The Tricky Tri-Wing: Ds Lite Screw Size Guide

The Nintendo DS Lite uses tri-wing and Phillips-head screws. The tri-wing screwdrivers required for the DS Lite are a size #0, and the Phillips-head screwdrivers are a size #00. The tri-wing screwdrivers have three wings or prongs arranged in a triangle shape and are used to open many Nintendo products, including the DS Lite. The Phillips-head screwdrivers are the most commonly used fastener in the internals of consumer electronics.

Tri-Wing #0 and Phillips #00

To unscrew a Nintendo DS Lite, you will need a Tri-Wing #0 and a Phillips #00 screwdriver. The Tri-Wing #0 screwdriver is required because the screws on a DS Lite are very small and require a precise screwdriver to avoid stripping them. The Phillips #00 screwdriver is commonly used for consumer electronics, game consoles, laptops, and small home appliances.

In addition to the Tri-Wing and Phillips screwdrivers, you will also need a spudger or a small, regular screwdriver to remove the rubber feet and pry open the casing.

It is important to note that opening your Nintendo DS Lite may void your warranty, and you should proceed with caution to avoid damaging the device.

• Unscrew the Phillips screw securing the battery cover to the lower case. The screw remains captive to the battery cover.
• Pry the battery cover upward with a spudger or your fingernail and lift it out of the lower case.
• Wedge the edge of a spudger between the side of the battery and the lower case housing, and pry upward to dislodge the battery.
• Remove the battery.
• Use the tip of a spudger to pry off both rubber feet from the DS Lite.
• Remove the following screws securing the lower case to the body of the DS Lite:

• Two 4.3 mm gold Phillips screws
• One 3.9 mm black Tri-Wing screw
• One 3.3 mm silver Phillips screw
• Three 5.5 mm silver Tri-Wing screws

• Remove the cover from the Game Pak slot.
• Insert the edge of a spudger between the lower and upper case near the top right corner of the DS Lite.
• Carefully run the spudger along the right edge and then the backside of the DS Lite to create an opening.
• Lift the lower case away from the rest of the DS Lite, pulling carefully to avoid damaging the power switch.

When reassembling, ensure that the power switch and volume sliders are properly aligned with the switches on the motherboard.

Tri-Wing and Phillips screwdrivers

The Tri-Wing screwdriver is a three-pointed screwdriver that is required to remove the Tri-Wing screws found on the Nintendo DS Lite. The Phillips screwdriver is a cross-head screwdriver that is required to remove the Phillips screws. Both types of screws are used to secure the lower case of the Nintendo DS Lite to the body of the device.

There are several options available for purchasing Tri-Wing and Phillips screwdrivers. Some sets include multiple sizes of Tri-Wing and Phillips screwdrivers, as well as other tools such as a spudger, which can be useful for prying open cases and removing batteries. It is important to ensure that the correct size and type of screwdriver is purchased to avoid damaging the screws or device.

• TSV 11-in-1 Professional Full Tri-wing Security Screwdriver Repair Tool Kit: includes Tri-Wing and Phillips screwdrivers, as well as other tools compatible with the Nintendo DS Lite.
• HIGHFINE Triwing 1.5 2.5 3.0 and Phillips PH00 Screwdriver Set: includes Tri-Wing 1.5, 2.5, and 3.0, as well as Phillips PH00 screwdriver. Compatible with Nintendo products such as the DS Lite.
• EEEkit 3-in-1 Y0 Y00 PH00 Full Security Triwing Screwdriver Game Bit Repair Tools: includes Tri-Wing Y0 and Y00, as well as Phillips PH00 screwdriver. Compatible with Nintendo products such as the DS Lite.

Nintendo DS Lite screws are small

The Nintendo DS Lite is a handheld gaming device released in 2006 as an improved version of the Nintendo DS. It uses tri-wing screws, which have three wings or prongs arranged in a triangle shape. These screws are very small and require a precise screwdriver to avoid stripping them during repairs.

The tri-wing screwdriver is a special type of screwdriver used to open many Nintendo products, including the Wii, Gameboy Advance, Gamecube, Original DS, and DS Lite. It is an essential tool for accessing the internals of these devices for repairs. When working with tri-wing screws, it is crucial to use the correct size and pattern of the screwdriver to avoid damage.

