Scratched Palmrest T440p

[agarza]

Some days ago I scratched with the file from my Victorinox knife while trying to slide into place a backlit keyboard for my new T440p. The scratch is somewhat deep and runs almost 3/4 starting from the right tab just below the PrtScr key.
Is there a way to "buff" the area and to not make it noticeable to the sight and touch?

[brchan]

A Magic Eraser is able to get rid of most light-medium scratches and blemishes. I have used it on the lids of all my thinkpads with great results.

In your case though, if you run your finger over the scratch and can feel an indentation, then it is too deep to buff out. Else, the Magic Eraser may work. If you post a picture I can give you a better idea if it would work.

[agarza]

Thanks for the reply.

Take a look:
https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=9 ... hoto%2cJPG
https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=9 ... hoto%2cJPG
https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=9 ... hoto%2cJPG

[brchan]

I don't know exactly how the palmrests are constructed on post T430 generation models, but it looks like it's painted and the file took some of it off. In that case, the Magic Eraser probably wouldn't help much. However, it is only a few bucks and it wouldn't hurt to try (I have used it on the palmrests of my X301 and T61 with no bad effects). You could also keep it around for buffing out the lids for later.

[Neil]

If it's necessary for the scratch to completely disappear, you might just want to replace the part with something like this, for example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Lenovo-Thin ... SwajVUPZA-

[agarza]

Unfortunately I do not live in the US, I purchased from China the Palmrest, but I don't know if it's an original part.
A real bummer, that kind of keyboard attachment to the machine is dangerous, I just don't get it why Lenovo changed the way old Thinkpad keyboard attached, through screws from the bottom of the machine. So far, not having a pleasurable experience.

[mixz1]

Ouch. Sorry for your aggravation. The Lenovo instructions for changing out the keyboard specifically show a plastic tool designed for the purpose. OEM keyboards purchased from Lenovo include the tool. You can purchase a similar tool from most electronics shops as their use is also mandated by many cell phone manufacturers such as Apple.

[agarza]

You're right.
The Keyboard bought from eBay had the tiny screwdriver for the keyboard screws but no plastic tool. A bummer.