IBM Model M - Stuck "++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

[guidodogg]

I recently got a Model M and i couldn't be happier with it. Thing is, that the numpad key "+" get stuck every time i press it, getting "+++++++++" until i raise it manually. I removed the key and didn't see anything broken. The only thing i notice was the spring being a little bit "going down".

So i tried:

a) Exchange "Intro" long cap with "+" cap. Result: "+" button with "Intro" cap still stuck. "Intro" button with "+" cap works well.

b) Try "-" (Single box cap) on the "+" place (To check the spring). Result: "+" input works well and the key don't stuck.

c) Remove the blue guide for the second hole of the long "+" cap and it no longer stucks, but pressing feels kind of loose.

Is this a common issue? Could you guys give me your opinion?

Thanks in advance!


PD: Sorry about the duplicated post. I send it the first time and i got timeout and when i hit back there was already two posts.

[rowdy]

Some of those inserts are not symmetrical - i.e. it does matter which way they go in.

This was mentioned in a thread here recently, but I am so far behind that it passed me in a blur )

[guidodogg]

What do you mean by insert?

[0100010]

The blue guide you are referring to, is what is being called an insert.  Will find a pic in a minute.

[guidodogg]

Thanks. It's either that or the spring. The plus key's insert it's placed the same way the intro key's insert is. If you try to flip it 180 degrees (the only other position to fit in the keyboard) the cap's guide will not fit on it.

[0100010]

Found it - take a look here :  http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=63267.msg1482842#msg1482842

It shows the difference between the horizontal key stabilizer inserts and the vertical key inserts.

But - it sounds like you have the correct stab already, when you mention flipping it over the key won't fit at all.

How does the spring look?

[guidodogg]

Like the one on the second picture, flaccid. I tried with a regular cap and worked, though. Could be the long cap not compressing the spring correctly?

[FreeCopy]

Is it possible the blue stab guide is in backwards? I just took mine apart and rotated it and the key stuck.

I should have read more carefully.

[0100010]

Turn the board upside down, so the spring is positioned near the top of the barrel, then put on the cap // see if it buckles and springs back that way.

[guidodogg]

Now i'm feeling stupid, i didn't thought of that. It didn't work, though. It keeps getting stuck.

[0100010]

Can you post any images of what the inside of the two barrels look like, or the bottom of the key?

[berserkfan]

One possibility, is that the hammer is actually broken. I think someone wrote about that online but I don't know where. It's a rare occurrence, so lets hope your problem really comes from poor spring placement. In any case a broken hammer can be replaced just that its troublesome.

[fohat.digs]

One possibility, is that the hammer is actually broken.

Whoa!

I did not know that was possible. I suppose I figured that it was never more than the spring flailing around.

Will need to be more careful, I sometimes give the spacebar or Enter a good whack, especially when it is the last stroke of the session.