This guide is for hinge type K07. This hinge type is found in the following models:
- Dell Inspiron 1501, 6000, B120
- Dell Latitude D620
- IBM / Lenovo Thinkpad R50 R61, T40, T60
- and many more!
Some colors in the pictures may differ for your model. That is fine, what matters most is the shape of the hinge piece.
Step 1: Orient the hinge and base piece
The U-shaped plastic base piece must be oriented as shown for it to fit beneath the metal keyboard hooks. The main hinge mechanism will lock into this U-shaped frame piece later. If the U-shaped piece is still intact on your keyboard, there should be no need to remove it, and you can skip to step 4.
Step 2: Center and insert the base piece
Place the bottom edge of the base piece under the two metal tabs on the base of the keyboard. This works best at about a 45 degree angle.
Step 3: Secure the base piece
Secure the sides of the base piece into place, one side at a time. In this example, the left side is being secured second. You can bend each side of the plastic piece a bit to duck it under the metal tab. All three sides of the U-shaped frame piece should now be hooked under the metal tabs protruding from the base of the keyboard.
Step 4: Place the rubber spring piece
If your keyboard is missing the rubber spring piece, place it in the center, with the large end down. It will be held in place by the surrounding hinge bracket in a moment.
Step 5: Insert the hinge mechanism
Insert the bottom two white plastic tabs on the hinge mechanism into the plastic base piece, one side at a time. In the image above, the left side is being tucked into place first.
Step 6: Secure the hinge mechanism
Push down and towards the top of the hinge to tuck the remaining top two white plastic tabs into place. A bit of even pressure should be enough to click the two tabs into place on the plastic base piece.
Step 7: Test the hinge and spring assembly
The hinge assembly is complete and should now look like what is pictured. You can now check that the hinge works properly by pressing down on it. If it springs back easily, it is ready for the key to be attached. If it doesn’t feel right, you may need to remove the hinge one tab at a time and try repositioning the rubber spring piece.
Step 8: Press the key into place
Align the key on top of its place on the keyboard, and press down evenly. All four corners of the key should click into place.
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Just received and installed the down arrow key for our Dell Inspiron 1501. Second time I replace a key with your parts.
Perfect part, perfect service!
Thanks a lot
Francesco
I Got my keys today for my Dell Inspiron 1501 and installed them. The “3”, “4”, and “F5” keys. I was pretty nervous about my ability to do this, but it went very well, thanks to the very good instructions above. Even the instruction on how and which type of keys to order were good! Good job!
My spacebar on my x60s stopped working when you don’t press directly in the center. When the new key didn’t fix it i realized that the problem was the sensor under the rubber spring. I took the new rubber spring and doubled it up on top of the old rubber spring and that solved the problem. The key is too stiff now so i will probably whittle one of the springs down a bit to make it easier to press.