Troubleshooting Kindle 3G power slide switch spring

[nuke]

Hi.
I'm looking for a replacement power button slide switch spring as the one in my ancient Kindle 3G broke from fatigue.


This is my first of three Kindles and still the one I like the best and use the most.

Is there somewhere that I can buy a replacement spring?


Thanks in advance.

[Tarana]

That is what failed on two of my Kindle keyboards. Unable to find a suitable spring.

[Quoth]

Make one by straightening a piece of ballpoint pen spring, or maybe out of guitar wire or fishing tackle wire.

[nuke]

Bummer.

Thank you @Quoth and @Tarana. I was hoping to avoid fashioning one myself but if that's the only option ... I guess I can give it a whirl.

Thanks for the quick reply.

[Quoth]

Cutters, small pliers (maybe 2 pairs) and a screw driver or thin rod to make a turn, if there is one. I've seen it but I forget what it looks like. The PRS-350 switch or a Zoom Handy4N power switch are harder to fix.

I've used ballpoint pen springs to fix all kinds of things, even before the 1985 MacGyver TV series.

[vermontcathy]

I've got a K3 with a broken screen and no battery (removed it because it wouldn't charge). I could mail you the spring for like $4. PM me. I'll try removing it. Is it JUST the curved metal you need - not the little vertical part that the spring is attached to on the left?

[nuke]

Thank you @vermontcathy for your offer, I've solved the issue.

Thank you @Quoth for your suggestion.

I fashioned a replacement spring from a ballpoint pen spring. I hadn't thought about that option before and while it took 2 attempts but it works surprisingly well. Thanks again.