How to Fix a Broken Keyboard

Sometimes the keyboard won't work, and you don't want to pay the money to have it fixed. Here's a quick fix that might work for you. All it requires is some foil and tape.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Multimeter
• Knife
• Scotch tape
• Aluminum foil

1. Identify which key or keys are broken and follow the trace until you discover where the fault is located. Try using a multimeter because a trace that's good will have resistance of a few hundred Ohm or so. If the check of the trace is OK, determine whether the trace is OK when you flex the foil. The trace may become intermittent when you do this. If it changes when you flex it, check for oxidization, which is evident because the trace will be discolored.

2. Use a sharp knife to clean some of the oxidization away so the trace will connect effectively with the aluminum.

3. Cut the aluminum with a sharp knife so it connects well with the trace.

4. Tear off a piece of scotch tape and tape a new piece of foil to the keyboard, and make sure the tape seals well.

5. Check the result of the repair with a multimeter, then see whether the keyboard works properly.