PS3 Screwdriver: TR8 or TR10?

Author: Evan Gattuso

Required screwdrivers to open a PS3 (original):

Use a Torx Security TR10 screwdriver to remove the security fastener located on the side of the PS3 case, hidden underneath a black screw cover.
Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the Phillips screws that hold the top cover.

Required screwdrivers to open a PS3 Slim:

Use a Torx Security TR8 screwdriver to remove the security Torx screws beneath the Blu-ray drive opening.
Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the Phillips screws securing the top cover to the lower case.

Important

Always follow iFixit’s screwdriver best practices to avoid stripping screws. In general, use the largest driver size that fits snugly into the screw to avoid stripping the screw.

Standard Torx (Won’t fit PS3 security screws)	Security Torx (Will fit PS3 security screws)

The tip of the Torx Security (we refer to it as a TR#) screw head has a small hole in the center which differs from a standard Torx screw head (referred to as a T#).

Tip

You can bypass these security screws with nothing but a small flathead screwdriver. You can decide how you want to tackle these security screws but do not listen to a random Redditor that tells you to "use a Phillips and really get in there" unless you want to strip the screws on the outside of the case.

Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the five Phillips screws that secure the rear cover to the controller.

A metal spudger is useful for prying the screw covers around the edge of the PS3 Slim's lower case and for popping up the small access door on the bottom cover near the front of the console.

A plastic spudger is suitable for more delicate tasks like handling connectors, releasing clips, and when removing the black rubber screw cover from the side of the PS3 (original model).