IBM Model M's!

I'm talking real actual bolts with hex heads, not screws. I've yet to see anyone use a hex head bolt, which is what comes to mind every time I hear bolt mod. :P I agree about the "self stripping" (I'm stealing that phrase, by the way) screws. I don't use them. I pre-drill and then thread the hole, and use M2x.4 stainless screws. I've spent a bit of time being paranoid about the longevity and durability of this, so I used one of my spare barrel plates as a test subject. I drilled and threaded the hole as usual, and then drove a screw into it with way more force than I would ever conceivably use. It didn't start stripping until it was embedded into the plastic. And then for kicks and grins I backed it out and tried to yank it with a pair of vice-grips. I had to pull really hard and ended up hurting my hand when it finally popped and the panel went flying. Since the small amount of force required to hold the plate together is spread out over 50+ screws, I claim it is impossible under any normal circumstances to have them strip/break/pop out. King Kong might be able to do it. Anyhoo - the plastics in these keyboards are significantly more durable than I had given them credit for at first. I guess I'll have to see how they hold up after a few more decades. :) Whoops - should have clarified a little bit. I have a custom work fixture for the plastic barrel plate that lets teh springs rest in their grooves without interference. That's still a clever little trick you have though!