IBM Model M SSK: "Clack" before "Click" on Pressing

[bootstrap]

Apologies for the terrible quality of the video (1 min 6 sec) below. It does, however, demonstrate the issue even with just the audio. The '! 1' key of my bolt-modded Model M SSK does not seem to be functioning properly. Pressing on the left edge of the key seems to be normal. However, pressing on the right edge of the key creates an extra resistance on the downstroke and a "clack" sound before the usual "click." Pressing on the middle of the key produces variable results. It seems like the spring in this key is buckling in the wrong direction. Or just not working as it should. I have reseated the key a few times without improvement. The spring looked normal by the eyeball test - my eyeballs, not an expert's.

[video=youtube_share;4fT3n9pema0]http://youtu.be/4fT3n9pema0[/video]

Two questions:

1. Will changing the spring of the key solve the problem?
2. Should/Can I use Sandy55's ChopstickODeath method to change the spring? (My wife told me to find a use for the chopsticks lying around in the kitchen or throw them away.)

[bootstrap]

I'd just try reseating the key first.  Often happens when sent halfway around the world.

Thanks, but I've already tried that a few times.

[bootstrap]

OK guys, jpc gave the solution, which was actually simpler than changing the spring. I swapped the stems of the '1' and '2' keys, and now both keys work great. How odd.

(Looks like the chopsticks are going in the bin.)

[dorkvader]

OK guys, jpc gave the solution, which was actually simpler than changing the spring. I swapped the stems of the '1' and '2' keys, and now both keys work great. How odd.

(Looks like the chopsticks are going in the bin.)

The McRip Effect.

Glad it worked for you. I don't think it's the McRip effect, but likely reseating the spring fixed your issue.

[bootstrap]

Glad it worked for you. I don't think it's the McRip effect, but likely reseating the spring fixed your issue.

Thanks. I think the '1' key was a real issue, albeit a small one that was easily fixed. Most likely a result of long-distance travel. The solution (stem swap) does make a cool party trick and might be helpful for noobs (like yours truly) to know if reseating the key doesn't work.

On the other hand, I'd be the first to admit that the louder-than-usual sound from the left Shift key (also fixed) was borderline McRip effect.