Whenever I get new computer equipment, I hate to just throw away the old parts. So I try to find creative ways to reuse them. In this case, I had an old broken keyboard. So I decided to use the keys to make a set of keyboard refrigerator magnets. This is a simple craft project that you can do in less than an hour.

Step 1: Materials

Here are the materials and tools that you will need for this project:

Materials:
Old Keyboard
Flexible Magnetic Business Cards or Advertisements
Hot Glue Gun and Hot Glue Sticks
Needle Nose Pliers
Small Screw Driver
Ruler
Sharp Knife

Step 2: Remove the Keys From the Keyboard

The first thing that you need to do is remove the keys from your keyboard. To do this, just insert the tip of the screw driver between the keys and pry them out one at a time. They should pop out fairly easily.

Step 3: Remove the Mounting Tabs From the Back of the Keys

On most keyboards, there will be mounting tabs on the back of each key. These need to be removed. The easiest way to do this is to snap them off with a pair of needle nose pliers.

Use the needle nose pliers to bend each of the tabs out away from the center. Then bend each tab back and forth until it breaks off. Afterward, if any of the tabs stick out past the bottom of the key, you can attempt to break them again or trim them with wire cutters.

Repeat this process for each key.

Step 4: Cut the Magnets to Fit Keys

Use the ruler to measure the dimensions of your keys. Mark out a grid of rectangles this size on your magnetic sheet. Then using your knife cut out each one. Continue cutting out piece of your magnetic sheet.

Step 5: Attach the Keys to the Magnets With Hot Glue

Apply a large drop of hot glue to the back of one of the keys. Then quickly stick on one of the magnet pieces. You want the bare side of the magnet sticking out. Hold the magnet and the key together for a few seconds. Then set the key aside and let it cool. Repeat this process for each key.

Step 6: Stick the Keys to Your Refrigerator

When you are done you will have a full set of refrigerator magnets with letters and numbers. So stick them to your refrigerator and have fun.

If you would like to make custom keys, you can remove the original characters with acetone (nail polish remover). You can then write on your own characters or messages.