Desparate for a single key on left side of keyboard that serves as DELETE

Question

I am running a MacBook Pro on 10.5.8 using Microsoft Word 2008. My right arm has aching tendonitis and enabling my left hand to delete stuff would help a ton.
Thus, I desparately need a single-key (not function+key or command+key) that DELETES letters or words in Word, that sits on the far side of the keyboard. I'd give up fn, or `, or even capslock. **** even tab!
I've tried DoubleCommand. It will remap delete onto the CapsLock key but then only deletes a character every other key press (apparently only works when capslock turns ON). This *****.
KeyRemap4MacBook says it will remap ` to DELETE but that simply does not work in Word. It can also remap fn to Command_L but that also doesn't work (yes, I assigned Command_L to DeleteWord in Word's keyboard shortcuts).
I am desparate to keep writing and save my right arm's tendons! Please help!!
Thanks.

Answer 1

You should be able to reassign one of the F1~ series keys via the
Keyboard and Mouse system preference panel; or maybe if not in
there, see the Univeral Access; you may be able to also use an
option by the name of Mouse Keys.
There also may be some other possibility, since there are folks
out there who have used two mice; and other set-ups. Even a
few who have used their feet to control their computers.
A way to use a Script (automator) to create a means to select/delete
words would be one consideration; however it may launch improperly.
• Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1343
(Control - D and Control - H: delete before & after Cursor)
• How to turn Sticky Keys and Mouse Keys on or off:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.5/en/8565.html
The DoubleCommand app supposedly has a way to make the Caps Lock
button work as a Delete key, according to reader posts on this topic who
had been using a MacBook computer and needed a left-side Delete key.
{An issue exists in assigning a key to do a different function, when some
other Application needs that key, as-is (or as-was) to perform tasks in it.}
However, the native means of re-assigning a key function in Sys Pref>
Keyboard & Mouse panel, or some workaround in Universal Access
may be something you can customize or use directly.
The topic has been discussed in these user boards before your post:
http://discussions.info.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=11668747
While I haven't really looked into this, there should be more than a few
ways of making a left-side Delete key out of some other key, in the OS.
Perhaps someone with more key assigning experience has better ideas?
Good luck & happy computing!