Re: My mouse broke !

Jeff Liebermann wrote:
Joerg <notthisjoergsch@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> hath wroth:

BTW, does anyone know what to do against a squeaky mouse? My Dell mouse emits faint noises that sound like the mast of an old ship creaking with the wind load.

Several ways:

1. Clean the ends of the shaft encoder and add grease. That's my the
mouse manufacturers added the grease originally. Some plastics and
plastic combinations squeak. Don't use oil as it will just dribble
away. I was using high tacky chain saw bar oil, but lithium grease is
probably better. One drop or equivalent grease blob.

2. Sandpaper the ends of the shaft encoder. What causes the noise is
that the plastic ends are too smooth. Roughen them up SLIGHTLY and
the squeaking should stop until the plastic gets glazed again.

3. The squeaking may also be accompanied by a slight rattling sound.
That's where the shaft encoder end points fit loosly in their sockets.
Grease seems to be the only effective fix.

4. If the shaft encoders have too much friction, and the rollers are
the usual rediculously small diameter (high resolution hype), then the
ball to roller interface will slip somewhat, which often makes a
noise. Scrape off the accumulated crud from the rollers, and clean
the mouse ball with 409, Fantastic, or other household filth solvent.
This removes the accumulated grease from the ball and improves
traction. Clean the ball even if it looks clean.

5. Dell offers a 3 year warranty on most of their products. If
bored, you might try to get a warranty replacement.

6. If squeezing the mouse results in deflation, deformation, and a
loud squeak, your mouse has been replaced by a kids squeaky squeeze
toy. Negotiate with the kid(s) for a no-fault return of your mouse in
exchange for the toy.

7. Some software is designed to simulate a squeaky toy. For example:
<http://www.alexmetcalf.com/toy/>
The "mouse click" sounds can also be replaced by a squeak. Check:
Control Panel -> Sounds for appropriate sounds. I prefer broken glass and fingers on
blackboard for non-paying customers.

8. Get an optical mouse and be done with this nonsense.


You can get molybdenum disulphide solution--a drip or two and you're all done. It wicks into all the spaces and then dries, leaving MoS2 where you need it.

Cheers,

Phil Hobbs
.

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