IBM Model M case deformation / stuck keys

[LLRnR]

I recently found an AZERTY Model M that I cleaned and tested today. Everything is in working condition and there is only one missing rivet; the rest are still firmly attached. It's a black label Model M with part number 1391402 from 1989 that has been laying around forever in the storage room of my boyfriend's parents. I wanted to clean it and offer it to him, as I already have a US ANSI Model M (also from 1989).

Now, the problem: as I opened it, I noticed the upper case was deformed at the front part: the two middlemost of the plastic clamps didn't clamp on the lower case. At the same time, a few keys were stuck (they could be depressed with a lot of difficulty): Delete, Left, Down and Right arrow keys.

Here are the keys that get stuck:

IMG_3529_.jpg (311.59 KiB) Viewed 2784 times

Here's the gap between the upper and lower cases:

IMG_3527_.jpg (328.54 KiB) Viewed 2784 times

A zoom-in:

IMG_3528_.jpg (258.42 KiB) Viewed 2784 times

I thought it would be OK when reassembling, but it's not. I cannot make the two middlemost clamps, well, clamp. This is what makes the aforementioned keys stick.

I temporarily replaced the upper case with that of my Model M and everything is alright, which means it's only the upper case that is deformed.

Do you think I have any other option besides buying a replacement case?

[chzel]

Gently heat with boiling water and bend back? Only solution I can think of!

[LLRnR]

Gently heat with boiling water and bend back? Only solution I can think of!

I didn't think of that, actually. Thanks, I'll try it. Do you think it's best I slowly pour boiling water over the case and then try to bend it back, or should I submerge the case for a few minutes instead? If it's the latter, hmm, I'll need to get a large enough recipient first, I don't have one that big.

[chzel]

If I understand correctly, the deformation is a bulging of the area between Alt and Ctrl and to the left of the up arrow, so it is quite localized. I'd go with pouring water over the affected area, holding the new position for several seconds (wear heat resistant gloves!!!) and testing for fit as you go.
Try to visualize the deformation and how you must counter it before heating.

[LLRnR]

If I understand correctly, the deformation is a bulging of the area between Alt and Ctrl and to the left of the up arrow, so it is quite localized. I'd go with pouring water over the affected area, holding the new position for several seconds (wear heat resistant gloves!!!) and testing for fit as you go.
Try to visualize the deformation and how you must counter it before heating.

Thanks! I'll try that and will update.

[LLRnR]

It turns out that boiling water was not a solution in my case. Even controlled and careful application can result in ugly deformations, which is what happened to me. As I was unable to find a heat gun to borrow (and couldn't justify buying one for a single use), I pondered the situation for a bit and then used the last resort solution: I ironed the case (with a cloth in between the plastic and the iron, of course). While this undid the deformation caused by the boiling water, the case is understandably not very pretty and now there are other keys that get stuck.

If anyone goes through similar problems, I would advise to spare yourself the time and frustration and just skip this kind of manual attempts altogether and simply wait to find a replacement case.

In any case, I thank chzel for the idea. If I hadn't tried it, I would have felt guilty for not doing every possible thing to salvage the case. Now I'm at ease with myself and accepting the fact that I'll just have to wait to find an affordable replacement case. The problem with IBM Model M cases is that they're most often sold in the USA, and the transport to Europe accounts for an additional 40 EUR, which sucks. I'll try my luck with forthcoming garage sales for finding a case.

[scottc]

Ouch. Sorry to hear that it went badly.

I'm sure there's someone around Europe who'll sell you a spare case for less than the shipping cost from the USA.

[LLRnR]

C'est la vie, as they say here in France

I'll definitely post a request for a case in the Marketplace next month... I just started my internship and for the moment I'm broke since I bought two keyboards in January, hushhhh, don't tell anyone

[scottc]

It happens... For now, two keyboards per month feels bad. Give it a while longer, then you'll be working on justifying a brand new 100 euro keyset plus a NIB SSK!

[chzel]

I am really really sorry it went so badly...

[LLRnR]

It happens... For now, two keyboards per month feels bad.

What feels bad is that I actually am able to justify it to myself: I got my first IBM Model M part number 1391401... (I still need a good 1390131, though...) So that should be understandable... and then I got a compact keyboard (Filco Minila) to take with me to my internship every day... I absolutely needed a compact keyboard, you see

Give it a while longer, then you'll be working on justifying a brand new 100 euro keyset plus a NIB SSK!

Go away, Satan!

I am really really sorry it went so badly...

Don't feel sorry! The case was unusable as it was when I found the keyboard. You gave me an idea and I thank you for it. I just had to try it out; there was a good chance it would work.

I'm gonna check out a garage sale this weekend. If I don't find anything, I'll try the Marketplace next month.

[scottc]

Good, you're well on your way then! Just last week, I spent about 100 euro on a set of shelves and boxes to store my keyboards in because they were taking up every flat surface in my room. One of us, one of us, one of us...

[LLRnR]

Good, you're well on your way then! Just last week, I spent about 100 euro on a set of shelves and boxes to store my keyboards in because they were taking up every flat surface in my room.

Damn, I haven't considered storage space yet!

One of us, one of us, one of us...

Yup, I guess I'm already past the point of no return... oh well, at least I'm not alone in this!