How to open SNES?

[flammingcowz]

I have my original SNES from when I was a kid. A couple years ago the plug where the power goes broke. I want to open it up to fix it but it looks like you need a special screwdriver to do it. So my question is, is there a bit that will open it that can be bought at a normal hardware store? I know they won't have specifically a Nintendo bit, but do they have something that would work?

[Hatta]

That's a "gamebit". You should send away for one. They're not hard to get for a few bucks.

 

I guess the traditional work around is to heat the end of a bic pen tube until it melts, jam it into the screw, and let it harden in the appropriate shape. I haven't tried it, because it sounds awful. Buy a game bit.

 

Also, there are two sizes. You want the 4.5mm size to open consoles. Get a 3.8mm to open games too.

[Metal Ghost]

Hatta's correct. I just bought both sized gamebits a couple of weeks ago. I really only needed the larger size in order to open up my reserve GameCube (door open button was sticking....still is, but better than before), but for the price I couldn't pass up buying the set. I think I got both off eBay as a set, including free shipping, for less than $8.

[Asaki]

I guess the traditional work around is to heat the end of a bic pen tube until it melts, jam it into the screw, and let it harden in the appropriate shape. I haven't tried it, because it sounds awful. Buy a game bit.

 

I tried that, it did not work. It didn't even come close to working.

 

I bought a set of game bits off eBay and they've practically paid for themselves.

[sqoon]

The 4.5 mm security bit is the one you need. Just beware because the SNES case screws are inset deep and they make a short and a long version of the security bits. The short bit needs a narrow hex adapter, or you will not reach down into the screw head.

[SRGilbert]

I guess the traditional work around is to heat the end of a bic pen tube until it melts, jam it into the screw, and let it harden in the appropriate shape. I haven't tried it, because it sounds awful. Buy a game bit.

 

I tried that, it did not work. It didn't even come close to working.

 

I bought a set of game bits off eBay and they've practically paid for themselves.

 

It absolutely works, you just need the right kind of pen. The one that works best are the clear hard plastic pens that have the little plug in the end. I did it with my very first SNES repair. That said, it's a pain in the butt, and the gamebits are really the best way to go.

[Asaki]

Yeah, that's the kind I used, Bic brand and everything. The gamebit worked without even trying, and even came with two different sizes, so I can open just about everything.

[SlowCoder]

Yep, the actual gamebit drivers are the way to go. Yes, they're cheaply made, but the set I paid $6 for has lasted me about 6-7 SNES disassemblies, and they're still working fine. Heck, that's just a little more than you'd buy a pack of BIC pens for.

[fiddlepaddle]

I got a set of game bits at Microcenter computer store, in case you have one. Only downside over the bic-pen route: you have to dip your game bits in ink if you want to write down your high score.

[MattMan]

To do the pen method, start with a CLEAR BIC PEN. So take the pen by the plastic barrel, using it as your handle and heat

the narrow end up with a lighter until it becomes very soft. It may catch fire, and if so let it burn a bit before blowing it out.

Make sure you keep the pen pointed directly up as you do not want the melted plastic to sway to the left of right,

this would make the pen not fit into the screw hole. Next, push the soft warm plastic onto the security screw hole, pushing

hard enough so the plastic forms around the shape of the screw head. Hold for a few seconds and let cool and harden. Now you have a "homemade" BIC screwdriver! You'll have to remake the screwdriver a few times, as it will wear out very quickly.

 

Edited May 24, 2012 by MattMan

[Asaki]

Yep, that's the same tutorial I used. Every time I tried to use it, the screw would strip the pen immediately.

 

IMO, not worth the effort. But to each his own.