Source for proper Virtual Boy security bit?

[Jasonbar]

Howdy-

I need to fix my Virtual Boy. I've fixed one in the past, but it required going rogue & drilling out the screw holes until my standard video game bit would sink deep enough in the hole to engage the screw heads.

Does anybody have a source for a security bit (or a whole driver) that they know will work on the Virtual Boy system? I've searched around a bit & have found several that claim that they will work on a VB cart but only vaguely suggest that they'll work on the VB system.

Thanks!
-Jason

[Jasonbar]

Ack, some further searching led to this thread: http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=136424

I've just placed my order for a 3.8mm & 4.5mm bit (4.5mm needed for VB) here: http://www.newelectronx.com/proddetail.php?prod=gamebit

$4.99 each + free shipping. Not too bad. The cheap bit set I got on eBay some time ago never seemed to fit well--I had to apply a lot of axial force on my driver to keep the bit from slipping on the screw heads--perhaps these bits are made a bit better...we'll see...

I'll report back after receiving & trying the bits.

Thanks,
-Jason

[izarate]

I haven't found a single gamebit that would work on the Virtual Boy, even if the seller claims that it does. Most 4.5mm gamebits have 6cm of length which is insufficient as there are 4 screws on the VB that are placed deeper than that.

If those you ordered do work please let us know.

[Gameguy]

There's only one site that I know of that sells dedicated drivers for those security bits, and they're a bit expensive.

http://www.nintendorepairhut.com/repairsupplies/Frame-12-snesrepairsuppliespage12.html?refresh=126331937766 5

Scroll down the page and you'll see them available for both sizes. I haven't used them so I can't comment on the quality, and I don't know if they're long enough for the Virtual Boy.

Here's a handy chart which shows which sizes are used for which systems.

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/8573/gamebit.jpg

[Jasonbar]

Alas, Nex's bit does not work on the deep Virtual Boy holes. It's longer than the cheap bit I got off eBay, but it still needs to be considerably longer. I contacted Nex & they asked for details that they can use to improve the product--hopefully they'll listen & update it accordingly.

The story (with accompanying pictures):

1 - Nex 4.5mm Gamebit works great on VB shall holes.

2 - Bit's hex shank interferes w/ bore on deep holes before it can engage w/ screw head.

3 - Business end of bit is about .800" long. ("Business end" = portion with circular outer shape, not hex shank engaged by bit driver)

4 - I dropped the largest diameter drill bit into the hole that would bottom out on the screw head & not bind against the hole wall. I marked the depth of penetration.

5 - I measured the penetration depth at about 1.380".

6 - The largest drill bit that bottoms out on the screw head is a 1/4" drill bit (amateur Photoshop work to make "1/4" more legible).


So, Nex needs to lengthen the business end of the 4.5mm Gamebit to be a little longer than 1.380" (because the 1/4" drill bit bottomed out on the *top* of the screw head, while the Gamebit will engage the screw head & sink a little deeper. 1.500" should be good enough, but 1.625" would be a little more comfortable.


Thanks,
-Jason

[Jasonbar]

Limit of 5 pics per post. Here's the 6th pic...

[izarate]

Well, that's a bummer. I guess a dedicated screwdriver like the one Gameguy linked would be the only option for removing those deep VB screws. :?

[MASTERWEEDO]

Just shave down the outside of the carts.....

[kedawa]

My friend used to have Gamebit screwdrivers for modding Gamecubes because those bits were so impractical.
If he still has them, I'll see if I can find out who the manufacturer is.

[TheDomesticInstitution]

Buy a gamebit and smooth out the sides with a grinder or dremel of some sort. Then you won't damage the VB. It's pretty simple really.


Oops, I just figured out the OP solved the issue, but for future surfers who come across this thread, it's another alternative.

[Jasonbar]

Finally found time to grind the heck out of my old 4.5mm bit & slotted the end so that it drops nicely in those deep VB holes. Fixed my left eye image. Reassembled the system with normal Philips screws for easy service the next time a screen poops out on me.

As for Nex, they fumbled the conversation between me & them regarding fixing their design or updating their website. After I sent them the info as shown in my 6/1/10 post above, they never got back to me. Hopefully, they're working on it... The website still claims that their bit opens a VBoy console...

-Jason