Take me to the Steps

keyboard-opener-orig

For more on microcontrollers and wearables, check out Make: Volume 43. Don't have this issue? Get it in the Maker Shed.
For more on microcontrollers and wearables, check out Make: Volume 43.
Don’t have this issue? Get it in the Maker Shed.

I always try to find ways to reuse the parts from my old electronics. I had a couple of old keyboards lying around, so I decided to use the keys to make alphabet refrigerator magnets.

Project Steps

Remove the keyboard keys

Use a narrow screwdriver to pry

the keys off the keyboard. In most cases they will just pop right off.

Look at the backside of the keys. If the mounting tabs stick out past the body of the key, then you need to trim them so that you can mount the magnets flush with the backside. You can either cut the tabs with wire cutters or just break them off with needlenose pliers.

Cut the magnets into squares

Now get some magnetic advertisements or magnetic business cards. Use scissors or a knife to cut the magnetic sheet into squares that are the same size as the back of the keys.

Glue the Keys to the Magnets

Apply a large drop of hot glue to

the back of one of the keys.

Then press the key onto one of the magnetic squares that you cut out. You want the bare magnet side to be facing out so that it can stick to the fridge better.

Repeat this process with all the keys.