Anybody know where to get these?

[2600Lives]

What I'm looking for are the screwdriver bits that open SNES, NES, and Genesis carts (and the like). The game store I used to work at has some, but they won't tell me where exactly they got them (he just says "A Distributor"). Anybody know of someplace online you can get these? My SNES Arcana game has something rattling around inside, and I wanna know what it is! (and several other of my older games have stuff rattling inside them, too). Thanks in advance.

[Rik]

The rattle inside is more than likely a broken piece of plastic stub or pin or bracing,or even a loose board for that matter,a few of my carts did that and after opening them thats what it was.Most carts are glued together and the risk of cracking the casing isnt worth it.But if you have screws,it isnt too hard to make a tool head that would work,just a little engineering,and im sure you can figure one out!Not to insult you're knowledge,you have quite a few posts under your belt,thats the best answer i can think of,good luck.

Edited June 9, 2007 by Rik

[2600Lives]

Oh, no, this isn't something I can do myself. I'm a total idiot at these kinds of things. I'd more than likely end up breaking whatever it is I was trying to do. Electronics baffle me anyway, plus I have that irrational fear of screwing something up if I fiddle with it. I know these bits exist, I've used them before to open NES and SNES cases (and those aren't glued together, they come apart easily IF you have the correct bit).

[shadow460]

Electronic stuff is simple:

See that big metallic cylinder? That's called a starter cap. You wet your fingers and touch the electrodes on it, and it will give you a jump start.

 

It couldn't be any easier!

 

BTW, I've never seen a cart that was glued together. Some have plastic tabs on the inside holding them together, but out of all my systems, the only ones that were glued were the Supervision games.

Not even the RAM cart for my Saturn is glued together.

Edited June 9, 2007 by shadow460

[Scumdogg]

I got a nice little kit that included the bits necessary to disassemble pretty much any video game, but it was purchased at Lik-Sang, which no longer exists. I think they still turn up on Ebay though.

[edweird13]

I got a Tri-Wing #0 off of ebay to fix my sons GBA. I think what your looking for is a Torx security bit 3.5MM.

[Bill Brasky]

They're just called security bits/screwdrivers. You should be able to get them at any well equipped tool store or online. Nintendo/video game stores have no monopoly on them.

[Prodos8]

You need a 3.8mm & a 4.5mm game bit to open NES carts, SEGA carts, Nintendo Consoles. I got both from a seller on ebay, Hot_toddie69, for around $10 shipped. Looked under his ID though and he didn't currenlly have any for sale. Do a search for gamebits on ebay and you'll find some.

[2600Lives]

Sweet, I'll look into it. I've been to EVERY tool store/home store in town, and zip. Most of the employees looked at me like I'd asked them for a flux capacitor or a pound of plutonium when I asked about security bits. Another reason I want these is to replace the batteries in some of the older games, as they usually only have a shelf life of about 5-7 years.

Edited June 9, 2007 by 2600Lives

[Rik]

Electronic stuff is simple:

See that big metallic cylinder? That's called a starter cap. You wet your fingers and touch the electrodes on it, and it will give you a jump start.

 

It couldn't be any easier!

 

BTW, I've never seen a cart that was glued together. Some have plastic tabs on the inside holding them together, but out of all my systems, the only ones that were glued were the Supervision games.

Not even the RAM cart for my Saturn is glued together.

Yeah,you're right about cartridges not "GLUED"together, the ones where ive cracked the casing in the process of opening them up were,as i was also once curious of the source of rattling in game cartridges, the ones ive come across were indeed glued.I think the reason for that is some carts start to get loose at the sides over the years and start to open up,so the owner glued the sides shut,like ive done myself,not too smart,if someones not tech savvy.But for me,it doesnt matter,i have no intention of re-opening a glued cart.However one still has to be carefull opening a cart,some of those snap joints are stronger than the casing itself,and can easily destroy the casing if you pry too hard,no big deal for a common game,but for an ultra rare game....NOT GOOD!

Edited June 9, 2007 by Rik

[KrazyKaiju]

If you don't want to use eBay, the ZTNet Store has them.

Here's the 3.8mm bit for opening cartridges:

http://www.ztnetstore.com/product_info.php...1ef437c0f3f2302

 

Here's the 4.5mm bit to open the consoles:

http://www.ztnetstore.com/product_info.php...71da12207fb21bf

 

And here's a tri-wing screwdriver to open the DS and the Wii:

http://www.ztnetstore.com/product_info.php...71da12207fb21bf

 

You'll still need a socketed screwdriver to use the bits, but you can find these anywhere. I got mine at the dollar store.

[snorlaxnut]

The 4.5mm and 3.8mm bits are cheaper here (first two on page):

 

http://www.mcminone.com/search.asp?keyword=security+bit

[2600Lives]

I've already got a socketed screwdriver (came in a kit of computer tools that was a gift, since I'd NEVER even think of using them on my computer). Thanks for the info, all.