Senior Engineer Skipp Millett has a problem with the F1 key while working in AutoCAD: He doesn't like to accidentally press it when he's reaching for the Escape key.

"The following is a 'hardware tip' I have been using for about five years now. As most CAD users know, hitting the Escape button just once is never enough; we must hit it at least three times! I used to mistype when trying to press Escape and end up pressing F1 instead, which we all know launches the Help menu, and can really slow users down. I have been told there is a method for adjusting program files and disabling this feature, but it becomes something of a pain having to do this with every new AutoCAD release and all other versions of CAD, so I simply install a paperclip under the F1 button instead."

Notes from Cadalyst Tip Patrol: Have you solved the F1 issue with a "hardware solution" like Skipp did in this tip? If you have, take a picture of your fix and upload it using the Add Comment link below (don't forget to sign in first) or send it to us directly. Did you use duct tape? Or maybe you removed the F1 key altogether? We'd like to see your creative solution.

If you'd rather use a software solution to this annoying problem, check out this classic tip from Leonid Nemirovsky that he sent to us in July 2009. It shows how to reprogram all keyboard shortcuts, including the F1 key! If you are using a version of AutoCAD that predates the CUI (AutoCAD 2005 and older), here is a tip from Lynn Allen's blog.