Keycapscustom

Although plastic keycap pullers come with many keyboards and keycap sets, they may not be the most reliable option. If you’re in need of a sturdier alternative, we’ve got you covered!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make a wire keycap puller using paper clips and a twist tie. The process is straightforward, and you only need five items to make a functional wire keycap puller.

With this guide, Keycapscustom aimed to provide a simple yet effective solution for those in need of a quick keycap puller. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the steps required to make a wire keycap puller in no time, using just a few basic materials.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Materials

For this project, you’ll need:

• 2 paper clips (size #1)
• 1 twist tie (plastic-coated is preferred)
• 1 pair of needle-nose pliers
• 1 ruler

Before we begin, here are some tips:

• Opt for #1 size paper clips, as they are the same width as regular wire keycap pullers and just under 1mm thick.
• It’s recommended to use plastic-coated twist ties for added durability and comfort. You can find free paper ones at your local grocery store, typically located next to the rolls of plastic produce bags. It’s always useful to keep some of these around when you acquire new electronics or visit the supermarket.
• While not essential, having a ruler and needle-nose pliers will simplify the process. If you’re worried about scratching the paper clips, wrap some tape around the pliers’ tips.

Step 2: Straighten the Paper Clips

To begin, straighten the two paper clips. The #1 size paper clips we’ve selected are approximately 3.75 inches (~9.5 cm) long when fully extended.

You can use either your fingers or the pliers to straighten them out. For any kinks, use the pliers to straighten them out carefully.

Ensure that the paper clips are completely straight by verifying against a flat surface or a straight-edge.

Step 3: Form the Arms

A wire keycap puller is approximately 3/4″ wide (~1.9 cm), similar to the width of a finger. Ensure that your bends are precise and centered on the wire, resulting in two arms of equal length.

When bent, each arm should measure about 1.5 inches (~3.8 cm) long. If your finger can fit between the arms, you’ve likely achieved the correct width. Avoid making it too wide, as it won’t fit between the keys.

Step 4: Shape the Pegs

When shaping the pegs, use only the tip of the pliers to avoid over-bending. The pegs should be just long enough for the twist tie to secure them. It’s important to preserve as much length as possible in the arms.

Each peg should be ideally no longer than 0.5 centimeters.

Step 5: Secure with a Twist

Take the twist tie and place it beneath the clip pegs, ensuring it is centered. Fold each section across the arms to achieve equal lengths on both sides. Twist the tie around the pegs that were shaped in Step 4, creating a retainer and handle for pulling.

Congratulations! You’ve completed the last step and now have a functional DIY wire keycap puller.

Tips for Advanced Keycap Pulling

If you’ve made the legs of your DIY wire keycap puller long enough, you should be able to remove two keycaps before needing to unload. This is more efficient and effective than a plastic puller, although not as many as a traditional wire puller.

The easiest method is to open the clips slightly and lower the puller around the sides of the keycap.

Once you’ve slipped under the keycap, twist or turn the puller slightly until each edge is under an opposing corner of the keycap. Now pull gently and slowly straight up, and the keycap should come off easily. Repeat the process for another keycap. With practice, you’ll be able to move faster.

Remember that you should be able to pull two keycaps before unloading. If your switch comes out as well, it could indicate that the sockets are loose or that the plate isn’t tight enough.

Steer Clear of Large Paper Clips

Steer clear of larger or jumbo-sized paper clips because the wire on them may be thicker. In order to fit between the spaces, you may have to press down the two keys immediately to its left and right. If you are able to find a longer paper clip with a wire of the same width as a #1, or if you don’t mind having a thicker wire, then go ahead and use it.

Avoid Plastic Keycap Pullers

If you buy a hot-swap board or keycap set, they may provide you with a plastic “ring” style keycap puller. At first glance, these pullers may seem adequate. However, they can create problems for you.

The smaller issue is that the process takes longer than necessary. You must cautiously slide the plastic legs around each keycap, wait for the prongs to click, and then pull straight up. You must do this one keycap at a time, and pop out each keycap after every pull.

This method works well only if you are perfectly centered on your shorter keycaps. For longer, stabilized keys, it’s best to start on one side, slide the puller over to the other side, and repeat. Doing this for the spacebar is particularly annoying.

However, the bigger issue with plastic keycap pullers is the risk of keycap damage. Your keycaps may have come with your keyboard or have been purchased separately. They may cost anywhere from $20 to $200.

The last thing you want to do is slide a rough plastic keycap along the surfaces and, in the case of improper use, risk damaging the switch and PCB underneath.

Therefore, plastic keycap pullers are better suited as keychain accessories than for actual use.

Other Ways To Remove Keycaps

There are several common household items you can use to remove keycaps, including floss, guitar strings, steel wire, armature wire, and pipe cleaners. You can get creative and attach them to a handle using glue or epoxy, such as a drilled wooden dowel or hollow plastic/metallic tubing.

However, if you have a low profile case with floating keycaps, using your bare fingers to remove them can be difficult and even painful.

It’s important to avoid ripping keycaps off as this can cause damage to the switch underneath. Instead, gently pull them off in a vertical motion. While this method is not recommended, we understand the desire to try it out.

Purchase A Wire Keycap Puller

A wire keycap puller is a recommended tool for removing multiple keycaps efficiently and without damaging them. They are generally affordable, costing only a few dollars for a generic one with a plastic handle. They can often be found included with aftermarket and third-party keycap sets. If you expect to remove more than a few keycaps, it’s advisable to purchase a wire puller like the one linked.

In conclusion

If you are planning to remove multiple keycaps, it’s recommended to avoid using a plastic puller, as it can damage your keycaps and be time-consuming. Instead, consider making a DIY keycap puller using household items like floss or wire, which can be secured to a handle. While this may not be a long-term solution, it will make the process easier and save you money. However, if you plan on changing keycaps regularly, it’s best to invest in a proper wire puller. By following these tips, you can remove your keycaps efficiently and without causing any damage.