How to remove stuck screws:
Here are 5 easy steps on how one could possibly remove stuck screws! Before you begin, the most important thing to remember is to make sure you've got the 'right' size screwdriver. If you don't, you will only strip the head of the screw and turn an already existing problem into an even larger one.
Step 1) Make sure you've got the right size screwdriver. For vintage Tamagotchis, a #0 JIS screwdriver is recommended. (Note: JIS is not the same as Phillips. More about that, here: http://tama-zone.com/index.php?showtopi ... p=22056125 )
Step 2) Do not turn the screws 'lightly'. This will increase the risk of the head of the screw breaking off, and leaving the body stuck inside the shell. Instead, press down firmly and slowly turn while applying pressure. Also remember, lefty loosy, righty tighty.
Step 3) If you find that the screws still will not budge, try turning them right, as if to tighten them. This will cause the screw to move inside the socket, and break free of the corrosion which has welded it stuck in place. Once you feel it move, then turn it counterclockwise, and it should come off.
Step 4) If you still find your screws firmly rooted to the socket, try applying some lubricant oil. WD40 is one which works great, and one which I've personally used before. Get a Q tip and dab a tiny droplet on to each screw head. Let it sit for a little while, and try again.
Step 5) If you find the screw comes off only about half way, this is where pliers will come in handy. Grab the head with pliers and ever-so-gently turn with the aid of this tool.
If you still find, after applying these 5 steps that the screws will not come off, your last resort would be to drill them out. Ask your parents if they have any jewelry drill bits. These are really thin drill bits which will be just small enough to drill out the stuck screws. However please don't attempt this yourself, and ask the aid of an adult. Use tips with caution and at your own risk. Tama Zone is not responsible for any damaged bits.
Ra,
Added by evie_00 · 15 December 2009
Hmm... I have one stripped screw in my original P2 Tamagotchi. I still manage to take out the other screw, lift the back, and pivot around the stripped one to replace the battery. It's amazing--I thought for certain I would break the backing, but that stuff is strong!
I'm going to bookmark this page for when my Morino and Devilgotch get here; first thing, I'm going to make sure their screws will work. I hope I don't wind up with major problems. They're brand new, never-out-of-package, so I don't know if they'll be corroded, and if they are, just how badly corroded they will be...
Well... here's hoping I DON'T need this guide!
EDIT: Oh, and thanks a bundle for posting this, Ra! I'm sure--no matter what I hope--it's going to come in handy sooner or later!
Added by kittenCorn · 23 September 2012
I realize that it's not encouraged to reply to old topics but since this is pinned and this is so unbelievably relevant I'm surprised I could not find any info on it until binary mentioned it on Tamatalk and I figured there are others that would benefit from knowing this. (I'm surprised it hasn't been mentioned here already actually...)
Tamagotchi screws are cross-recess screws... Especially the vintage Tamagotchi's. (I'm not sure about the newer Tama's because I don't have any asides from 2 Connections). With the Connection's screws being so big it's not really an issue but anything that came out circa 1996 have those ridiculously small screws. As a result they need JIS screwdrivers. Phillips head screwdrivers will work 95% of the time if you can find one small enough, but if the screws are especially tight having the correct screwdriver can ensure that you don't strip your screws.
If you do a quick Google search, the Wikipedia page will show you the difference between Phillips and cross-recess screws.
Added by binary · 23 September 2012
Sorry for not updating this topic earlier. During a visit to Japan a few years ago, I required a screwdriver. There was a do-it-yourself shop close by, and their prices seemed good, so I purchased range of sizes (#1, #0, and #00). I was impressed with how well they fit the screws on the Tamagotchi. Earlier this year, I found a Japanese site selling replacement screws for Tamagotchi. The seller doesn't ship internationally, and use of a middleman would push the price rather high. Thinking that perhaps these screws were maybe not impossible to find outside of Japan, if you happen to know the correct size, I started investigating. It was then that I discovered why my Japanese screwdrivers fit so well.
Below is a copy of the posting I made on TamaTalk.
Just a note about the screws on the back of your Tamagotchis: they're not Phillips; they're JIS, which is not quite the same as Phillips. Using a Phillips screwdriver on a JIS screw can, as you've seen, strip the head. (Yes, I know the screw shafts were stuck solid in your case, but when they're not that stuck, you can generally get them out without damage by using the correct screwdriver.) You may be able to find JIS screwdrivers at a hobby shop (the type of shop that sells remote-control model airplane parts), otherwise they can be ordered through an online shop (just google "JIS screwdrivers".)
Added by beagee · 26 September 2012
Great information, Binary! Very helpful!
If I might add something; if you're ever worried that you may be damaging a screw STOP fiddling with it. Instead, take it to a watch repair store. (Sears has one in every location and they're cheap) They've helped me with a ton of stripped screw issues, soft screw, just about anything. And they can replace the screws with better quality ones as well. I took my new Devilgotchi to them a few days ago to have them properly remove the soft screw and replace both screws and it only cost me 3.99$. So remember, if you're not sure of what you're doing do NOT mess around. There's a point at which you can damage the screw beyond anyone's ability to safely remove it and it will have to be drilled out. Avoid that by taking it to a professional
EDIT: Oh! And the service takes about 5 minutes.
Added by mishi10345 · 29 September 2012
I brought it to Sears, where the guy tried with a few screwdrivers and then gave up. Then I went to People's Jewellers, who recommended I take it to Radio Shack where they apparently have the magnetic-tipped screwdrivers; there wasn't one in the mall, so I brought it to yet another jewellery store. No luck there. Finally, I went to a small watch and jewellery repair place in the mall. The guy tried, but to no avail. I want to see if I can get the one screw drilled out and replaced, but I have no idea who to go to for that, as no one mentioned drilling it out as a possibility...
(10 conversational replies were left out. The full discussion is in the archive.)
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