deskthority

Hi everyone! First post here
I'm seeking out help for a small but significant problem with my Model M (a 1393395, if that matters). I started using it with no problems at all; I also, in some occasions, removed the keycaps (both parts) for cleaning and replacement. After some time - at least two months - I started noticing that the right Shift (a peg-stabilized key) binds quite a lot when pressed on the right extremity. It's not that annoying, but I definitely feel it, especially when hitting Shift+Canc or Shift+Ins.
This effect does not go away if I remove and re-insert the keycaps - which is, by the way, the one te keyboard came with. And the stranger thing is that the right side is the side of the switch, while the stabilizing peg is at the left.
Now, the problem is that I'm not entirelly sure if the key did it the whole time or if it started at some point. And I don't have any idea of what the cause could be. I was about to decide it had to be there from the beginning (even though it's macroscopical and easy to notice), but then I acquired another Model M (albeit a later terminal one) and the right Shift works perfectly.
I'd like to solve this problem but, as I explained, I don't know how to find the cause. What can I do?

If you have access to another Model M, you can try swapping out the shift key and see if that helps. I've encountered something similar and I think it was because of minute differences in manufacturing.

Techno Trousers wrote: If you have access to another Model M, you can try swapping out the shift key and see if that helps. I've encountered something similar and I think it was because of minute differences in manufacturing.

I already tried to swap it with a blank but otherwise perfectly identical keycap from my Wheelwriter. Unfortunately, the result is exactly the same...

The right shift's stabilizer insert is probably dirty and in need of a very good cleaning. I've run into this several times and it can happen to any of the wide keys that are stabilized with the guiding stem, though it's often the right shift that's the worst offender.

You can use a Q-tip to remove the insert -- just jam one (or two if the fit is not good) in and lift it out.

EDIT: A video illustrating this, by phosphorglow:

It is also possible that the insert is not perfectly centered. You might try inserting something like wooden stick and rocking it back and forth so that the vertical alignment changes, ever so slightly.

Thanks for the tips! I'll try as soon as I can!

There are two types of right shift keys, one with normal corners, and one that has like a bar of plastic going across the corner. Make sure you try both, some types of those keys binds with some variants of Model M's and some variants of the stabilizer inserts.

wobbled wrote: There are two types of right shift keys, one with normal corners, and one that has like a bar of plastic going across the corner. Make sure you try both, some types of those keys binds with some variants of Model M's and some variants of the stabilizer inserts.

Are you referring to the ones from Unicomp, with the strut/support at each corner of the keycap?

I really dislike those, the bind isn't bad but definitely there if you try to press the key on the far right of the cap.

wobbled wrote: There are two types of right shift keys, one with normal corners, and one that has like a bar of plastic going across the corner. Make sure you try both, some types of those keys binds with some variants of Model M's and some variants of the stabilizer inserts.

I suppose that the problem is something else in this instance, being that the Shift key is the same that originally came with the board. But I'll also try with the other kind if I find one! Thanks

Damn, I tried multiple times and with any tool that came to my mind... I could not unplug the insert of the stabilizer. I'll wait until I have the time to bolt mod it (necessary, since almost half of the rivets are gone).

DustGod wrote:
I could not unplug the insert of the stabilizer.

You do not want to scratch or damage the inside of the "chimney" but it is possible to bend a *TINY* J-hook at the end of a paper clip wire and fish it out from the bottom. Carefully