Stripped Screws

[Eve_Requiem]

Stripped Screws and How to Fix Them​

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So we've all had that problem, you're trying to get inside your tama to clean the contacts, and the screwdriver slips and then the screw won't come out. This is incredibly frustrating, and possibly damaging to the tama. After wrestling with an angelgotchi for three hours last night, I thought it was time that someone made this topic.

Prevention

If your screw slips 2-3 times and doesn't seem to be catching, DON'T KEEP TRYING THE SAME METHOD. This can further strip the screw and make it harder to remove in the long run. I've found that vintage screws are particularly susceptible to stripping, and so are the internal screws (the ones underneath the battery cover).

Use a Different Screwdriver

Most tamagotchi screws are Phillips heads (an x-cross), and the most common cause of stripping is using the wrong size or kind of screwdriver. If your Phillips head keeps slipping, use a slightly larger flathead and press it firmly down into the middle of the screw. Tilt it slightly and twist it slowly in the direction you want it. If it continues to slip after a couple of tries, continue to the next method.

Create Some Traction

If the screw is still not cooperating, the best thing to do is to create some traction. Get a wide rubber band (I've found that duct tape with the sticky side on the screw aslo works) and stretch it over the screwhead. Then, press your screwdriver into it and use the method above to try and remove the screw. This method is also less likely to cause further damage, so if you have a particularly stubborn screw this is the best method

Loosen the Screw From the Inside

Sometimes, the screw is just plain stuck. You might have to grease it to get it to come out. Some DW-40 (or vegetable oil, or any other kind of oil. Just NOT WATER) is often best for this job. Apply a small amount around the base of the screw and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Then wipe it off and use the combined methods above to further coerce it into cooperation. This doesn't normally damage the inside or the shell, but still be careful where you grease.

Get a Jeweler

Many places where you can buy jewelry or watches will be happy to open your tama for you (often for a relatively low cost) and sometimes even have extra screws that you can use. If you're really having trouble, this is the best way to go. Jewelers are professionals and get the job done with the least amount of damage to any of the components. They often have batteries, or know where you could find some.

Brute Force

If none of the above methods worked for you, and you don't care much about the shell, you might just want to pry it open. Jam some scissors into the seam between the two plastic plates that make up the shell and wiggle it back and forth. THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED. YOU MIGHT AS WELL GET A NEW TAMA AT THIS POINT.

I would love to hear some of your other methods for removing screws, and I'll add them to this list with your permission.

 

[Pauly]

Most Tamagotchi (including Connection models) have JIS screws, either on the battery cover or under. Phillips head screwdrivers will strip JIS, but JIS fit all Phillips.

For all Tamagotchi, JIS size #0 should fit. If you are unable to purchase a JIS, a small Phillips (the size found in eyeglass kits) should do the job well enough. I learned the hard way that a too large a Phillips size that looks like it fits fine will strip noticeably, so be wary.