I don’t have the means to grind one of the VB security gamebits, and I don’t have a way of modifying a flathead screwdriver either. I desperately need a way to open my VB so I can fix my glitchy left eye! Is anyone willng to send me a bit/screwdriver/whatever that can open the VB? I woul send it right back to you after I get my VB open.
Did you order that bit then? I’m still hesitant to order one of the bits online because I’ve heard:
A) They are bad quality and easily break/strip
B) They don’t fit in the VB, even though it says in the description that it will
If you have actually received the bit and you can verify that it works I will order one ASAP, otherwise I’m still looking for a solution.
Just modify a flat headed screw driver. Its easy. All you need is a metal file and the screwdriver. It took me no longer than 10 minutes to file a notch in the head.
Vaughanabe13 wrote:
What kind of screwdriver and file did you use? I haven’t been able to make a dent in my flathead with my dremel. This is just a cheap screwdriver too.
Really??? Are you using a cutoff wheel to make the notch? Before ruining a perfectly good screwdriver though, make sure it’ll fit inside the VB holes (you may want to cut off the edges if it has a taper on the sides), and that the tip is large enough to span the screw head.
Vaughanabe13 wrote:
What kind of screwdriver and file did you use? I haven’t been able to make a dent in my flathead with my dremel. This is just a cheap screwdriver too.
Really??? Are you using a cutoff wheel to make the notch? Before ruining a perfectly good screwdriver though, make sure it’ll fit inside the VB holes (you may want to cut off the edges if it has a taper on the sides), and that the tip is large enough to span the screw head.
DogP
Yep, I tried several screwdrivers until I found one that can fit all the way in the deep holes without hitting the sides and also has a wide enough tip to grab the screws. I was using a cutting wheel with my dremel but it broke fairly early and it was my last one. The grinder bits don’t do anything apparently so I’m going to pick up some more cutting wheels and see if that does it.
I found some better cutting disks and I made the modified flathead screwdriver. I was able to take out 5 of the VB screws, and that’s when I got stuck. The rest of the screws just wouldn’t budge – especially the deep ones. The ridges on the screw are almost nonexistent and they don’t line up with each other across the screw, so trying to get the modified flathead in the grooves when you can’t see the screw is almost impossible. I ended up breaking my screwdriver and having to re-cut it further up the handle. And the deep screws are even starting to strip so after 3 hours of trying I finally gave up. It’s just not going to happen with this modified screwdriver. I don’t have a drill that can drill out those deep screws either, so I still need some kind of bit solution.
I guess my next step is to order some gamebits and try to force them in the holes. I still don’t have a way of grinding down the bit so hopefully this will work…
I had some trouble with some of the screws with my modded driver, too. If you make another driver, one technique that’s worked for me is to slightly tighten the screws before loosening them. I know, it sounds weird, but it can break the friction on the screw enough that it comes right out.
Also, if you have a dremel, you have the means to modify the game-bit. Did it come with a sanding drum attachment? Most of them do and if not, you can pick one up at walmart, or someplace. The grit they use is the same stuff in the cutting disks, so it should be able to take off the “shoulder” of the game-bit enough to make it fit.
Yep, that’s exactly what I’m going to try next. I ordered a gamebit in each size and I’ll try to grind it smooth.
This isn’t a huge deal right now because my VB display is not permanently damaged yet, but I can tell it is getting worse. Plus I’m an electronics geek and I’m excited to open up the VB and take a look around. I’ve seen pictures/videos of it but it’s still more fun getting your hands on it. 😀
Not that it really helps your screw problem as I’m in the UK but my tamper proof screwdriver just turned up here at work, RS code 444-7891, thanks to dasi for posting the info back along. Have to wait til i get home to give it a go, but looks good with not much shoulder if i need to get any ground off. 😀
I got the bit last night. It was long enough for all but the 4 deepest screws. And when I tried to shove it into the deep holes it got caught on the hex end. So I grinded down half of the hex end with the dremel and eventually I got it to fit without having to make a slot in the end of the bit. So I can use it with my hex screwdriver and I got all the screws out of the VB.
So yeah, I can recommend the bit posted earlier in this thread, but you WILL have to grind down the end a little bit.
Also, the advice about tightening the screws before loosening them was brilliant! I was able to tighten them slightly until I heard a “crack” and then easily unscrew each one. Otherwise it was very hard to unscrew them.
That is the one. The 4.5 security key fits the system screws, but it is too large for the game cartridge screws. So when I ordered I bought one of the 4.5 bits and also one of the 3.8 bits for cartridges.
To give you an idea of the size of the 4.5 bit, it sticks out roughly 1 inch from the deep holes of the VB (after a small amount of grinding, as mentioned above).
I really don’t know anything about the counter version, but if it has the same screws as the regular VB and holes no deeper than 3 inches or so it should work.
That is the one. The 4.5 security key fits the system screws, but it is too large for the game cartridge screws. So when I ordered I bought one of the 4.5 bits and also one of the 3.8 bits for cartridges.
To give you an idea of the size of the 4.5 bit, it sticks out roughly 1 inch from the deep holes of the VB (after a small amount of grinding, as mentioned above).
And now I can fix my front loading NES as well, assuming the 72 pin connector is what the problem is. Regardless, it’s the cheapest price for it on ebay, when factoring in the average price of the bit.
