How to Mount a Keyboard Tray
Keyboards are one of the necessary evils to working on a computer. While you need it to type in your information, it can take up a large amount of otherwise useful desk space. The solution to this problem is to add a keyboard tray to your desk. This way you will be able to keep the keyboard stored out of sight when not in use and still have easy access to it when needed.
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Things You'll Need
- Keyboard shelf mounting kit
- Drill with 1/8-inch drill bit
- Phillips head screwdriver
- 3/8-inch wrench or pliers
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
Instructions
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1
Place the track for the keyboard on the bottom of the desk surface with the notched end facing the chair and positioned 1 1/2 to 2 inches back from the front edge of the desk. Mark the locations of the mounting holes with a pencil. Remove the track.
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2
Drill pilot holes with the 1/8-inch drill bit in the spots you marked. Make the holes 1/2 to 5/8 inches deep.
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3
Position the track on the bottom of the desk and place screws into the holes at the back and the center of the track. Use a screwdriver to tighten.
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4
Slide the extending arm into the track and move it to the rear. Place the front track stop over the opening in the front of the track so that its mounting holes line up with the front mounting holes on the track. Screw the front stop and the track to the desk.
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5
Move the arm to the front of the track. Place the keyboard and mouse tray on top of the arm so the holes of the tray line up with the holes of the arm. Screw the arm into the tray by placing 3/8-inch bolts through the arm and into the bottom of the tray and use the wrench or pliers to tighten.
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Tips & Warnings
Dry fit the tray with your keyboard attached to make sure your keyboard is not too big to fit under the desk with this type of tray. New keyboards shouldn't be a problem, but if you are using an older one, it's possible that it may not fit.
References
- Photo Credit keyboard image by Fyerne from Fotolia.com
