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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: jcoffin1981 on Sun, 27 March 2016, 18:36:02

Title: Best tools for the job
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Sun, 27 March 2016, 18:36:02

I have a poker 3 that was totally drenched in beer.  EVERY single switch works, but  EVERY single switch sticks.  I have had really bad luck with desoldering in the past, but this is what has to be done.

1. What kind of lube do  I need? I read so much conflicting info on this I'm  not sure what to believe.  I rebuild wristwatches and  I need 5-6 different lubes for 1 watch. 

2.  The switch parts need to be cleaned.  Should they be soaked in a warm water soapy solution, or  can  I use an ultrasonic cleaner?

3.  Is there a tool that is used to remove the switches from the steel plate?  This was always a little difficult.

4.  Any other  tools that I need?   I upgraded to Yihua 936 soldering station and and  a desoldering iron with a squeezable bulb used for a vacuum.  I was however considering really biting the bullet and getting this- a true desoldering station   http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-Digital-Desoldering-Station-Built-/dp/B00ABJ4AEC/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1459120795&sr=1-3&keywords=desoldering+gun.  It has  a station with a   built in vacuum.

Title: Re: Best tools for the job
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 27 March 2016, 19:05:24

Just to suggest that you might never completely clean switches, and you might be up for replacing switches.  Depending on cost and time, it might end up cheaper replacing the keyboard.

Title: Re: Best tools for the job
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Mon, 28 March 2016, 15:28:33

I have actually decided to replace them with gateron switches.  It would save a ton of labor and  I prefer the Gaterons.  I bought some better tools to desolder with, and I'm debating buying a true desoldering gun.

Title: Re: Best tools for the job
Post by: merlin64 on Mon, 28 March 2016, 16:02:10

I've had (BORAT voice) great success with

http://www.amazon.com/Tenma-21-8240-Vacuum-Desoldering-Iron/dp/B008DJRYIG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459198849&sr=8-1&keywords=tenma+desoldering+iron

Title: Re: Best tools for the job
Post by: xtrafrood on Mon, 28 March 2016, 18:18:10

#Aoyue4thewin

But seriously you might have to grind down the tip on that desoldering gun. Have you tried desoldering wick? I like that stuff.

Title: Re: Best tools for the job
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Mon, 28 March 2016, 18:39:50

I purchased  a 936 soldering station and a small desoldering hand pump let me see if i can post an image.

(http://)  ugggh  I forget  how to do this      here's the link

http://www.amazon.com/ECG-J-045-DS-Watt-Desoldering-Iron/dp/B00068IJSG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

I'm debating about getting a true desoldering station with a vacuum.  I'm  watching youtube videos.  I've damaged board contacts before using a cheap iron so I'm really debating about getting getting the whole station.  But  once I use it  for it's purpose it's going to collect dust. REALISTICALLY, IS IT POSSIBLE TO DESOLDER AN ENTIRE BOARD WITH THIS DEVICE WITHOUT DAMAGING ANYTHING?  I understand  these have poor temperature control which may cause problems. 

Edit: How do I post images? I can't remember.   Do I have to use an image upload service?