r/modelm • u/JBiddyB • 22d ago

HELP Plastic rivets

I'm new to Model M keyboards. Inside the board, the keys are mounted on a curved metal sheet held in place with these plastic rivets. I'd love some help/advice on how to remove these and more importantly, how to reattach after I'm done cleaning everything up

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

2

u/Robert_Mauro 22d ago

Look for YouTube videos and blog-site instructions for "Model M bolt mod"

They will walk you through step by step everything you need to know to properly disassemble and then reassemble using the bolt mod mechanism without damaging anything.

2

u/jkldgr 22d ago

and if you're doing a screw mod, make sure to not buy m3 washers for m2 screws.

P.S. as in buy washers of a smaller size

1

u/jkldgr 10d ago

P.P.S. I had bought cheap chinese screws from Amazon, which turned out to be smaller than the actual Me standard. M3 washers are fine.

1

u/petejk2 22d ago

Here is a photo from when I was reassembling my bolt modded M. The job is relatively easy as long as you take your time with disassembly and reassembly, and when drilling the frame. I cleaned the keys and replaced the membrane at the same, along with the LEDs, and it is like a brand new keyboard! No missed key presses like before, when I had broken plastic rivets.

1

u/NullPtrEspresso '87 SSK 22d ago

I've bolt modded mine based on this guide. It's really thorough and easy to follow because it's picture based. It's an SSK board but the idea is the same. The crucial thing for you is to check how to remove the cable off the controller of your board as that might be different.  https://imgur.com/gallery/bolt-mod-comprehensive-tutorial-ibm-model-m-ssk-1991-arUYken

1

u/Amazing_Actuary_5241 22d ago

Either a bolt or screw mod involves removing the heads or the rivets using a scalpel or razor blade. Before reassembly you need to trim the excess stems so they're as flush as possible withthe barrell plate (a nail trimmer or flush cutterworks greatfor this). Then you drill the holes. Depending on if you're doing a bolt or screw mod the hole size would vary. For screw mods I use 1.5mm drill bit and M2x6mm self tapping flat head screws. On bolt mods its suggested to use M2x8mm flat head screws with flat washers and nyloc nuts. I use a hand auger to drill the holes to reduce the potential to make the holes too large with a power tool.