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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: leehwtsohg on Mon, 22 February 2016, 09:52:41

Title: IBM model F, rusty springs
Post by: leehwtsohg on Mon, 22 February 2016, 09:52:41

I finally opened my Model F XT to replace the mat. It was totally degraded and stuck to the barrels  :-X !
All clean now. The metal looks pretty good, but 31 of the springs are rusty. It is mostly the place where the spring connects
to the plastic at the bottom.  See picture: worst and typical rusty spring.

[attach=1]

Since I have the keyboard already open, I thought maybe it is a good idea to fix this.

So, is it a good idea to fix it? Can I somehow treat the springs? Or can I get replacement springs from somewhere?

Title: Re: IBM model F, rusty springs
Post by: E TwentyNine on Mon, 22 February 2016, 10:34:37

I wouldn't even worry about it.

Title: Re: IBM model F, rusty springs
Post by: chyros on Mon, 22 February 2016, 11:27:06

It should be okay, really. It's not that bad. I had a rather extreme case of rusted springs on my Amstrad keyboards which I fixed by treating them with a 10 v/v% solution of concentrated orthophosphoric acid in deionised water which worked very well, but I don't think that's necessary in this case.

Title: Re: IBM model F, rusty springs
Post by: vivalarevolución on Mon, 22 February 2016, 21:55:32

There are many methods to remove rust (vinegar, citric acid, rust remover, etc.).  If you do try to do so, I recommend drying them quickly after removing them from the liquid, and then apply an anti-corrosion solution.  I did this for many of the springs on my Model M/F keyboards.

Title: Re: IBM model F, rusty springs
Post by: leehwtsohg on Tue, 23 February 2016, 01:36:15

Doesn't sound very hard. What anti-corrosion solution do you use?