Need Help with new IBM M

[JohnJDonnaII]

Hey guys,

New member here. Trying to get help with a new keyboard my sister got me for my bday.

IBM Model M 1995 Made by Lexmark.

Keyboard ordered off ebay from a guy in california. In great shape except for one problem.

Everytime I type the J key

It types JK

This keyboard is just mocking me.

I opened it up, and got myself the 5.5mm 7/36 tool.

I saw that I cannot get to the PCB under the backplate without removing the rivits. I am guessing there is some sort of residue/etc underneath causing the double "short" to press both keys.

Do you recommend, as a beginner to:

A: Remove the rivits and attempt to figure out what is going on.
B: Run the thing through the Dishwasher/Shower and hope that gets rid of the residue.

Anyhelp would be great! Thank you all so much!

[bcg]

Don't run through the dishwasher or shower.  It will be a disaster.

If you remove the rivets you won't be able to reassemble unless you do a bolt mod.  Thats definitely a better option than the dishwasher but once you start you are past the point of no return and the only way to get back to a working keyboard is to finish.

Before doing the bolt mod, maybe try taking some "canned air" and try to blow any debris out or at least dislodge it so that it isn't causing problems.  A good vacuum with a small enough attachment could be helpful also.  If those don't work then I would do the bolt mod

[kolonelkadat]

DO NOT expose mechanical keyboards to water. Especially buckling springs. Buckling springs will turn into a corroded worthless pile of junk.
IIRC ibm membranes also somehow get ruined by water, but dont quote me on this.

there is no way for me to tell you what to do with the information you have given me.
If the board looks like this the solution is vastly different from what I would suggest if it looks like this or  this

I think the only way to know the problem is to see the problem.

btw isnt there a company (unicomp?) that will repair model m keyboards pretty cheaply?

ETA:
hand riveters are only like 15 bucks. Im not familiar with the model m, but I dont see why you couldnt replace the rivets.

[fohat.digs]

"Rivets" are actually melted over plastic studs that are integral to the barrel plate.

I would pull off half a dozen keys and stems all around the J and K and vacuum well (always vacuum well before blowing) anything loose in the area. Maybe wipe around with a Q-tip and alcohol. Also, turn the board upside down and shake it well.

You may be lucky and simply re-seating the keys will help you.