15 Amazing Facts About Key Repair That You Never Knew

How to Fix a Key Scratch on Your Car
There are many options to consider if you have scratched the key of your car and you want it fixed. Mobile auto detailing experts can fix scratches caused by keys, and restore the original appearance of your vehicle.
Start by observing the key and identifying any issues. Check the key to make sure that it functions correctly.
1. Remove the cap from the key.
Keyboards are susceptible to wear and tear resulting from regular use. They can collect dust, food hair, particles that could cause malfunction. Cleaning your keyboard will help eliminate these particles and prolong the life of your keyboard.
First, shut off your computer and then disconnect the keyboard if possible. This will stop you from typing accidental commands while working on the keyboard. Find a clear area where you can lay out all the keys. This will allow you to easily reattach them when you're finished.
If you don't have the keycap remover tool, try using the butter knife or flathead screwdriver. You could also make use of a bent paperclip to create a "U-shape" to attach it to the key. After you have removed the cap from the key, wash them off and wipe down the keyswitch.
You can also clean the key stems that are the tiny towers or clips that extend from the faceplate of each key. Use a cotton swab that has been dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean off any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the faceplate. Avoid getting any alcohol on the printed portion of the key as it could cause damage to it.
After you've cleaned the key it's time to reattach it. Start at the top left corner, then move down each row one key at a time. If you're using a brand new keycap, it's best to align it with the switch and press it evenly across all sides to snap it in the right position.
When you're reattaching the cap be aware of larger keys, such as the space bar and enter. These keys are attached by a metal bar that can easily be damaged if not handled with care. After car key repair put the keys on the keyboard, press down the keys to test them. If the keycap is connected you should hear a click sound and feel it pressing down. If not then you might need to try again reattaching it or take it to an expert.
2. Clean is the key
A key can feel sticky and mushy for various reasons however the most common is it's not properly set in its base or key mechanism. For keyboards on desktops the best solution is to use a blunt prying device such as a butter knife or flathead screwdriver to break the corner of the key off. You'll hear a snap when the key comes off, and you can then wash it with alcohol or water to clean it. If your keys are rusty you can clean them using salt and lemon or place them in an aqueous solution of water and vinegar to remove iron particles that cause corrosion.
Close your computer and unplug if needed. It is also essential to ensure that you are grounded, as the final thing you want is to damage delicate electronic components by static electricity.
Start by wiping the entire key and its surroundings using an unlinty cloth that you've wrung out well to avoid getting any moisture between the keys. Use a mild cleaning solution as stronger cleaners may cause damage to the plastic.
Then apply the cotton swab that has been dampened with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to clean the edges of the keys and its surrounding area. Avoid getting any alcohol on the print since this can cause discoloration and even smudge the lettering off your keys.
You can also use an electronic cleaning brush available at the general store to remove stubborn dirt and debris. There are a variety of products that you can buy in a slimy gel consistency, that can be laid on top of your keyboard and then peeled off to remove any loose debris that has accumulated between your keys.
If you've tried all of the above options and your key is still mushy or sticky, it could be time to replace it. Depending on the kind of key, this could be a relatively simple task or more complicated, and you may need to disassemble the whole key mechanism to remove the old key and then put the new one in place.
3. Reattach the cap to the key.
We don't think about our keys until they are damaged or locked in the car. This can be a huge pain in the neck but there are ways to help fix the problem and save yourself some money.
Try using compressed air to blow off any debris or dust that might be blocking the switch. If this doesn't work, you can try prying the cap off of the key and clean it.
Make use of a plastic tool, like a credit-card or a Spudger. (You could also make use of a knife if are in hurry). You should also be equipped with a small tool, such as a toothpick or tweezers to clean the tiny grooves around the key.
After cleaning the key, reconnecting the keycap will allow you test it. If the key remains unresponsive, then you may need to replace the key switch.
If your keyboard is old or the key switch is damaged, you'll need a replacement. You can fix it by soldering it. This is a more difficult fix, but it's typically the only option when the key switch isn't working.
One of the most common reasons for a key to stop working is due to dust accumulation under the key. If this is the case, all you need to do is clean the area and remove any debris or dirt.
Another common reason for the key to stop working is because the switch on the key has damaged. This could happen when water or other liquid enters the key switch. It could cause corrosion, which can eventually eat away the connectors and pins on the circuit board.
You can avoid this by cleaning the circuit board before replacing the key. This will make the switch more resistant to corrosion, and will make it easier to take it out and solder the new switch.
If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always take the laptop to an repair shop for electronics to get it repaired. They'll tell you whether or not your key switch can be saved, and they'll be in a position to replace it if needed.
4. Test the key
It can be a hassle and even risky when a key does not work to start your car. It can also be costly in the event that you need to purchase an alternative key fob. Before you go to the electronics or auto store you can try a few simple solutions. The first thing to try is to use an alternate key to make sure that the key you have used is not the problem. This will help narrow down the issue and save money in the long run.
If the key doesn't work after taking it apart, you'll be able to determine the cause. Most keys are comprised of three parts including the cap for the key, the key carriage, and the key pad. Each of these parts can cause different problems for the key. A common issue is that the cap could be sagging or tilted, which can hinder it from snapping back when you press the key. This can be corrected by reseating the cap.
A damaged or dirty key pad or key carriage is a different possibility. They aren't simple to repair, however you can usually clean them by using either a toothpick or tweezers. Be cautious not to damage any internal components as this could cause your key to cease functioning completely.
You can also attempt a key rollover test. This test determines if the key can register more than one key combination at the same time. You can test this by pressing a number of keys simultaneously and then evaluating whether or not they all register correctly. If one of the keys fails to register, they could need to be cleaned or replaced.
You can also replace the battery in your key fob. It's a cost-effective and quick method to test your keys. It will also help determine if you have a dead battery or a malfunctioning switch.