Has anyone successfully casted molds for security bits?

[needler420]

I recently got a N64 from a flea market for $6 dollars with the power cord. The reset button was jammed down and I didn't realize it in till driving home.

Any way not wanting to spend the $8-$10 bucks for the pair of bits to use one time I started thinking. I remember people casting molds for screws on something gaming related or something else online I can't remember. I had few dozen old pens that were dried up and no good so I took the skinny ends and melted them down over top of the security bits.

It took me like twenty minutes to get a cast good enough to take out the first 2 screws then my cast got messed up. I made another cast which came out much better and got the remaining four security bits out in about five to ten minutes.

Somehow it did zero cosmetic damage to the N64. There was a small nic on the N64 when I got it and I made a tiny mark when I tried putting needle nose pliers into the security bit hole. The mark is very small that it's literally a joke.

I just got done doing a cast for the smaller security buts to clean the jumper pack which is the same size as the game carts. This time it took me about 30 minutes to get a cast good enough to take the two screws out.


Now I just replace them with Philips screws and I'm good to go. It takes a little extra time and effort but I think it was better then buying the bits to use one time and who knows when again.

Not to mention buying the bits didn't guarantee me I'd get the system to work.

If I had a tripod I would do a video. It's too hard to work one handed with a tablet recording.

[bigbacon]

i swear I got one of those bits off ebay for like 3 dollars shipped.

[theclaw]

At least now you'll be able to unscrew the blocker piece when you want to play Japanese games.

[needler420]

i swear I got one of those bits off ebay for like 3 dollars shipped.


I have no paypal/ebay account.


On amazon it's like $10 shipped. Or $6 for the one bit with a qualifying $25 dollar order for FSSS.


Either way it cost me nothing but about one hour of time.

[wiggyx]

I recently got a N64 from a flea market for $6 dollars with the power cord. The reset button was jammed down and I didn't realize it in till driving home.

Any way not wanting to spend the $8-$10 bucks for the pair of bits to use one time I started thinking. I remember people casting molds for screws on something gaming related or something else online I can't remember. I had few dozen old pens that were dried up and no good so I took the skinny ends and melted them down over top of the security bits.

It took me like twenty minutes to get a cast good enough to take out the first 2 screws then my cast got messed up. I made another cast which came out much better and got the remaining four security bits out in about five to ten minutes.

Somehow it did zero cosmetic damage to the N64. There was a small nic on the N64 when I got it and I made a tiny mark when I tried putting needle nose pliers into the security bit hole. The mark is very small that it's literally a joke.

I just got done doing a cast for the smaller security buts to clean the jumper pack which is the same size as the game carts. This time it took me about 30 minutes to get a cast good enough to take the two screws out.


Now I just replace them with Philips screws and I'm good to go. It takes a little extra time and effort but I think it was better then buying the bits to use one time and who knows when again.

Not to mention buying the bits didn't guarantee me I'd get the system to work.

If I had a tripod I would do a video. It's too hard to work one handed with a tablet recording.


Personally, my time is worth way more than that. They would have paid for themselves with that first use ($14 N64 is still a good enough deal). Not to mention that you can use them over and over again.

[needler420]

Personally, my time is worth way more than that. They would have paid for themselves with that first use ($14 N64 is still a good enough deal). Not to mention that you can use them over and over again.



It would have been nicer to get the cast done faster and not fidget with it so much but based on the fact how often I would have used the bits I think I broke even at the very least. I'm also not comparing the time I spent to what I can make an hour or salary lol. It took me 35-45 minutes while sitting on a chair on my porch listening to music.

If anything I'm in major surplus because between my knowledge on opening more systems lately I may just buy the bits to start messing with more broken systems and stuff like that. I do know a little soldering as well so I may look into bigger projects one day. I also see a market for broken systems and Frankenstein's.

For now I have nothing else that I need the bits for anyway. Next time we'll see.

[XYXZYZ]

I've gotten screws out of SNES cartridges before with a pair of needle nose pliers. It took a long time and was quite frustrating.

[bigbacon]

honestly, just pay the 10 bucks....it isn't a lot of money and it isn't like you can't keep and reuse it for an eternity.

