Repairing a Computer Keyboard

Step 11 Reattach the Back Plate

Carefully place the backplate over the Matrix Sheets in the correct position. Note how the anchor holes line up.

This plate was attached with "self-tapping" screws. For this reason, we must align the threads before feeding the screws in. We do this by turning the screw counter-clockwise until we feel the click of the threads lining up. Then carefully turn clockwise to screw in the screw. If the screw starts to tip, pull back and realign the screw. Any cross-threading (cutting new threads) could destroy the keyboard.

Note how the holes in the plate are elongated. when we're done, they should all be roughly centered.

Start with a corner hole and screw in the screw most of the way. We want all the screws slightly loose to do our final alignment. Proceed to the opposite corner and insert the screw (most of the way). Now do the other two corners. Continue adding screws at least two holes away from the previous screw until they've all been placed.

As you're adding your screws, note where the plate seems to have the largest gaps from the screw hole. Add your next screw there. This way we're balancing the plate as we add screws.