SNES Model 2 Tab Removal for Import Titles

[Lazer]

I used pliers on my SNES. Works great.

You mean you just grabbed the tab with pliers and worked it back and forth? I tried the same thing and they didn't seem to budge. How long did it take you?

[Ziggy]

You can break them off with pliers easily, but they don't come off cleanly.

[Lazer]

You can break them off with pliers easily, but they don't come off cleanly.

Easily?

[Ziggy]

Are we talking about the same little plastic tabs? Yes, easily. Grab hold of them with pliers and jerk back and forth and yank them right out. They'll pretty much snap out. But like I said, they don't seem to come off cleanly this way. I would yank a good portion of them out with pliers then use a wood chisel to cleanly remove the rest of them.

[Lazer]

Well I'm talking about a model 1 SNES and when I tried wiggling them off with pliers they didn't budge. Are you talking about a model 2? Maybe I just need to try harder.

[Lazer]

Ha! I just got them off EASILY. You were right. I was just scared of breaking my console before. Thanks! Of course now I'm in the same situation as the OP as there is still a small bit of tab sticking up. Let me know how it goes with Chrono Trigger.

[Hobie-wan]

The problem with gamebit screws is they are SUPER fragile.

Don't forget too that the security bits are usually really shitty as well. My 3.8mm bit is off centered, making it sometimes difficult to remove screws from game paks (I swear, some of the cavities for the screws are smaller on some games paks than others). My 4.5mm bit is centered, but it doesn't fit around the entire screw, it will only sit on top of it, making it very hard to remove screws. A lot of downward pressure is the only way.

I've got one of those Zoozen kits, and quite frankly, the bits are shitty...

Man, you guys need to buy better bits. I've never stripped a security screw, not even ones that someone previously used needle nose pliers on. And yes, that Zoozen set is cheap and the line nut bits are complete garbage.

Here's a comparison between good bits (top) and the silver turds from the Zoozen kit (bottom).



I've had the good bits for about 7 years and use them all the time. The crappy ones looked like that when I got them and have been used only a few times.

[elmagicochrisg]

good bits

Woot!... bookmarked for future purchase... ^^

[KoLAddict]

Thanks all. I need to look for a chisel I think. I still have some pieces at the bottom. If it works I won't bother though, I'll never get rid of the SNES unless it completely dies and I need to buy another.

I just got my CT today so I'll post back later tonight and let ya know if I got it working with just the pliers.

The pieces of plastic are tough (or it's just because I'm like 95% fat with no muscles, lol) but working it back and forth made them loose enough to pull up on. Course I also did this without taking the case off because I couldn't get the screws out.

EDIT: I got it working. There's actually a little bit of plastic left on both sides, but Chrono Trigger loads up. Doesn't seem like it's down all the way, but when I insert it I can feel it go in, just feels like it should be able to go further in. But no complaints, I'm guessing that has to do with the Super Famicom title's size difference.

As a side note, anyone have a good idea for cases for Super Famicom games? An SNES dust cover will work, but since the titles aren't as bulky there's more room on the sides then I care for. Did Super Famicom titles ever have dust covers?

[beatnix]

I found my way into vintage game repairs through nintendorepairshop.com

They have good quality reapair parts and tools as well as really nice guides with pictures for making repairs. I've had the same set of bits for over two years and have had no problems with them.