Can’t Remove Battery Cover

[TamaFurby]

I finally just got hold of a Angelgotchi. Brand new still in packaging cause for some reason
preowned ones are more expensive. I can’t get the battery cover off. The screws won’t budge
and our attempts to remove them seem to have warped them a little. Is there any way
I can get it off or should I be asking for a refund. The Angelgotchi works, it is somehow running
on its original batteries. These aren’t going to last however. Any ideas?

 

[Tamacass]

Oh no!! That's really unfortunate to hear You could possibly take it to a watch shop and see if they'll be able to undo the screws and fix them up for you, that's the common response I hear on the forums whenever this sort of issue comes up. Do you have a photo of what the screws look like? From your description I'm unable to assume if they're stripped or not. Though warped doesn't sound very good either

EDIT: Older NIB tamas are able to run off their older batteries quite well, as the insulation tab prevents the batteries already inside from touching the internal contacts. This also helps to stop battery leakage and subsequent corrosion, though it's not always a guarantee. In the case for vintage Tamagotchis, the wiki states that the insulation tab only covers the battery on the left side. Don't worry about your NIB Angelgotchi, however - as it's clearly working, your batteries are totally fine and I'm getting myself into a tangent LOL. Always take the batteries out of your vintage tamas when you're not using them, folks! This has been an impromptu PSA. XD

 

[Penguin-keeper]

These models are notorious for that issue (when I got my Angelgotch, the first thing that I did was to replace the screws), and @Tamacass has you covered here - if you don't have the tools to get the screws out yourself, take it to a jeweller before they end up getting damaged further.

 

[TamaFurby]

Thanks for the suggestions, I don’t believe we have a jewellery store where I live anymore. Even if we do I don’t think I could afford to do anything for a couple of months. My dad is going to have a look and I’ll let you know how it goes. I honestly don’t care if he has to damage the cover a bit to get it off. I just want to be able to play it. Sorry if this ain’t ideal but I think it’s my best option at this point.

What exactly causes the screws to get stuck? You wouldn’t think it would end up being a problem.

 

[Penguin-keeper]

What exactly causes the screws to get stuck?

Typically, using the wrong type of screwdriver. The early Tamagotchis used a type of Japan-specific screw that is often mistaken for a more common Western one.

That said, some of the devices of that era had screws that were virtually made out of Play-Doh, which didn't help either!

 

[TamaFurby]

We did it. We were able to get it off. Very relieved

 

[TamaBE]

Typically, using the wrong type of screwdriver. The early Tamagotchis used a type of Japan-specific screw that is often mistaken for a more common Western one.

That said, some of the devices of that era had screws that were virtually made out of Play-Doh, which didn't help either!

@Penguin-keeper or @Tamacass Maybe you could help me out. I bought vintage Osutchi & Mesutchi. One of the screws of the back lid already looked a bit warped. I managed to get it out but I definitely want to replace it. You said early models used Japan-specific screws. Do you know which ones the Osutchi/Mesutchi use and where I could get those? Thanks

 

[Penguin-keeper]

@TamaBE - I'm sorry, I don't know where to get them these days!

 

[Tamacass]

You said early models used Japan-specific screws. Do you know which ones the Osutchi/Mesutchi use and where I could get those? Thanks

Hey! An online store operating in Japan (Japan You Want/JPY as we call 'em) sells screws they specify are for 90's Tamagotchi models. Not sure if they'd fit an Osu/Mesu but maybe it'd be worth a try?

 

[TamaBE]

Hey! An online store operating in Japan (Japan You Want/JPY as we call 'em) sells screws they specify are for 90's Tamagotchi models. Not sure if they'd fit an Osu/Mesu but maybe it'd be worth a try?

Yes, I have found them through my online research as well. I have also read that Osutchi/Mesutchi use slightly smaller ones than the other vintage Tamas (of course they do... ) but i will write them anyways and ask if they can help. Thanks