Thinkpads Forum

I need to remove the number "1" and "2" key caps from my 600E.

Does anybody have any hints on the best technique to use?

I've seen instructions for other Thinkpads key caps but I'm not sure whether the 600E uses the same type of key cap - and I don't want to force anything.

The reason I need to remove the key caps is that I melted them with a hair dryer!!! (In an attempt to check for a thermal problem). I was surprized that a hair dryer could so easily melt the key caps What's happened is that the key cap has "drooped" on all sides so there is no longer sufficient space to press the key before the "drooped" rim of the key cap hits the "floor" of the keyboard. The keys still work but you need to press really hard!! Once removed , I will either file the rim down or heat it up and remold it to remove the droop.

Thanks

Thats a good question. I have removed keys from 600 keyboards before, but I can't really put into words how to do it.

Just get a very small flat screwdriver and carefully pry it up and have a look underneath. You can remove them by pushing the white tabs of the scissor hinge inward on one side. Then it slides out of the other side. Confused yet? Worst case scenario, just yank them off. I have a couple of junk keyboards, I could send you the 1 & 2 keys for the cost of shipping. They are a snap to put back on.

Wingnut wrote: I have a couple of junk keyboards, I could send you the 1 & 2 keys for the cost of shipping. They are a snap to put back on.

I also have a bag of 600 keys - l am UK based so a 1st class stamp would cover postage ... let me know what you need

Unlike the T4x series, where replacing the keys is a nightmare, the 600 series is relatively easy. Just carefully pry the key up and off and place the replacement centeredon top of the space and gently push down. It will snap into place (unklike the T4x, which usually snaps off a tab)!

Many thanks for the very useful tips and kind offers of replacement key caps from Wingnut and Bob.

Bob - as you are in the UK , I would like to take up your kind offer - I will send you a PM.

Thanks again

sktn77a wrote:Unlike the T4x series, where replacing the keys is a nightmare, the 600 series is relatively easy. Just carefully pry the key up and off and place the replacement centeredon top of the space and gently push down. It will snap into place (unklike the T4x, which usually snaps off a tab)!

No kidding. I've had to replace keys on my T40 before... shudders

No kidding. I've had to replace keys on my T40 before... shudders

I've posted this question in the T40 section already, but since the subject has come up here... how about an illustrated (photos) guide to removal and replacement of individual T40 keys? There are several more or less incomprehensible descriptions floating around, but nothing that would really help someone without prior experience. Have you seen anything like this?

For that matter, how about the same kind of illustrated description for other Thinkpad models?

g8tzl wrote:Bob - as you are in the UK , I would like to take up your kind offer - I will send you a PM. Thanks again

Glad to help out - I have mailed you about the 64Mb Edo Dimm too