral cable?
Post by: microsoft windows on Tue, 24 November 2009, 18:51:11

Maybe I'll make a documentary on all my filthy old springy computer cables someday.