Guides/General Screw Guide: Difference between revisions

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Using the correct screwdriver bit when disassembling consoles is essential to prevent screw stripping, a common issue that can complicate repairs. Screw stripping occurs when the driver bit does not fit securely within the screw head, leading to slippage that wears down the metal. Although Phillips (PH) and Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) screws appear similar, they differ in design and compatibility with specific driver bits. Using the wrong one risks stripping the screw. For example, most Nintendo handhelds made before 2015 (Game Boy, DS, 2DS, o3DS) use JIS screws, while those made after 2015 (n3DS, Switch) typically use Phillips (PH/ISO 8764) screws. This article provides guidance on ~~identifying~~ the correct screwdriver bit for various consoles, common mistakes to avoid, and effective methods for removing stripped screws.

Using the correct screwdriver bit when disassembling consoles is essential to prevent screw stripping, a common issue that can complicate repairs. Screw stripping occurs when the driver bit does not fit securely within the screw head, leading to slippage that wears down the metal. Although Phillips (PH) and Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) screws appear similar, they differ in design and compatibility with specific driver bits. Using the wrong one risks stripping the screw. For example, most Nintendo handhelds made before 2015 (Game Boy, DS, 2DS, o3DS) use JIS screws, while those made after 2015 (n3DS, Switch) typically use Phillips (PH/ISO 8764) screws. This article provides guidance on using the correct screwdriver bit for various consoles, common mistakes to avoid, and effective methods for removing stripped screws.

#'''Select the correct bit''' [[Identifying screw head and type|Identify]] and use the correct screwdriver bit that matches the screw drive (screw head) type (e.g., Philips (PH), Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS), or Torx). The bit should fit snugly into the screw head with no wobble; a loose fit increases the risk of stripping. ''Note: If you are using an Ifixit kit, their PH 0 to 0000 bits are actually (or way way closer to) JIS and not PH. You will need to find an other screwdriver to use.''

#'''Select the correct bit''' [[Identifying screw head and type|Identify]] and use the correct screwdriver bit that matches the screw drive (screw head) type (e.g., Philips (PH), Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS), or Torx). The bit should fit snugly into the screw head with no wobble; a loose fit increases the risk of stripping. ''Note:If you are using an Ifixit kit, their PH 0 to 0000 bits are actually (or way way closer to) JIS and not PH. You will need to find an other Phillips screwdriver to use. [[Ifixit Situation|Learn more]]''

#'''Align and stabilize''' Position the screwdriver directly in line with the screw (90° angle). Holding the tool at an angle can reduce contact between the bit and screwhead, leading to slippage and wear.

#'''Apply light downward pressure''' Press down very lightly on the screwdriver to maintain stable contact between the bit and screwhead. Aim to create enough downward force to prevent slipping, but avoid pressing too hard. If you find you need to press down excessively to prevent slipping, stop immediately. This often indicates that your screwdriver bit is not the correct type or size. Continuing with excessive force risks stripping the screw head with as few as one or two slips. ''Note: For small screws (smaller than PH0), apply minimal or no downward pressure, as excessive force can easily cause damage. For larger screws, apply light to firm downward pressure as needed to maintain contact, depending on the screw's tightness.''

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*'''Use the correct screwdriver bit:''' Sometimes, the correct bit can still grip the remaining edges of the screw head. If the bit slips, try one size larger than the original recommendation.

*'''Rubber band method:''' Place a flat rubber band over the screw head, then press the screwdriver into the screw through the rubber band. This adds traction and helps the bit grip the screw.

*'''Superglue method:''' Carefully apply superglue or epoxy to the bit, allowing it to bond with the screw head. Take care to avoid getting glue on surrounding components

*'''Screw Extractor Set:''' A screw extractor set, like the iFixit's [https://www.ifixit.com/en-eu/products/precision-screw-extractor-set Precision Screw Extractor Set], can be effective for stubborn screws. Extractors are designed to bite into the stripped screw and allow for easy removal.

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* '''Rotary tool (dremel) cut''': Use a rotary tool (i.e., a dremel) to create a straight groove in the screwhead. Insert a wide flathead screwdriver bit into the new groove and turn slowly to extract the screw.

~~==Related sources==~~

iFixit offers guides on identifying the correct screwdriver bit through visual inspection, as well as general best practices for using screwdrivers effectively. Reviewing these resources is recommended:

*[https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Screwdriver+Best+Practices/25630 Screwdriver Best Practices]

*[https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Choosing+the+Right+Screwdriver+Bit/93991 Choosing the Right Screwdriver Bit]

Some iFixit repair guides incorrectly specify Phillips (PH) screwdriver bits for certain console screws that more closely match the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) type. Specifically, JIS bits are often more compatible with these consoles’ inner screws, whereas PH bits can increase the risk of slippage and screw stripping. When uncertain, it is generally safer to use a JIS bit on a PH screw head rather than the reverse, as JIS bits can fit both JIS and PH screw heads securely.

[https://www.ifixit.com/en-eu/Tools/Phillips_Screwdrivers According to iFixit], their PH screwdriver bits are designed to be cross-compatible with JIS screws, minimizing the risk of damage despite the technical differences between JIS and Phillips (PH) screws. However, caution is advised, as compatibility seems to vary across different iFixit screwdriver kits. Some kits contain PH bits that work effectively with JIS screws, while others do not, leading to potential slippage and screw stripping.

