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Disassembling the Nintendo 64 (without special tools)

Archived Guide
This guide is retained solely for historical purposes. Use the updated version of the guide to perform your repair.

What you need

  1. Disassembling the Nintendo 64 (without special tools), Disassembling the Nintendo 64 (without special tools): step 1, image 1 of 1
    • You will need a kitchen lighter and a plastic pen shell, and you will want to do this outdoors to allow the plastic the burn into the air instead of trapping it in a room. Heat the tip of the empty pen shell until it melts into a glob.

  2. Disassembling the Nintendo 64 (without special tools): step 2, image 1 of 1
    • Stick the pen into one of the 6 holes on the bottom of the Nintendo 64. When it reaches the screw, press forcefully for about three seconds and then let go.

    • TIP: The circled hole has the smallest inner diameter, so if you mold your pen with this hole, you can remove the others without remolding if you are careful not to strip it.

  3. Disassembling the Nintendo 64 (without special tools): step 3, image 1 of 1
    • Allow the pen to reform and solidify around the screw for 4 to 5 minutes. If done correctly, the pen will mold completely around the specialized screw and grip it so that it can be twisted out.

  4. Disassembling the Nintendo 64 (without special tools): step 4, image 1 of 1
    • Grip the pen and, pushing down forcefully, begin to twist it loose (to the left) as if you were using an actual screwdriver. The screw should come out with the pen as shown in the picture if done flawlessly. If not, you can still manage to get the screw out without it molding completely.

  5. Disassembling the Nintendo 64 (without special tools): step 5, image 1 of 1
    • Repeat the melting and re-solidifying process 5 more times for the rest of the screws, and the console will be ready to be opened up for repair.

  6. Disassembling the Nintendo 64 (without special tools): step 6, image 1 of 1
    • Open the outer shell of the case if it is not already opened. For a how-to on that, go here.

  7. Disassembling the Nintendo 64 (without special tools): step 7, image 1 of 1
    • Once the case is off, turn your attention to the silver plate covering the green motherboard underneath. Begin unscrewing the screws connecting the plate to the motherboard.

    • Also remove the two smaller screws on the expansion slot.

  8. Disassembling the Nintendo 64 (without special tools): step 8, image 1 of 1
    • The motherboard is now free to be worked on.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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