NES screwdriver

[The MilkMan]

You know, the bolts that hold carts together. I need to find a tool that unscrews those little guys. Thought I'd read somewhere here what you guys were using if you don't have one of those nifty little devices.

I picked up a NES toaster style console too, and it has those same damn screws. I want to tear it apart to clean it.

Can you even find that type of screwdriver at a local hardware shop?

Even a link to another thread will do.

[bust3dstr8]

Search for 4.5mm gamebit and 3.8mm gamebit.

4.5 for console

3.8 for cart

[thomasholzer]

try Songbird, he's selling the whole set, $25.00

[Video]

The 3.8 and 4.5 mm security bit is what you want. The small one is for carts, and the big one is for systems..(or sega carts IIRC ) You can get them about $5 a pop on Ebay, though some (better) local hardware stores, or electronic stores will have them too. Don't know the cost, I've seen them anywhere from $1 to $10 apiece.

[Jubal]

how about that 3 prong one for gameboy stuff, what is that one called?

 

thanks!

 

-Jubal-

[shadow460]

The Game Boy bit is called a Tri Wing. You can open the Game Boy itself with the smallest or second smallest tool in one of those blue/clear pocket screwdriver sets. Once you get it open, toss the tri wing screws and get real ones.

 

As for the game bits, I've been told that you can shape a common Bic pen around them. I'm told all you have to do is heat the plastic end of the pen opposite the ball, then press it onto the screw head. Once you remove the screw from the pen, the pen is supposed to retain that shape. Personally, I pull 'em with a pair of nail cutters, but that does not always work.

[JB]

I never got the pen trick to work.

 

 

And you don't need a game bit to open the NES. It's assembled with standard philips screws. Only the carts need a security head.

[Prodos8]

There called "linesman" bits and the sizes are 3.8mm and 4.5mm for carts and systems.

 

I've heard that you can find them in the local hardware stores, but I've never had any luck in my area. And I live in a large metro area. I picked up a set from an Ebayer for around $7.50 shipped. They're real cheap and the metal is soft. So you have to be carful with'em.

 

Another thing, the 4.5mm bit for systems is too short for taking apart an snes console if its fully seated in the driver handle. I had to insert a couple of bb's into the driver socket so it wouldn't go in all the way to make it work for me.

 

The bic pen thing never worked for me, maybe I used the wrong pen cap.

[Video]

There called "linesman" bits and the sizes are 3.8mm and 4.5mm for carts and systems.

 

I've heard that you can find them in the local hardware stores, but I've never had any luck in my area. And I live in a large metro area. I picked up a set from an Ebayer for around $7.50 shipped. They're real cheap and the metal is soft. So you have to be carful with'em.

 

Another thing, the 4.5mm bit for systems is too short for taking apart an snes console if its fully seated in the driver handle. I had to insert a couple of bb's into the driver socket so it wouldn't go in all the way to make it work for me.

 

The bic pen thing never worked for me, maybe I used the wrong pen cap.

 

Cool, I always heard them called security bits. Knowing the actual name may make it a LOT easier to find in local stores. And yeah, the Ebay ones are cheap (made, and price wise, though watch shipping) Cool hint on the SNES too. I ran into that problem, luckily I had an extra extender I just shaved down the outside (it was slightly to big, convienantly)

 

As for Bic, I've never thought that would work, so never tried it. Just don't think a melted plastic pen would have enough grip to turn a metal screw, unless it was already loose.

[game_bits]

I would not pay more than $2.99 for each gamebit or security tool. This is the lowest price I have found on the net and the quality is absolutely stunning compared to others I have purchased in the past. Here are some direct links to help you out.

 

3.8mm Gamebit Security tool

http://newelectronx.com/proddetail.php?prod=gamebit_3.8mm

 

4.5mm Gamebit Security Tool

http://newelectronx.com/proddetail.php?prod=gamebit_4.5mm

 

Hope this helps!

[Bruce Tomlin]

You can also get them from MCM Electronics, where they are listed as "Gamebit". Search for the thread and you will find links.

 

MCM porks you for small orders, but if you can deal with ordering ten or so bits and selling the extras for a profit, they're a good source.

 

I've noticed that tri-wing bits are in "good" bit sets, so I need to look for one.

 

And the one type of security bit that hasn't been mentioned is the triangle bit used on small toys. Just use an allen wrench for those. A hexagonal peg fits quite well in a triangular hole.

[marcfrick2112]

Hey, some info I hope helps: I got my Gamebits from National Console Support, I think about $3.50 each bit, but very reliable....just google for them I can't remember thier websites right now They also sell a small tri-wing screwdriver that is fine for GBA and for GameCube memory cards...

If you need a 'full' set of security bits to open, e.g. odd Genesis carts, Nintendo Zappers, etc. I recommend trying www.allelectronics.com , last I checked they had two sets of security bits, tri-wing, quad-wing (like a Phillips bit made by a drunk person Torx and Hex with and without center post, etc. Some of these are too big for video game use, so for my GBA, I just used the trusty Dremel tool to grind down the smaller tri-wing bit to the right size...of course, now I have the 'real' GBA/GC tri-wing screwdriver from NCS, .....

 

I like the gamebits from NCS, they are long enough to handle most situations,....tho' at least once, I had to put just the bit onto the screw, and unscrew with a ViseGrip, as the handle I use for the bit didn't cut it..........

 

Just my 2 screws,...erm, 2 cents......