If you are addicted to a laptop, or are an overzealous typist, you may be dismayed when a key on your laptop becomes stuck. However, just because a key gets a little sticky, there's no need to rush out to the computer repair shop. There are a lot of practical steps you can take to fix the stuck right button at home, which doesn't require any special equipment, just household items.
Instruction
- Turn off the laptop and remove the battery.
- Clean the area around the key in question. Use a damp cloth to wipe the surface of the key (and surrounding keys) and then use a dry cotton swab to wipe underneath the stuck key. Be careful not to lift the stuck key with the cotton swab, as this may break the stuck key.
- Press firmly on the locked key. Sometimes, after the dust or particles are removed, the stuck key will appear in its place.
- Pull out the nail cleaner extension of your nail clippers. This is the flat extension with a small hook at the end. Place the small hook under the left corner of the stuck key. A common reason that keys get stuck is that the folding spring gets off-center. Gently push the key from side to side until it clicks into place. If this does not happen, the key must be completely disassembled.
- Lift the top of the button with the nail cleaner. You will see a collapsible plastic hinge (this is known as the Key latch) and a little piece of rubber. Take both of these out. You will see a flat surface. Run the cotton swab across this surface to remove dust.
- Place the key components back into the keyboard. Place the rubber part on top of the metal circle just cleaned with the cotton swab. Then place the key catch (large side down) on it, and "click" into place. It is very important to be careful with this step, as these small parts break easily. Then place the locked button on top of these parts and then give it a solid tap to click into place. Your key should work now.
Advice and warnings
- It is very important that your computer is turned off during this process.