Tab Key

[Moot]

The tab key on my laptop doesn't work. When I press it, it will give slightly and then stop. Not enough to engage the tab function. There is a good chance a chunk of Pop Tart or a chicken bone could be stuck under the key, limiting it's travel.

Can these keys be pried of off and the offending piece of food removed? I worked a small screw driver around the key and applied a bit of pressure, but not enough to pop the key or even break anything. Suggestions?

 

[mrgoodtude]

Yeah Moot
Had the exact same problem with a chicken bone on an old Commodore.
Compressed air

 

[Turtle]

Laptop keys are usually such that when you remove one you can't put it back. Compressed air would be the first choice. Bang the pee out of the key for an hour or two until the food particle is pulverized would be second. If all else fails, best place to get a replacement OEM keyboard is CDS Parts. For most laptops it's about a 2 minute replacement to swap out keyboards.

 

[Moot]

Thank you Tude and Turtle for your advice. I was on my 3rd cup of coffee when I originally posted. The screwdriver was still on the desk in easy reach and the shop vac was in the basement. I couldn't wait for hours or possibly days for a reply so fortified with caffeine I went to work on it. I applied pry with my screwdriver and ran the shop vac hose around the edges of the key. Whatever was trapped under the key is gone. My tab key is functioning. I was so excited that I opened an Excel spreadsheet and had at it.

 

[greg334]

Maybe removing the keyboard would help get rid of some of the crud in the keys. That way you can shake it and vacuum it at the same time.

 

[mrgoodtude]

Thank you Tude and Turtle for your advice. I was on my 3rd cup of coffee when I originally posted. The screwdriver was still on the desk in easy reach and the shop vac was in the basement. I couldn't wait for hours or possibly days for a reply so fortified with caffeine I went to work on it. I applied pry with my screwdriver and ran the shop vac hose around the edges of the key. Whatever was trapped under the key is gone. My tab key is functioning. I was so excited that I opened an Excel spreadsheet and had at it.

Glad to be of help..
Opening my Excel as well to calculate the year end