[needler420]

Well you guys convinced me get the bits. Turns out I do have a game with a dead battery and one more system that needs to be opened and fixed.

Can anyone link me to where you buy the CR2032 battery adapters for NES/SNES/64.

[Loganm187]

STOP. Don't buy those cheap bits! You can get every game bit you would ever need for 18 bucks shipped! Steel and won't ever strip! I bought this kit after wasting money on individual bits and felt like an idiot on all the money i wasted. I have opened over 2000 games with these bits with no problems. http://www.newelectronx.com/proddetail.php?prod=security-screwdriver-bit-set-103

[plasticMan]

casting the right mold, is probably not worth it when you can find the real thing almost anywhere...
The average sweatshop worker from a third world country makes peanuts, but they still honor the value of time - and wouldn't hesitate to buy the basic tool necessary to do the job right.
not absolutely sure if they'd be able to afford it on their salary though. haha
i'm not knocking you, but this bic pen trick has already been heavenly documented on the web.
it's been around since the dawn of time.
i just U-tube a crap load of 'em for fun to see if i was writing actual facts or blowing smoke up your arse..

[needler420]

casting the right mold, is probably not worth it when you can find the real thing almost anywhere...
The average sweatshop worker from a third world country makes peanuts, but they still honor the value of time - and wouldn't hesitate to buy the basic tool necessary to do the job right.
not absolutely sure if they'd be able to afford it on their salary though. haha
i'm not knocking you, but this bic pen trick has already been heavenly documented on the web.
it's been around since the dawn of time.
i just U-tube a crap load of 'em for fun to see if i was writing actual facts or blowing smoke up your arse..

Did you miss the part where I said I wasn't the first to come up with this and even stated I found out about it online? I'm guessing not.

[plasticMan]

Did you miss the part where I said I wasn't the first to come up with this and even stated I found out about it online? I'm guessing not.

I suppose that if your highly sensitive and prone to scrutinize every little thing that is written in your post, I presume your are entitled to your mundane trivial aspirations to evaluate your time as such.

I reckon, your ignorance is in dire need of some enlightenment. I suspect this trick that I'm about to expose to you won't work in the future because they'll probably close this loop hole, but if your hard up for money or live outside the US like I do off and on, then this will work for you.

Personally I don't give a dam, if this doesn't work beyond today, so I don't mind wasting it on you - since your into wasting time, because I virtually have every tool that this company makes and once you have a set their like bullet proof, so I won't need to bother with buying another. So plainly speaking I won't need this hat trick anymore and suppose I do, I wouldn't mind buying the right screwdriver for a system that is deserved of it. Real collectors normally don't mind.

watch me pull a rabbit from my hat....
1. here's what you do, search the web for the cheapest price you can find - mainly flea-bay (right)
2. go to the website and click the price match button
3. enter your lower price and wait for a response

The entire process takes about 60 seconds. Well dependent upon your hunt for the lowest price. Since you don't value time, it might take you longer - just for fun...

I haven't paid the actual value for any item using this hat trick and all of the shipping was free - even to canada mate. so next time you think about casting a mold, put this in your arsenal - it might just save you 30 minutes to an hour, but wait you don't mind wasting time.

[needler420]

I suppose that if your highly sensitive and prone to scrutinize every little thing that is written in your post, I presume your are entitled to your mundane trivial aspirations to evaluate your time as such.

I reckon, your ignorance is in dire need of some enlightenment. I suspect this trick that I'm about to expose to you won't work in the future because they'll probably close this loop hole, but if your hard up for money or live outside the US like I do off and on, then this will work for you.

Personally I don't give a dam, if this doesn't work beyond today, so I don't mind wasting it on you - since your into wasting time, because I virtually have every tool that this company makes and once you have a set their like bullet proof, so I won't need to bother with buying another. So plainly speaking I won't need this hat trick anymore and suppose I do, I wouldn't mind buying the right screwdriver for a system that is deserved of it. Real collectors normally don't mind.

watch me pull a rabbit from my hat....
1. here's what you do, search the web for the cheapest price you can find - mainly flea-bay (right)
2. go to the website and click the price match button
3. enter your lower price and wait for a response

The entire process takes about 60 seconds. Well dependent upon your hunt for the lowest price. Since you don't value time, it might take you longer - just for fun...

