How to Cat Proof Your Notebook Keyboard
Measure the surface area around your computer keyboard.,Go to the hardware store , Track down a sheet of plexiglass (plastic window pane)., Go to the 'hardware' section (where screws, hinges, knobs & things are) and track down sticky rubber...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Measure the surface area around your computer keyboard.
For a $6 project, get plexiglass, and for a $20 get 'lexan'.
Home Despot sells it in almost the perfect size somewhere around their window section.
It can be a little smaller than the computer, or even a little bigger than the computer, but not much smaller than the keyboard area with a half inch all around.
They also sell a plastic cutter for $4, if you need one. , The ones I found were called '1/2" Vinyl Bumpers'
but anything that is self adhesive on one side, and grippy on the other for putting on the bottom of things, and adds a little height will do fine. ,,, If you'll need to cut it, don't remove the sticky plastic covering until after you've trimmed or drilled it. , Normal wood-working drill bits and circular saws work OK, or even 'dremel' bits, though you might want a 'fine' bladed saw blade, or one made for plastic.
If you have a jigsaw, get a plastic blade. , You'll probably want to sand down any rough edges when you're done cutting/drilling/etc. , Since it's clear, just hold it over the keyboard and stick the feet everywhere around the keyboard and mouse pad, as close as you can get them to the keyboard, but not over any keys.
Make the sheet as stable as possible.
You're trying to keep the cat from pushing the buttons.
If the cat lays down and dislodges the sheet, buttons will probably be pressed.
You can generally 'eyeball' where you will put the feet, but keep in mind that they don't usually peel off 'cleanly' if you make a mistake.
Most of them can be placed for vertical accuracy by putting them where they go, then flipping it, but for horizontal accuracy around track pads or between segments of keyboard, you'll want to put something on the plastic like a bit of masking tape to show where it will go. , If there still isn't enough circulation (the notebook gets warmer than usual), take the sheet out and drill lots of air holes in it, once again, making sure it's supported (i.e. on top of a piece of scrap plywood).
Lay it on a piece of newspaper to protect it from scuffs.
Or use bigger spacers. -
Step 2: Go to the hardware store
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Step 3: Track down a sheet of plexiglass (plastic window pane).
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Step 4: Go to the 'hardware' section (where screws
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Step 5: hinges
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Step 6: knobs & things are) and track down sticky rubber feet.
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Step 7: Lay the plastic sheet out on top of your keyboard
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Step 8: Mark wherever you'll cut or stick things with a grease pencil or dry erase marker.
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Step 9: If necessary
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Step 10: due to a notebook stand or other obstruction
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Step 11: or to access certain controls
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Step 12: outline where you'll need to cut/drill convenient finger-size big holes
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Step 13: such as for a power button.
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Step 14: Support the sheet thoroughly before drilling
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Step 15: such as by drilling into a piece of scrap wood under the plexiglass sheet
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Step 16: or you'll crack it like I did with my first try.
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Step 17: Now that the cutting is done
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Step 18: remove the sticky plastic.
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Step 19: Now bring it back and stick the rubber 'feet' on the lucite.
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Step 20: The stand-offs also let air circulate.
Detailed Guide
For a $6 project, get plexiglass, and for a $20 get 'lexan'.
Home Despot sells it in almost the perfect size somewhere around their window section.
It can be a little smaller than the computer, or even a little bigger than the computer, but not much smaller than the keyboard area with a half inch all around.
They also sell a plastic cutter for $4, if you need one. , The ones I found were called '1/2" Vinyl Bumpers'
but anything that is self adhesive on one side, and grippy on the other for putting on the bottom of things, and adds a little height will do fine. ,,, If you'll need to cut it, don't remove the sticky plastic covering until after you've trimmed or drilled it. , Normal wood-working drill bits and circular saws work OK, or even 'dremel' bits, though you might want a 'fine' bladed saw blade, or one made for plastic.
If you have a jigsaw, get a plastic blade. , You'll probably want to sand down any rough edges when you're done cutting/drilling/etc. , Since it's clear, just hold it over the keyboard and stick the feet everywhere around the keyboard and mouse pad, as close as you can get them to the keyboard, but not over any keys.
Make the sheet as stable as possible.
You're trying to keep the cat from pushing the buttons.
If the cat lays down and dislodges the sheet, buttons will probably be pressed.
You can generally 'eyeball' where you will put the feet, but keep in mind that they don't usually peel off 'cleanly' if you make a mistake.
Most of them can be placed for vertical accuracy by putting them where they go, then flipping it, but for horizontal accuracy around track pads or between segments of keyboard, you'll want to put something on the plastic like a bit of masking tape to show where it will go. , If there still isn't enough circulation (the notebook gets warmer than usual), take the sheet out and drill lots of air holes in it, once again, making sure it's supported (i.e. on top of a piece of scrap plywood).
Lay it on a piece of newspaper to protect it from scuffs.
Or use bigger spacers.
About the Author
Dennis Henderson
Enthusiastic about teaching home improvement techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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