• Removing a Key-cap
• Replacing Scissors
  • Standard and Small Sizes
  • Large Sizes
• Removing Scissors
  • Removing Standard Sized Scissors
  • Removing Small Scissors
  • Removing Large Scissors
• Disclaimer

Removing a Key-cap

Replacing Scissors

Standard and Small Sizes

B1 scissors hook onto 1 "flange" + 2 metal "hooks" (top middle image) at scissor locations shown in the top right image.

First, slip the bottom flange hold under the bottom flange (bottom left image). Secondly, press (gently) down on the upper half of the scissor hinge to push it over the 2 top hooks (bottom middle image).

Large Sizes

Large scissors hook onto 2 metal "hooks" + 1 wider "flange" (top middle image) at scissor hook and flange "hold" locations shown in the top right image

First, slip the plastic hinge scissor under the flange and push one of the hook holds under its hook (bottom left image). Secondly, as indicated with the green arrow in the bottom middle image, gently press "up and in" on the other hook hold.

Removing Scissors

Removing Standard Sized Scissors

Our preferred method of removing standard sized, type B1, scissor hinge mechanisms should only require gentle force when done at warm room temperatures (roughly, 75°F (24°C) or more): (i) Apply gentle force to the bottom edge of the scissor (see bottom arrow in the image at right); (ii) Simultaneously, wedge a finger-nail (or similar stiff, flat object) under a top corner of the scissor (see top arrow in the image at right). This should cause the scissor mechanism's top hook hold to "pop out" from underneath that corner's base retaining hook. Once this is done it is easy to slip the scissor out from the other retaining hook and the flange. Do not try to exert large forces on a B1 type scissor as it is made of rather brittle plastic and it can snap, irrepairably.

If this method fails, with gentle force, you can either move to a warmer room, let your computer warm-up (this takes roughly an hour) and try again or you can try the method preferred for small sized scissors (see below).

Removing Small Scissors

Scissor hinge mechanisms are made of 2 parts, an inner and outer part, which lock together through "hinge nobs" from the inner part that pop into nob grooves in the outer part - illustrated at right, with hinge nobs and nob grooves highlighted with blue.

For small, type B1, scissor hinge mechanisms (used under the top row of keys (f1 etc.)), the easiest method of removal is to:

• Unlock the inner and outer parts of the scissor from each other.
  • One at a time, increasing force gradually, pop out each hinge nob from its nob groove by pulling up on the inner part and pressing down on the outer part. Apply force close to each hinge nob.
• Gently, twist and giggle the inner and outer parts until they come completely apart and slip out from under the keyboard's retaining hooks and flange.

Removing Large Scissors

With a finger-tip, gradually apply pressure, in the direction indicated in the image at right, to a top corner of a large B1 type hinge scissor mechanism. This should cause the scissor to easily pop out from its retaining hooks and flange.

Disclaimer

Laptop key replacement should not affect warranties but you have to check your own warranty to be sure.