I haven't paid the actual value for any item using this hat trick and all of the shipping was free - even to canada mate. so next time you think about casting a mold, put this in your arsenal - it might just save you 30 minutes to an hour, but wait you don't mind wasting time.

You sure wasted a lot of time with such a nonsense post. Kind of ironic that you talk about wasting time in it at the same time. Ignorance is bliss.

[Polygon]

Personally, my time is worth way more than that. They would have paid for themselves with that first use ($14 N64 is still a good enough deal). Not to mention that you can use them over and over again.

My thoughts exactly. Mine came with some polish and cloths I bought from the Nintendo Repair Shop. In all it cost me $12. They were far too cheap to even make me think if casting my own. I've used them to open just about all my games to clean them, quite a few that wouldn't work but do now. They've more than paid for themselves.

[BlastProcessing402]

I tried the melty pen technique to open up my N64 for dusting. Mainly due to the hassle of online ordering than the price of the bits (which wasn't much). Got maybe two screws open before the makeshift driver got wrecked and couldn't get a new one to work even as well as the first, so I just sucked it up and ordered a set of bits.

Still haven't gotten around to getting a triwing.

[needler420]

I tried the melty pen technique to open up my N64 for dusting. Mainly due to the hassle of online ordering than the price of the bits (which wasn't much). Got maybe two screws open before the makeshift driver got wrecked and couldn't get a new one to work even as well as the first, so I just sucked it up and ordered a set of bits.

Still haven't gotten around to getting a triwing.

With me the first two screws took the longest. Mainly because I heavily stripped one of the security bits. That made me fidget with those two screws for almost 30 minutes.

After that I made one more cast and in a matter of 10-20 minutes I had the next four security bits out. I took breaks in between so that time is estimated give or take.



Upon further research I'm glad I didn't spend near five bucks per bit. Someone linked a steel set for $18 bucks that has like every tool needed to open every console.

I just realized unless you get the extra long security bits you can't open a virtual boy even though it's the right size bits, it needs to be long enough.


So now I am looking into a kit vs the indivual bits.

[plasticMan]

STOP. Don't buy those cheap bits! You can get every game bit you would ever need for 18 bucks shipped! Steel and won't ever strip! I bought this kit after wasting money on individual bits and felt like an idiot on all the money i wasted. I have opened over 2000 games with these bits with no problems. http://www.newelectronx.com/proddetail.php?prod=security-screwdriver-bit-set-103

this is the only kit i found with the longer screwdriver in it to fit the virtual boy
do the price match trick and compare your lowest price and save sh1t ton of tacos - done! no more wasting time

[Loganm187]

this is the only kit i found with the longer screwdriver in it to fit the virtual boy
do the price match trick and compare your lowest price and save sh1t ton of tacos - done! no more wasting time

Price match trick? I don't think you can find such quality for under 18 bucks with free shipping. I looked around to see if i could price match it and all i could find were much worse sets that were more expensive so no price match there. The amount and quality of tools you get in that kit is mind boggling for that price. Pretty damn awesome. Have fun! I learned my lesson with individual tools.

[needler420]

Price match trick? I don't think you can find such quality for under 18 bucks with free shipping. I looked around to see if i could price match it and all i could find were much worse sets that were more expensive so no price match there. The amount and quality of tools you get in that kit is mind boggling for that price. Pretty damn awesome. Have fun! I learned my lesson with individual tools.

I thank you a lot for providing the info to that tool kit. Other peoples post were having be about to waste money on something I can spend a little more and get way better bang for my buck. The even sadder part is I would have bought the bits and used them like one time over years to come.

With this kit I may actually get into refurbishing consoles.

I knew not to take what others say for face value. I would actually be a little upset at this point had I ordered the individual bits. The two bits would have came to about $9 bucks shipped when that whole kit is not much more.

Call me cheap or whatever but people don't get rich by spending foolishly.


WOW double checking that kit is $18 dollars with free shipping. I would say anyone who chooses the individual bits over the kit knowing about it is a dam fool.

[bigbacon]

you don't get rich making molds of tools that already exist either.

