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Keytop Installation Directions

 

 

Directions for installing standard keytops

 

We would recommend if there’s an authorized repair center in your area that you consider letting someone else install your keytops.  It’s not really too difficult, but you can accidentally damage yourself or the machine.  StenoWorks is not responsible for any damage to you or your equipment resulting in this installation.

 

  1. 1.       Remove the old keytops.  Try wiggling the old keytops with both hands, and if they are loose remove the keytops.  Some keytops are very tight or glued and need to be heated up before they will come off.  You can use any soldering iron to heat the arm below the keytop for a couple of minutes.  Remember if you touch another keytop or your machine case, the soldering iron will damage it.  It’s helpful to use a screwdriver to force down the vowel keys in order to get the * keytop off.  After heating the arm, the keytop should come off easily.

 

  1. 2.       Install the new keytops.  Place the new keytops on the slot and push down while holding the bottom of the arm.  Pushing down on the arm into the machine can bend and damage the arm.  Try wiggling the keytop in place.  If the keytop will not totally seat on the arm you need to use a C-clamp to push the keytop on.  You must first protect the keytop surface with a cloth. Use a 2” to 3” inch C-clamp to push down the keytop arm.  Only tighten until you feel resistance or you can crack the keytop..

 

  1. 3.       If any keytop is slightly crooked you can bend the arm to straighten it out.  When you’re finished you can polish the keytop with any furniture polish to really give them a nice shine.

 

 

Directions for installing premium keytops

These are keytops with plastic inserts

 

We would recommend if there’s an authorized repair center in your area that you consider letting someone else install your keytops.  It’s not really too difficult, but you can accidentally damage yourself or the machine.  StenoWorks is not responsible for any damage to you or your equipment resulting in this installation.

 

  1. 4.       Remove the old keytops.  Try wiggling the old keytops with both hands, and if they are loose remove the keytops.  Some keytops are very tight or glued and need to be heated up before they will come off.  You can use any soldering iron to heat the arm below the keytop for a couple of minutes.  Remember if you touch another keytop or your machine case, the soldering iron will damage it.  It’s helpful to use a screwdriver to force down the vowel keys in order to get the * keytop off.  After heating the arm, the keytop should come off easily.

 

  1. 5.       Install the new keytops.  Place the insert using the correct slot on the clean key arm.  Make sure you have the key lined up correctly before gluing the keytop.  Place a small amount of epoxy cement on all sides of the insert.  Make sure the glue is not dripping onto the machine.  We use the brand Loctite heavy-duty 5 minute setting time, which seems to work great.  Place the keytop on the insert and adjust the angle making sure it is straight.    If necessary use scotch tape to help align the keytop.

 

  1. 6.       If any keytop is slightly crooked you can bend the arm to straighten it out.  When you’re finished you can clean the keytop using goo gone and polish the keytop with any furniture polish to really give them a nice shine.

 

 

Good luck with your installation!