reassembling a PS2 controller

[gbpxl]

One would think this is an easy task but it's not. every time I get it back together, I have issues with the top buttons. any suggestions?

[Koa Zo]

Interesting that this topic came up, I've wondered about this. Often putting things back together is the trickiest part of a repair for me.

[Niku-Sama]

i'll have to take one apart to remember what the trick I used was. I do remember them being a pain in the ass

[gbpxl]

is it a big deal if the clear plastic strip that cushions the rubber is bent?