[bb_hood]

Upon further research I'm glad I didn't spend near five bucks per bit. Someone linked a steel set for $18 bucks that has like every tool needed to open every console.

I just realized unless you get the extra long security bits you can't open a virtual boy even though it's the right size bits, it needs to be long enough.


So now I am looking into a kit vs the indivual bits.

Ive got a similar kit that I purchased years ago and all I ever use are the 2 security bits. The long bits may be nicer because they can open a snes system easier but I just modded the screwdriver I have to extend the length of the security bit.
Just buy the bits, buying the screwdriver set amounts to buying extra stuff you probably dont need. Do you plan on opening many virtual boys?



The even sadder part is I would have bought the bits and used them like one time over years to come.

With this kit I may actually get into refurbishing consoles.

I knew not to take what others say for face value. I would actually be a little upset at this point had I ordered the individual bits. The two bits would have came to about $9 bucks shipped when that whole kit is not much more.

Call me cheap or whatever but people don't get rich by spending foolishly.

WOW double checking that kit is $18 dollars with free shipping. I would say anyone who chooses the individual bits over the kit knowing about it is a dam fool.

Well if you already have a screwdriver and are not in the market for buying more screwdrivers, then by buying the kit you are just spending more money than need be. And you are right, people dont get rich spending foolishly, especially buying stuff they dont need. Besides the 2 bits and a screwdriver, not much is really needed to open video game systems/games.

[needler420]

you don't get rich making molds of tools that already exist either.

Yeah you do. How do you think a competitors company casts tools that already exist?

The difference is they are casting metal on a commercial scale and I'm doing an amateur project.

[needler420]

Ive got a similar kit that I purchased years ago and all I ever use are the 2 security bits. The long bits may be nicer because they can open a snes system easier but I just modded the screwdriver I have to extend the length of the security bit.
Just buy the bits, buying the screwdriver set amounts to buying extra stuff you probably dont need. Do you plan on opening many virtual boys?

Once I have the kit yes.

I plan on buying broken units to make Frankenstein's with.

If all I was doing was fixing a system for personal I wouldn't even buy the bits at all. I would spend 20 minutes and make a plastic cast as I already did. Like I said I'm not comparing what I can make hourly or salary to an amateur project.

Your post proves my theory. You bought a kit years ago used it twice and let it rot after that.

[bb_hood]

Your post proves my theory. You bought a kit years ago used it twice and let it rot after that.

I use the bits all the time. Its all I use though. Your 'theory' is bullshit, professor.

[needler420]

I use the bits all the time. Its all I use though. Your 'theory' is bullshit, professor.

Ok so you let everything but the bits rot. Figuratively speaking.

My point is I wouldn't buy something I didn't intend to use.

[bb_hood]

My point is I wouldn't buy something I didn't intend to use.

Then dont buy the kit, it costs twice as much and other than the 2 bits it has nothing special.

[needler420]

Then dont buy the kit, it costs twice as much and other than the 2 bits it has nothing special.

I do intend to use them. I am a X construction worker. Even though a lot of is doubles it only cost like $7 dollars more then buying the bits individually.

Can't really go wrong with how little extra is cost. More so important I'm sure I will use some of the other tools at one time or another.

Any way didn't mean to cause grief.

[Gameguy]

Personally, my time is worth way more than that. They would have paid for themselves with that first use ($14 N64 is still a good enough deal). Not to mention that you can use them over and over again.
You have to remember something, this is the same guy who previously asked about soldering directly to batteries to save the cost of buying proper battery holders for game carts, and wanting to use the cheapest dollar store batteries for replacements. He seems like the type of guy who would go hours out of his way to save $0.50 on something.

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?165689-Needp-advice-and-help-with-changing-batteries-in-games

I'm a bit surprised he doesn't already own actual bits, you'd think somebody planning to offer a repair service for save batteries would own the tools needed to open the games in the first place. It's like finding out the roofer you hired doesn't own a nail gun and just wanted to duct tape your new shingles down over the old ones.

[needler420]

You have to remember something, this is the same guy who previously asked about soldering directly to batteries to save the cost of buying proper battery holders for game carts, and wanting to use the cheapest dollar store batteries for replacements. He seems like the type of guy who would go hours out of his way to save $0.50 on something.

