11 replies to this topic

[SlowCoder]

I was wondering if anyone here has this toolkit?
eBay Auction -- Item Number: 220862892163

I am interested in getting a fair quality security tool set, mostly for use with my gaming systems. Nintendo consoles being the main need. This kit seems to have the tri-wing bits that are needed to work with GameCube and Wii systems, along with other bits I'd find useful.

What I can't tell is if this kit has the needed Super Nintendo bits (3.8 and 4.5mm security bits), because I don't know the real name of the bits, and the pictures don't show enough detail.

Opinions and alternate options are requested.

[Seob]

Looks like a kit i bought here in the netherlands. There are triwing bits in there, but no 3.8 and 4.5 mm security bits. I ordered those loose off ebay.

[thegamezmaster]

Too bad they don't list what system's they'll work with.

[SlowCoder]

thegamezmaster, on Mon Jan 30, 2012 2:51 PM, said:

Too bad they don't list what system's they'll work with.

I've seen many of the security screws types on random things, not necessarily game related, over my life. The only ones I've seen on a game machine are the tri-wing for GameCube, and the "security bit" for the N64 and Wii. I wish I knew the name of the "security bit" so I could look for it more effectively. I know it's used on things besides game systems.

[thegoldenband]

They're often called "Gamebits" of 3.8mm and 4.5mm size, but iFixit says they're actually a "3.6mm Line Head Screw" or "4.6mm Line Head Screw", respectively.

Unfortunately they want $24.95 each for their Gamebits Line Head Screw screwdrivers. Having said that, I bought a cheapie Gamebit from Trade-N-Games a while back that didn't work at all -- I couldn't open a single Genesis cart with it -- so maybe it's worth going for something higher-end.

[fiddlepaddle]

I spent some time looking for a set of security bits, and found several, but only one set that contained the game bits (4.5) for Sega carts and (3. for NES/SNES/N64, which was at Microcenter (a "computer" store that carries other consumer electronics).  Quality was OK.  They also sold an individual 4.5 bit, 3.8 bit, and tri-wing screwdriver (for the later Nintendo stuff) for under $5 each.  I know you can find them online for that price or less, but can't speak for the quality.  I've also seen these bits for sale at a couple of game stores here and there, but never at a hardware store.  You should be able to get really good quality for less than ten bucks per bit; more than that and you're getting ripped off, in my opinion...................................................................... edit !!! FRIGGIN' EMOTICONS !!!  I Hate 'em.  Cant even enter 3.8 with a paren !!!

Edited by fiddlepaddle, Mon Jan 30, 2012 9:16 PM.

[RARusk]

The Pro's Kit 30 in 1 Video Game Screwdriver Set (SD-9313) is what you should be looking for. I got one and it is clearly worth the $30 I paid for it.

[fiddlepaddle]

RARusk, on Mon Jan 30, 2012 10:49 PM, said:

The Pro's Kit 30 in 1 Video Game Screwdriver Set (SD-9313) is what you should be looking for. I got one and it is clearly worth the $30 I paid for it.

I got that, and it does have the two essential game bits, and three tri-wing bits, but I found it doesn't fit when the screw is recessed (like on the Virtual Boy) because the extender sleeve that holds the bits is too big. I haven't found a use for anything else it contains, and my regular tri-wing screwdriver fits in the recessed areas also. If I had it to do over, I'd just buy the two game bits and a tri-wing screwdriver for less than half the price.

[A_Locomotive]

I just use a cheap 4.5 and 3.8 for when I need to open stuff up. The cheap ones seem to be all over the place when it comes to durability, I read reviews from people who bought them saying they stripped and were useless after only one use. Mine are holding up great and I've used them many times.

[dendawg]

fiddlepaddle, on Tue Jan 31, 2012 7:25 PM, said:

I got that, and it does have the two essential game bits, and three tri-wing bits, but I found it doesn't fit when the screw is recessed (like on the Virtual Boy) because the extender sleeve that holds the bits is too big.

One solution to that would be to dremel a slot in the bit, and use a flathead screwdriver.

[SlowCoder]

thegoldenband, on Mon Jan 30, 2012 6:52 PM, said:

They're often called "Gamebits" of 3.8mm and 4.5mm size, but iFixit says they're actually a "3.6mm Line Head Screw" or "4.6mm Line Head Screw", respectively.

Yes, I've heard them called GameBits. Thank you for the more appropriate name.

The set of GameBits I have are cheapies, too. They look it. But I haven't had them strip on me, and I've opened plenty of systems with them.

[guy767]

Most game bits on Ebay are of poor to borderline acceptable quality IMO. I bought a pair of 3.8mm and 4.5mm bits on eBay from a seller who's name I can’t recall (I remember he had a squirrel holding a nut as an avatar though) and they barely work.

I retuned them once thinking that the first pair was defective but the replacement is just as crappy. Needless to say that I too am still looking for a quality pair of game bits...