Tools of our trade.

[THATinkjar]

For those of us who enjoy cleaning/restoring games to their original condition (read: Cauterize need not reply!), what one “tool” could you not live without?

For me, it is my compass. What was once a useless accessory for my pencil case, is now a wonderful addition to my cleaning arsenal. It is perfect for scooping sweat and dirt from the cracks of my controllers or odd stains from the grooves of my SNES cartridges. Without it, my room wouldn’t be anywhere near as minty.

Many thanks Mr. Compass!

[felix]

q-tips

I like clean ears and they get in those hard to reach places in my systems.

[Cauterize]

For those of us who enjoy cleaning/restoring games to their original condition (read: Cauterize need not reply!)

:roll: :roll: :roll: :/ :/ :/

Jon, dear me :P

[stevec1636]

Goo-Gone, dam i hate the stickers that everybody finds the need to put on the games.

[AFGiant]

A screwdriver (heh). Seriously, its good for internal maintainance and if you put a soft cloth over it, it is good for cleaning the contacts of NES, SNES, and Genny games. I've always done that and I hope I haven't been damaging anything.

[segagamer4life]

damn I keep meaning to pick one up from ebay but I always forget.

[drewbrim]

Mr. Cleans "Magic Eraser". It gets any kind of marker or filth off of all my carts and consoles.

[Pantechnicon]

Radio Shack Cat No. 64-4327 - Electronic Cleaner. This stuff is liquid gold to me. I would say that of every cart or console of any system I've gotten a hold of that would not start up right this cleaner has brought over 90% of them back to working order. This also what I use to clean out Atari 2600 paddles when they get jittery. Good stuff. Buy a can today!

[pr8cjb]

WD-40 - removes stickers and residue from any non-porus surface very nicely without etching the plastic in the way that acetone & nail varnish remover can. It'll even dissolve marker pen if given a good few hours to soak!

[Jibbajaba]

There's a cool article appropriate to this conversation in the Knowledge Base. Check it out:

http://www.digitpress.com/livefaq/index.php?action=artikel&cat=25&id=30&artlang=en

Chris

[Videogamerdaryll]

This Tool Set:(sold to me by a member here)

http://i21.ebayimg.com/01/i/03/2a/c0/d6_1_b.JPG

31 piece security screwdriver set - This complete set takes the frustration out of servicing items with security screws. Works on NES, N64, SNES, Sega and most other video game cartridges. Also works on SNES Super Nintendo console, Gamecube & Virtual Boy/TG-16 & Turboduo Systems, and Sega Genesis & 32X Carts, IBM PS/2 monitors, CABLE TV and telephone boxes and equipment.

Kit includes: 3,8mm security bit, 4.5mm security bit: 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32" Security hex bits: T-8, T-10, T-15, T-20, T-25, T-27, T-30 Security torx bits; #4, #6, #8, #10 spanner bits; #1, #2, #3, #4 tri-wings; #1, #0 Phillips type screwdriver tips; 1/4" socket adapter; spring bit holder; 7 1/2" Also includes a Magnetic handle and a plastic carry case with transparent lid. Screwdriver opens to hold a few bits.

[Slimedog]

Ross Rubber Cement Thinner. Much more manageable than goo gone. It doesn't cause colors on boxes to run and it takes off damn near anything. But it is getting harder to find since Office Depot stopped carrying it. Try Staples. I go through gallons of the stuff.

[Poofta!]

yep. my compass. i use it all the time, and i use alcohol pads wrapped around the tip for actual cleaning. then a bounty paper towel.

[Porkchop]

Windex (Glass Cleaner) for cleaning carts and systems. Cleans off years of dirt and there is no residue left behind.