Opening up an SNES

YellowGameboyColorYellowGameboyColor
in Help Wanted!
Okay, for some reason I am having a ton of trouble trying to open up my SNES to clean. I bought one of those special bits from videogamemuseum on ebay, and the screws aren't budging. Do you think the screws are on that tight, or is this tool not working? Does anyone know of another way to open it up? This is frustrating.

Comments

  • LasermanLaserman
    Get a screwdriver that takes bits and try using that. I have had a few that seem really tight and you can get a better grip and a lot more torque with a longer handle.
  • IpsylosIpsylos
    Yea, use a good screwdriver with a bit slot. For me, I have one hand on the front and i have the screwdriver in one of the slots and I just push towards the screwdriver and turn hard but slowly, make sure that the screw is in the bit, sometimes it's a bit tricky.
  • zigzagzarfzigzagzarf
    screws are tight...do you have the bit in a screwdriver or just using your hand?
  • YellowGameboyColorYellowGameboyColor
    I guess I wasted $5 on this piece of sh*t. Sigh, and my hand hurts like hell. Thanks guys. Where can I find a screwdriver like this?
  • YellowGameboyColorYellowGameboyColor

    Originally posted by: zigzagzarf



    screws are tight...do you have the bit in a screwdriver or just using your hand?



    Hand
  • LasermanLaserman
    If you don't have a bit screwdriver you can use a pair of vise grips. Lock the jaws onto the bit and use it like a ratchet.and socket.
  • GuntzGuntz
    One method I suggest for breaking the virgin screws in a SNES, is to use a typical security bit, but also use a pair of pliers (not needlenose). The idea is you push down on the security bit and use the pair of pliers to give you that extra leverage you need to snap the screws. I've done that to quite a wonderful effect on all my SNES systems.
  • YellowGameboyColorYellowGameboyColor
    Okay, thanks guys, I'll try to find some pliers. This has been bugging me for so long!
  • IpsylosIpsylos
    If those don't work, any standard screwdriver that can hold standard sized bits will work fine, they usually come with a screwdriver set. They're the only ones that don't already have something at the end. Usually have a thicker neck as well.
  • K.ThrowerK.Thrower
    It would be a feat to apply the torque necessary to break those screws loose without a driver!



    I have a craftsman bit driver that you could pickup at any Sears store, but any hardware store should also carry a hex bit screwdriver, that's all you need. Your hands will be happy
  • zigzagzarfzigzagzarf
    they got bit screwdrivers all over the place...walmart sells them for like 9 bucks with a set of regular tips....i been using a cheap ass one i got at a walgreens drug store after fathers day for 3 bucks...so pretty easy to find cheap
  • zigzagzarfzigzagzarf
    here http://www.walmart.com/ip/Trademark-Global-Three-Way-Reversible-Ratchet-Screwdriver/19676606 thats awesome for the price
  • Holy-SNESHoly-SNES
    We're having a discussion on how to undo screws? Are we serious?

    It's not rocket science...
  • RedivivusRedivivus

    Originally posted by: Holy-SNES



    We're having a discussion on how to undo screws? Are we serious?

    It's not rocket science...



    I remember a very similar thread about this very same subject a year ago or so. It seemed to turn south as well, with members who couldn't believe the OP was too weak to operate a screwdriver. I will be damned if I can find it now.


  • Holy-SNESHoly-SNES

    Originally posted by: Redivivus




    Originally posted by: Holy-SNES



    We're having a discussion on how to undo screws? Are we serious?

    It's not rocket science...



    I remember a very similar thread about this very same subject a year ago or so. It seemed to turn south as well, with members who couldn't believe the OP was too weak to operate a screwdriver. I will be damned if I can find it now.

     



    I believe this is the thread...

    http://www.nintendoage.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=8&threadid=66369



    I'm not meaning to bring this south, I'm just saying, the OP is trying to undo screws (which have been locked in tight since factory mind you) with a security bit that sticks out no more then an inch and has very light grip, with his hands and he is wondering why they're not turning...

    C'mon guy's, common sense here.
  • Boosted52405Boosted52405
    Yep, just go get a $2 bit screwdriver and you will be fine. That's why the bit is shaped that way on the opposite end .
  • RedivivusRedivivus

    Originally posted by: Holy-SNES




    Originally posted by: Redivivus




    Originally posted by: Holy-SNES



    We're having a discussion on how to undo screws? Are we serious?

    It's not rocket science...



    I remember a very similar thread about this very same subject a year ago or so. It seemed to turn south as well, with members who couldn't believe the OP was too weak to operate a screwdriver. I will be damned if I can find it now.

     



    I believe this is the thread...

    http://www.nintendoage.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=...



    I'm not meaning to bring this south, I'm just saying, the OP is trying to undo screws (which have been locked in tight since factory mind you) with a security bit that sticks out no more then an inch and has very light grip, with his hands and he is wondering why they're not turning...

    C'mon guy's, common sense here.





    Being an Austrailian, you by default brought the topic South (haha see what I did there? *crickets chirping*)  Yes, that was the thread. 
  • Kosmic StarDustKosmic StarDust
    http://www.nintendoage.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=8&threadid=66369



    Man, and I screw in wood screws without any power tools... Once, I was screwing a long 2" screw into some hard wood, by hand, with a Phillips screwdriver. I did drill a tiny start hole prior, but when the screw was almost all the way in, I torqued the damn screw head off simply by twisting on the screwdriver with my large man-hands. I do have a cheap AC handheld drill, and man, the torque on a corded drill is tons stronger than even the best NiCd cordless models! My primary use is for drilling holes, but I never use it on screws because it lacks a torque limiter, so I just do screws by hand. Screwing into solid wood with a screwdriver will grow callouses on your hands very quickly. But even I have extreme difficulty twisting a 1/4" hex bit with my bare hands. If you do get a bit screwdriver, make sure it uses the shallow single-end bit and not the deeper double-enders that are often found in sets. The double-ender holes are way too deep for most bits. Also, a lot of bit screwdrivers contain a storage chamber where you can store bits inside the handle. That is very useful so you don't lose the bits. Also, there are two variants of the bits floating about. There are good silver-colored stainless steel bits which you want, and crappy black carbon steel bits which are terrible. Remember some stores often use stock photos, so before you order bits online, shoot an email to the seller to make sure the bits are of the good silver variety.
Sign In or Register to comment.