To disassemble a Nintendo DS Lite, you will need to remove the screws from various locations. This includes two screws from the GBA slot, one screw from the battery compartment, and four screws along the edges of the back cover. The screws vary in size, with some requiring a Tri-Wing screwdriver and others a Phillips-head screwdriver.

The size of the tri-wing screwdriver for the Nintendo DS Lite is typically recommended as a #0 or #1, with specific measurements of 3.8 mm or 3.9 mm. Additionally, you may need a Phillips #00 screwdriver for certain screws. These screwdrivers are designed to fit the unique Y-style or Tri-Wing screws used in Nintendo products.

It is important to note that the screws on the DS Lite are small and require careful handling during repairs to avoid stripping or damaging them. Taking apart a functioning DS Lite for cosmetic reasons is not recommended unless you are confident in your skills and have the appropriate tools.

Tri-wing screwdrivers are for security

Tri-wing screwdrivers are a type of security screwdriver used to tighten or loosen tri-wing screws, which have three slots in their heads forming a Y-shape. They are often used for Nintendo products, such as the Nintendo DS Lite, as well as other consumer products.

Tri-wing screwdrivers are designed for security purposes, as they are a type of tamper-resistant screw. This means that they are more difficult to open without the correct screwdriver, helping to prevent unauthorised access or modifications. This can be useful for a variety of reasons, such as preventing children from accessing batteries or other small parts, or deterring theft.

The tri-wing screw is a common security feature on many Nintendo products, including the DS Lite. To open a DS Lite, you will need a tri-wing screwdriver to remove the following screws securing the lower case to the body of the console:

• One 3.9 mm black Tri-Wing screw
• Three 5.5 mm silver Tri-Wing screws

In addition to the Tri-Wing screws, there are also Phillips-head screws securing the lower case of the DS Lite, which will require a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove.

It is important to have the correct size and type of screwdriver when working with Nintendo products or any other device that uses tri-wing screws. Using the wrong type of screwdriver can result in stripped or damaged screws, making it difficult or impossible to remove them.

There are a variety of tri-wing screwdriver options available on the market, including individual screwdrivers and screwdriver sets. Some screwdrivers are designed specifically for Nintendo products, while others can be used for a range of devices. It is always a good idea to invest in a quality screwdriver to ensure a proper fit and to prevent damage to the screws.

Nintendo DS Lite lower case replacement

To replace the lower case of a Nintendo DS Lite, you will need a set of screwdrivers that includes both Phillips-head and Tri-Wing (Y-shaped) screwdrivers. The Tri-Wing screwdrivers you will need are 1.5, 2.5, and 3.0 mm, while the Phillips-head screwdriver you will need is a PH00.

Once you have the correct tools, follow these steps:

Step 1: Unscrew the Battery Cover

Unscrew the Phillips screw securing the battery cover to the lower case. The screw remains captive to the battery cover, so take care not to lose it.

Step 2: Remove the Battery

Pry the battery cover upward with a spudger or your fingernail, and lift it out of the lower case. Then, wedge the edge of the spudger between the side of the battery and the lower case housing, prying upward to dislodge the battery. Remove the battery from the DS Lite.

Step 3: Remove the Rubber Feet

Use the tip of a spudger to pry both rubber feet off the DS Lite.

Step 4: Unscrew the Lower Case

Remove the following screws securing the lower case to the body of the DS Lite:

• Two 4.3 mm gold Phillips screws
• One 3.9 mm black Tri-Wing screw
• One 3.3 mm silver Phillips screw
• Three 5.5 mm silver Tri-Wing screws

Step 5: Remove the Game Pak Slot Cover

Remove the cover from the Game Pak slot before continuing.

Step 6: Separate the Lower and Upper Cases

Insert the edge of a spudger between the lower and upper case near the top right corner of the DS Lite. Carefully run the spudger along the right edge of the DS Lite, creating an opening. Continue running the spudger along the backside of the DS Lite until the majority of the lower case has been separated from the upper case.

Step 7: Lift the Lower Case Away

Lift and carefully pull the lower case away from the rest of the DS Lite. Some units are sealed with adhesive, so take care not to pull too hard, or you may damage the power switch.

When reassembling, ensure that the power switch and volume sliders are properly aligned with the switches on the motherboard.

Frequently asked questions