Repair IBM ThinkPad keyboard with a missing key
Do you have an IBM ThinkPad laptop with a missing key on the keyboard? Not a problem, you can fix the keyboard without taking your laptop to a repair shop. It’s not even necessary to disassemble the laptop and replace the whole keyboard. If you have all the pieces from the fallen key, then the repair process shouldn’t take a lot of time. These instructions will explain how to assemble the key and install it back on the keyboard.
The key pieces are small and it may be very challenging to put them together, so be patient and have plenty of light in the work area.
If you are missing the key or one of the pieces, you can find them here. A single key assembly (including mounting hinges) will cost you about $5-$6 including shipping.
If you cannot find the right key but still want to fix the problem, then you’ll have to replace the whole keyboard. You’ll find keyboard replacement instructions in the IBM hardware and maintenance guide here.
Finally, if you still cannot figure out how to install the missing key back on the keyboard or if you have another laptop brand, check out this instructions for fixing keyboard keys.
Topics: Keyboard, 6. IBM & Lenovo Laptops |
March 26th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Very very helpful! Thanks a bunch!
April 20th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
it was a great article and helped to push back my 6. Fantastic and thanks for taking time to publish it
June 26th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Would never have thought to go to eBay to purchase replacement key. Easily found the right one for $6 including shipping. Thanks so much! My company was actually going to replace the entire machine due to the missing key. What a waste that would have been.
June 26th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Emily,
Replacing the laptop because of one missing key? Yep, that would have been a waste. If there is a problem with the laptop keyboard, you can replace just the keyboard, not the entire laptop.
July 26th, 2008 at 7:46 am
I had a removed Tab key. It snapped in bottom first. Had to tuck the key under the upper edge of the Caps Lock key below it and then snap it in as it slid upwards into position. It may be the structure behind this key is similar but different from the smaller letter and number keys.
September 11th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Thanks so much! I never would’ve been able to figure it out without this guide! I’m not a mechanical person by any means so I was so proud of myself that I did it, thanks to you!
September 12th, 2008 at 6:10 am
[…] Anyway, I did look it up and holy cow, not only did I find it, but I was able to do it all by myself! I’m not a very mechanically-inclined person so I I’m very proud of myself! Yay, me! So if your IBM Thinkpad ever loses a key, click HERE. […]
November 1st, 2008 at 7:06 am
Thanks so much.It took me a while but,finally i acheived it.Thanks a ton
November 10th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Dear Sir
At the moment, i use one laptop Furisu Biblo NB16
but my laptop meet prolem with the keyboard as follows:
When i type the word i only,i gain ui and when I type the word p I receive op. I take out the keycap and retainer and clean. but my keyboard still no change. Please give me the way to repair my keyboard.
Thank and Best Regards
Tran Van Tuan