The first step is diagnostics. This confirms that the reported symptoms are caused by the keyboard and not some other defective typewriter part. That is why it is important that you include a brief note describing the symptoms as accurately as possible. Almost every day, we have to call a customer to warn them of other problems in the machine. A brief note will save you considerable frustration, searching for the other causes. Furthermore, we often find that your replacement keyboard may also be damaged if you are not forewarned.

Next, the typewriter keyboard is disassembled completely. This allows for a thorough inspection of all parts (this can't be done by mere external tinkering, that is why a complete rebuild is most effective). Any suspicious parts are replaced during reassembly. New membranes are installed in all typewriter keyboards whether the old ones are serviceable or not. Some of our competitors re-use them. It makes sense to some degree, but some will fail. They seem to find this an acceptable risk. If it's your keyboard, is this an acceptable risk?

The reassembly process appears deceptively simple: just drill holes and put screws in it. Suffice it to say that we experimented for over a year and a half before determining that this could be done reliably. Of course, as usual, our competition saluted our accomplishment by trying to copy the idea. However, they can't copy the invisible things. The screw torque alone must be precise. We use highly specialized power drivers to accomplish this. The first thing we do to them is void the warranty by modifying them for even more precise torque than the manufacturer provided. Still think all you need to do is put screws in it? The screws themselves are somewhat hard to find, even here in the motor city, where there's a screw store on every block. Unless you walk in with a purchase order for a quarter million screws, you can't get them.

The precise placement of the holes is just as critical using the proper screws. We often receive typewriter keyboards rendered beyond repair due to what some think is a quick home remedy for separating boards (it is often necessary to exchange those). By now, you have probably concluded that attempting your own repairs may be ill-advised, and that the $60 is a comparative bargain.

Once the keyswitches and membranes are installed, the cleaned keycaps are re-installed (when we time it just right, they're just through drying at this point). During this stage, they are inspected and tested for proper mechanical action.

Finally they are ready for testing. Every key goes through three different tests. The details of this process are another "invisible" that can't be copied. Most shops test just for proper ops, but as usual, we take even that simple test to extremes. Tests for proper actuation timing, resistance and repeating-keys conclude the process.

Why so fussy? Because all we do is rebuild IBM and Lexmark typewriter keyboards. We better get it right!