Lubing IBM model m/f springs

[Ir0n]

I know there is some topics about this already so don't think I didn't already search or anything..just didn't want to necro.

From what I've read it seems teflon lube would be the best type to use?

I want to pick up a big bottle, or jug locally so I don't got to wait on shipping and such.
Where would one find Teflon lube? autozone, or lowes maybe?

Another question I have is do you soak them in the lube and wipe them clean, or just let them dry on their own?

Thank you!

[ohaimark]

Teflon dry lube is best.

I'll let other people comment on techniques, as mine is just to spray the crap out of the barrels and call it a day.

[fohat]

I did this once and stood them upright with a piece of cardboard covering the pivot plates ("feet") in front of (and another one behind) the springs leaving only a thin "shoulder strip" exposed on either side of the spring base. Then I sprayed the vertical springs with a dry teflon lube and let them dry thoroughly.

[Ir0n]

I did this once and stood them upright with a piece of cardboard covering the pivot plates ("feet") in front of (and another one behind) the springs leaving only a thin "shoulder strip" exposed on either side of the spring base. Then I sprayed the vertical springs with a dry teflon lube and let them dry thoroughly.

You can get it in a spray? Lol This option sounds cleaner than what I was going to try.
I'm going to look for some tomorrow. ;o

Thanks guys.

[fohat]

You can get it in a spray?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Blaster-9-3- ... eflon+lube

[Elrick]

You can get it in a spray?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Blaster-9-3- ... eflon+lube

Just out of interest, how long will this lube last in any Model-M or F keyboard ?

[fohat]

how long will this lube last in any Model-M or F keyboard?

I have no idea, and don't really care. The springs were not lubed originally, and I mostly did it for a measure of corrosion control. My guess is that where the coil that hits the barrel wall will wear off quickly and the areas that never make contact will keep their coating almost indefinitely.

[Mr.Nobody]

I had one lubed accidentally by its original owner, it becomes quieter and softer IMHO, it had lost M's characteristics.I sold it not long after. I don't think it's necessary to lube the M, the original design is good enough and this is proved by time, I think the longevity of Ms will surpass ours.

[ramnes]

Just get yourself a IBM model M SoftTouch.

[fohat]

Just get yourself a IBM model M SoftTouch.

I see that clikcykeyboards has updated their web site.

Anybody who wants one of these should pounce on it, they didn't make many and they rarely turn up for sale.

Once I bought a home-made botched "Soft Touch" modification on ebay (as "not working - parts only") for very cheap and it had been disastrous. But it was an easy re-build (I threw the flippers into the garbage and de-greased everything else thoroughly) and I got a perfectly good ordinary M by using my spare flippers.

[XMIT]

Ah, the ol' soft touch mod.

workshop-f7/ibm-soft-touch-model-m-mod- ... 14302.html

I still stand by everything that I said six months ago! Maybe I'll try it out finally, on a key switch tester made from a Model F barrel, a Model M flipper, and a spare key.

The trick is to lubricate all the springs *equally* for a consistent feel.

[Elrick]

The trick is to lubricate all the springs *equally* for a consistent feel.

What I worry about is the effect of Gravity upon any lubricating substance here. By nature it shall all pool down towards the base and spill out everywhere.

Hence my earlier question about longevity, it shall eventually end up going elsewhere like an unwelcomed guest .

[fohat]

I think that the original Lexmark grease was stabilized and would remain in place as long as the environment was reasonably moderate.