I have a spare CAB 1 which I dropped a dab or 2 of superglue on. Now unfortunately a couple of the keys are glued so as not to be usable. Is there anyway I can unstick them without ruining the entire CAB 1?
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I know two things about super glue, aka cyanoacrylate. OK three, it stinks until it cures, too.
First thing it is not strong in shear - so it can't handle a side load.
Second thing is, it can be dissolved by acetone, which is the predominant chemical in nail polish remover. And I should know, because I ruined a $1000 tri-axial accelerometer with acetone, since that is the typical method of removing single axis accelerometers, a device used to measure vibration spectra.
I would first try the nail polish remover.
What you don't want to happen is pull the copper traces off the circuit board, it just won't be worth it trying to fix it any more after that.
So .... if I was in your situation, I would take some acetone (nail polish remover) on a corner of the circuit board that is empty, or another circuit board, and see if anything happens. If that looks ok, I would put the acetone around the silicone switch and wait a while, then gently push with a side load. Do not pull up, as this is super glues best strength and also the way to most likely pull the copper traces off the board.
Good luck with it!
Some hobby shops sell CA glue debonder that works. I have had success with it. You might even try an exacto knife and carefully try to cut it loose.
Rob
Check the manufacturer website for info. According to the Loctite Data Sheet for their Super Glue Gel:
Clean-up:
Use Duro® Super Glue Remover to clean up uncured adhesive residue. Cured adhesive may be cut away with caution using a sharp blade, removed with acetone or with boiling water.
Some CAs don't like extreme cold...got room in your freezer for a few hours...try punching the keys then...
If you open the case in two half's, you will find that that keys are all part of one membrane. Use the debonder on the stuck keys. The circuit board has the contacts on it, clean with a pencil eraser.
De-bonder/remover is the way to go. Acetone dries too fast. Hose it down with the debonder and be patient-- like penetrating oil on rusted junk, it needs time to work
Thank you for the advice. Will try 1 @ a time & se how I make out.
Well I tried putting the remote in the freezer figuring that would be the easiest but to no avail. I'm now in the process of using fingernail remover to try and loosen the key with no luck yet but am reapplying the remover so we'll see what happens.
I use debonder,works every time.
Where would I find debonder? Home Depot, Lowes !!!!
What parts do you need? The Front and the Keypad? I may be able to send you the parts. email in my profile.
Originally Posted by Spence:
Well I tried putting the remote in the freezer figuring that would be the easiest but to no avail. I'm now in the process of using fingernail remover to try and loosen the key with no luck yet but am reapplying the remover so we'll see what happens.
Sorry, hoped it would work...any lhs should have CA debonder but watch that you don't get any on top of the keys or it'll remove the print.
Take the remote apart, remove the single piece keypad membrane by pushing the stuck buttons through the top of the case.
Flexing the membrane now will chip off all the CA. Gently chip off the CA from the upper case, at least the key openings, and you are back in business. While apart, clean the membrane and contacts with a dry microfiber cloth. Don't get any oils from your skin on the membrane or contacts.
Well I went to Lowes & bought some "Goof Off" It freed up the key & now I'm back in business. Thank you for all your help & suggestions.
