Rearranging the rubber contact buttons on a remote control to use the ones that haven’t worn out is a clever way to repair it. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Tools and Materials Needed:
Small screwdriver (usually Phillips or flathead for opening the remote)
Tweezers (optional, for precise handling)
Mild cleaning solution (e.g., isopropyl alcohol or soapy water)
Cotton swabs or a soft cloth
Rubber adhesive (optional, for securing rearranged buttons if needed)
Steps:
Disassemble the Remote Control
Remove the batteries.
Locate screws (often found in the battery compartment or under labels/stickers). Unscrew and gently pry open the remote’s casing with a small flathead screwdriver or your fingers.
Be careful not to damage the internal circuit board.
Inspect the Buttons and Contacts
Remove the rubber keypad (a single piece with all the buttons).
Check which buttons are worn out. The conductive coating underneath each button is what makes contact with the circuit board, and worn-out buttons usually have lost this coating.
Clean the Circuit Board and Buttons
Wipe down the circuit board contacts with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab to remove dirt or residue.
Clean the underside of the rubber keypad similarly but use soapy water for gentler cleaning. Let everything dry completely.
Rearrange the Buttons
Identify which buttons on the rubber pad are still functional but rarely used (e.g., the “Setup” button, or other infrequently used keys).
Gently cut the rubber pad around these buttons (if the keypad is one piece) or reposition the entire keypad if it allows for swapping sections.
Place the functional button(s) over the worn-out positions on the circuit board. You may need to trim the rubber pad with scissors to fit.
Test Fit
Reassemble the remote temporarily (without screwing it shut) and test the rearranged buttons to ensure they press down properly and make contact.
Secure Buttons (Optional)
If the buttons move out of place, use a small amount of rubber adhesive or double-sided tape to keep them in position.
Reassemble the Remote
Once satisfied, reassemble the remote control by snapping the casing back together and screwing it tight. Reinsert the batteries.
Test the Remote
Test all buttons to ensure functionality. The rearranged buttons should now work where they were swapped.
This repair method extends the life of your remote control without needing replacement parts. If certain key buttons still fail, you can use a conductive repair kit (available online) to restore the conductive coating.