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?165689-Needp-advice-and-help-with-changing-batteries-in-games

I'm a bit surprised he doesn't already own actual bits, you'd think somebody planning to offer a repair service for save batteries would own the tools needed to open the games in the first place. It's like finding out the roofer you hired doesn't own a nail gun and just wanted to duct tape your new shingles down over the old ones.

I still plan on going through with soldering directly to the battery when I can get the proper equipment. The bits being one of them.:roll::moon:

[PreZZ]

I did try the molded pen technique and it breaks after a screw or two. So I ordered some game bits, they were black and looked like charcoal and these are so cheaply made they didnt last more than 2 or 3 consoles I opened. So I ordered some new ones that looked like bronze, these are the one to get.

[needler420]

I did try the molded pen technique and it breaks after a screw or two. So I ordered some game bits, they were black and looked like charcoal and these are so cheaply made they didnt last more than 2 or 3 consoles I opened. So I ordered some new ones that looked like bronze, these are the one to get.

Another reason why I wasn't in a rush to purchase the bits individually. I read a few different reviews where the steel is thicker on certain bits then others and some of them strip after a few uses like you mentioned.

It would be a waste to gets bits that strip after 2-3 uses. I'd be better off spending a few minutes molding a cast.


I think instead of going with bits I'm going to get this. Security screwdriver.

http://www.amazon.com/Silverhill-Tools-ATKNND-Security-Screwdriver/dp/B00BEZY2I6/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1372000374&sr=8-5&keywords=N64+security+bits


I think that along with a tri-wing would be perfect. That or the kit.

[wiggyx]

It would have been nicer to get the cast done faster and not fidget with it so much but based on the fact how often I would have used the bits I think I broke even at the very least. I'm also not comparing the time I spent to what I can make an hour or salary lol. It took me 35-45 minutes while sitting on a chair on my porch listening to music.

If anything I'm in major surplus because between my knowledge on opening more systems lately I may just buy the bits to start messing with more broken systems and stuff like that. I do know a little soldering as well so I may look into bigger projects one day. I also see a market for broken systems and Frankenstein's.

For now I have nothing else that I need the bits for anyway. Next time we'll see.

Who said I was? All I said is that my time is valuable and that dicking around with melted pens to open a game console would be a massive waste of it.




You have to remember something, this is the same guy who previously asked about soldering directly to batteries to save the cost of buying proper battery holders for game carts, and wanting to use the cheapest dollar store batteries for replacements. He seems like the type of guy who would go hours out of his way to save $0.50 on something.

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?165689-Needp-advice-and-help-with-changing-batteries-in-games

I'm a bit surprised he doesn't already own actual bits, you'd think somebody planning to offer a repair service for save batteries would own the tools needed to open the games in the first place. It's like finding out the roofer you hired doesn't own a nail gun and just wanted to duct tape your new shingles down over the old ones.

Oh yeah, I know all about this guy and his awesome super powers. Like how he contradicts himself within a single post, or makes plans for something that's entirely bass-ackwards, or just makes nonsensical comments in general ;)



I still plan on going through with soldering directly to the battery when I can get the proper equipment. The bits being one of them.:roll::moon:

LOL @ proper equipment for soldering to batteries!

[plasticMan]

You have to remember something, this is the same guy who previously asked about soldering directly to batteries to save the cost of buying proper battery holders for game carts, and wanting to use the cheapest dollar store batteries for replacements. He seems like the type of guy who would go hours out of his way to save $0.50 on something.

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?165689-Needp-advice-and-help-with-changing-batteries-in-games

I'm a bit surprised he doesn't already own actual bits, you'd think somebody planning to offer a repair service for save batteries would own the tools needed to open the games in the first place. It's like finding out the roofer you hired doesn't own a nail gun and just wanted to duct tape your new shingles down over the old ones.

