Msg: 6679 *Conference*

07-22-96 07:32:39

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : PAUL WHITING

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #6677 (SUDSY KEYBOARD!)

I think your felt pad will be okay.  I wouldn't worry about cleaning it unless
it was drenched in beer.  Even then, once dryed out, it will be fine.

I clean keyboards all the time around here, getting Model "T"s ready for
service.  Whenever possible I try not to remove keytops.  It's a tedious job,
and there is a danger of damaging the key, itself (the momentary contact
switch).  Actually, there is little reason to remove keytops.  Perhaps I should
relate my ... keyboard cleaning procedure.

I start by removing the keyboard from the computer.  Next, using a strong
vaccuum (shop vac with a pointed attachment) I work the keyboard with vaccuum
and a 4" paint brush; new of course.  This system removes all the hair, dirt,
paper, and whatever else is held in place by the felt pad and the keys.

After brushing and vaccuuming the keyboard, I hold it vertically and spray it
down with Simple Green.  I then use the paint brush to clean all the keys and
pad.  I work the keyboard pertty hard with the brush.  I've discovered that the
oils from our hands, mixed with dirt and dust sticks really well to the
plastic.

Once the keyboard is clean, I dry it off with a soft towel and place it under a
warm air hair dryer (I have one mounted for that purpose).  The keyboard drys
quickly.  Unfortunately, the new dry keyboard needs a bit of greese.  Using a
small screwdriver or toothpick I place a small amount of greese at the
hinge-points of the wires under the spacebar and enter keys.  These wires
assure that when you hit these larger keys, anywhere along their surface, the
key goes straight down.  The wires hinge at two places on the keyboard circut
board via small plastic holders.  Place the greese at these points.

The last step is to "lightly" spray the keyboard with a plastic glaze; brush it
in and wipe it off.  The glaze helps protect the plastic key tops and gives a
nice shine to the finished work.  The keyboard will look and smell new.

Products used...

 - phillips-head screwdriver (used to remove the corner screws holding the case
and the screws holding a Model 100 keyboard in place ... the 102 and 200
keyboards are not held in place by screws)
 - tiny flat-head screwdriver or toothpick (to apply grease)
 - 2, 4" paint brushes (one for cleaning and one for glazing ... label them so
you don't mix their use)
 - shop vac with pointed attachment
 - Simple Green in a spray bottle (or any biodegradable product but don't use
Fantastic or chemical cleaner.  These will etch the plastic.)
 - hair dryer (use on warm setting)
 - Kleenmaster's Brillianize or Meguiar's Mirror Glaze
 - Life-Line's GREASE GUN (used for model RR servicing ... or any light grease
may be used ... even automotive lube with a touch of oil)

At your service... -Rick-