~~The following video demonstrates an iFixit's PH bit that is not compatible with JIS screws:[[File:PHvsJISonJIS1080p.webm|none|thumb|300x300px|Source: @emerekt.wav on Discord]]~~

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-Using the correct screwdriver bit when disassembling consoles is essential to prevent screw stripping, a common issue that can complicate repairs. Screw stripping occurs when the driver bit does not fit securely within the screw head, leading to slippage that wears down the metal. Although Phillips (PH) and Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) screws appear similar, they differ in design and compatibility with specific driver bits. Using the wrong one risks stripping the screw. For example, most Nintendo handhelds made before 2015 (Game Boy, DS, 2DS, o3DS) use JIS screws, while those made after 2015 (n3DS, Switch) typically use Phillips (PH/ISO 8764) screws. This article provides guidance on identifying the correct screwdriver bit for various consoles, common mistakes to avoid, and effective methods for removing stripped screws.
+Using the correct screwdriver bit when disassembling consoles is essential to prevent screw stripping, a common issue that can complicate repairs. Screw stripping occurs when the driver bit does not fit securely within the screw head, leading to slippage that wears down the metal. Although Phillips (PH) and Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) screws appear similar, they differ in design and compatibility with specific driver bits. Using the wrong one risks stripping the screw. For example, most Nintendo handhelds made before 2015 (Game Boy, DS, 2DS, o3DS) use JIS screws, while those made after 2015 (n3DS, Switch) typically use Phillips (PH/ISO 8764) screws. This article provides guidance on using the correct screwdriver bit for various consoles, common mistakes to avoid, and effective methods for removing stripped screws.
-#'''Select the correct bit'''<br/>[[Identifying screw head and type|Identify]] and use the correct screwdriver bit that matches the screw drive (screw head) type (e.g., Philips (PH), Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS), or Torx). The bit should fit snugly into the screw head with no wobble; a loose fit increases the risk of stripping. ''Note: If you are using an Ifixit kit, their PH 0 to 0000 bits are actually (or way way closer to) JIS and not PH. You will need to find an other screwdriver to use.''
+#'''Select the correct bit'''<br/>[[Identifying screw head and type|Identify]] and use the correct screwdriver bit that matches the screw drive (screw head) type (e.g., Philips (PH), Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS), or Torx). The bit should fit snugly into the screw head with no wobble; a loose fit increases the risk of stripping.  ''Note:If you are using an Ifixit kit, their PH 0 to 0000 bits are actually (or way way closer to) JIS and not PH. You will need to find an other Phillips screwdriver to use. [[Ifixit Situation|Learn more]]''
 #'''Align and stabilize'''<br/>Position the screwdriver directly in line with the screw (90° angle). Holding the tool at an angle can reduce contact between the bit and screwhead, leading to slippage and wear.
 #'''Apply light downward pressure'''<br/>Press down very lightly on the screwdriver to maintain stable contact between the bit and screwhead. Aim to create enough downward force to prevent slipping, but avoid pressing too hard. If you find you need to press down excessively to prevent slipping, stop immediately. This often indicates that your screwdriver bit is not the correct type or size. Continuing with excessive force risks stripping the screw head with as few as one or two slips.<br/>''Note: For small screws (smaller than PH0), apply minimal or no downward pressure, as excessive force can easily cause damage. For larger screws, apply light to firm downward pressure as needed to maintain contact, depending on the screw's tightness.''
@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
 *'''Use the correct screwdriver bit:''' Sometimes, the correct bit can still grip the remaining edges of the screw head. If the bit slips, try one size larger than the original recommendation.
 *'''Rubber band method:''' Place a flat rubber band over the screw head, then press the screwdriver into the screw through the rubber band. This adds traction and helps the bit grip the screw.
-*'''Superglue method:''' Carefully apply superglue or epoxy to the bit, allowing it to bond with the screw head. Take care to avoid getting glue on surrounding components
 *'''Screw Extractor Set:''' A screw extractor set, like the iFixit's [https://www.ifixit.com/en-eu/products/precision-screw-extractor-set Precision Screw Extractor Set], can be effective for stubborn screws. Extractors are designed to bite into the stripped screw and allow for easy removal.
@@ Line 23: / Line 22: @@
 * '''Rotary tool (dremel) cut''': Use a rotary tool (i.e., a dremel) to create a straight groove in the screwhead. Insert a wide flathead screwdriver bit into the new groove and turn slowly to extract the screw.
-==Related sources==
-iFixit offers guides on identifying the correct screwdriver bit through visual inspection, as well as general best practices for using screwdrivers effectively. Reviewing these resources is recommended:
-*[https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Screwdriver+Best+Practices/25630 Screwdriver Best Practices]
-*[https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Choosing+the+Right+Screwdriver+Bit/93991 Choosing the Right Screwdriver Bit]
-Some iFixit repair guides incorrectly specify Phillips (PH) screwdriver bits for certain console screws that more closely match the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) type. Specifically, JIS bits are often more compatible with these consoles’ inner screws, whereas PH bits can increase the risk of slippage and screw stripping. When uncertain, it is generally safer to use a JIS bit on a PH screw head rather than the reverse, as JIS bits can fit both JIS and PH screw heads securely.
-[https://www.ifixit.com/en-eu/Tools/Phillips_Screwdrivers According to iFixit], their PH screwdriver bits are designed to be cross-compatible with JIS screws, minimizing the risk of damage despite the technical differences between JIS and Phillips (PH) screws. However, caution is advised, as compatibility seems to vary across different iFixit screwdriver kits. Some kits contain PH bits that work effectively with JIS screws, while others do not, leading to potential slippage and screw stripping.
-The following video demonstrates an iFixit's PH bit that is not compatible with JIS screws:[[File:PHvsJISonJIS1080p.webm|none|thumb|300x300px|Source: @emerekt.wav on Discord]]