I couldn't agree more...:above me:


Price match trick? I don't think you can find such quality for under 18 bucks with free shipping. I looked around to see if i could price match it and all i could find were much worse sets that were more expensive so no price match there. The amount and quality of tools you get in that kit is mind boggling for that price. Pretty damn awesome. Have fun! I learned my lesson with individual tools.

what i do for the price match is this.
1. this guy (needler420) just found some cheap screwdrivers on amazon for about $6.99 (http://www.amazon.com/Silverhill-Tools-ATKNND-Security-Screwdriver/dp/B00BEZY2I6/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1372000374&sr=8-5&keywords=N64+security+bits&tag=vglnkc7633-20)
if you read here about price comparisons -> http://www.newelectronx.com/help.php?faq_id=110
Newelectronx price matches! If you have a lower price on the same or similar product
The key word here is similar. If you look at the amazon product it is similar - meaning it has the same screwdrivers located here (http://www.newelectronx.com/proddetail.php?prod=gamebit) - except here it is 12 bucks.
2. so what you do is click the price match button on the right side of the picture. it'll go to some form. in that form insert the amazon link
3. now insert the other part of their claim, Newelectronx will match that price and beat it by 5% (including delivery cost) - now you get 5% off $6.99 (amazon price), plus free shipping

At least that is how i did it.

[bb_hood]

Who said I was? All I said is that my time is valuable and that dicking around with melted pens to open a game console would be a massive waste of it.

Yeah total waste of time. Ive heard of the melted pen technique years ago and Ive always thought it was silly. How many pens will you go through before you waste an amount of pens that equals 8$? Not to mention the plastic fumes which Im sure are both healthy and delicious.




It would be a waste to gets bits that strip after 2-3 uses. I'd be better off spending a few minutes molding a cast.




The ones I have are charcoal in color, Ive used them hundreds of time and the snes one is worn down just a little bit. Both still work perfectly. Just gotta be careful when using them and they wont wear down.

[needler420]

Yeah total waste of time. Ive heard of the melted pen technique years ago and Ive always thought it was silly. How many pens will you go through before you waste an amount of pens that equals 8$? Not to mention the plastic fumes which Im sure are both healthy and delicious.



The ones I have are charcoal in color, Ive used them hundreds of time and the snes one is worn down just a little bit. Both still work perfectly. Just gotta be careful when using them and they wont wear down.



It only took 3 pens to open the entire console in about 40 minutes. I also stated in the very first post I had a bag of broken pens.

I did get some wiffs of the plastic fumes which is pretty nasty and that's what makes it not worth it. No matter what gear you use you're going to smell burning plastic.

It's not meant to be a amateur project for people that take apart gaming things on a regular basis. It's meant for someone who needs to change a single battery or get into a console one time for a quick fix. Hence why I'm not the first to do it nor will I be the last. Apparently from the comments a high % of you have attempted this even before me.


Which is why some people just strip the security bits off instead. They don't want to deal with the bits to change out a single dead battery. Either just replace the entire game or strip the bits out.



I couldn't agree more...:above me:



what i do for the price match is this.
1. this guy (needler420) just found some cheap screwdrivers on amazon for about $6.99 (http://www.amazon.com/Silverhill-Tools-ATKNND-Security-Screwdriver/dp/B00BEZY2I6/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1372000374&sr=8-5&keywords=N64+security+bits&tag=vglnkc7633-20)
if you read here about price comparisons -> http://www.newelectronx.com/help.php?faq_id=110
Newelectronx price matches! If you have a lower price on the same or similar product
The key word here is similar. If you look at the amazon product it is similar - meaning it has the same screwdrivers located here (http://www.newelectronx.com/proddetail.php?prod=gamebit) - except here it is 12 bucks.
2. so what you do is click the price match button on the right side of the picture. it'll go to some form. in that form insert the amazon link
3. now insert the other part of their claim, Newelectronx will match that price and beat it by 5% (including delivery cost) - now you get 5% off $6.99 (amazon price), plus free shipping

At least that is how i did it.

You have some crazy ass weird fetish when it comes to price matching. You're out there with your price matching nonsense.

[wiggyx]

Ok so you let everything but the bits rot.

Bit rot. You're doing it wrong.



I did get some wiffs of the plastic fumes which is pretty nasty and that's what makes it not worth it. No matter what gear you use you're going to smell burning plastic.


Magic fuming screwdrivers: I need them!