Getting the joysticks OUT of an X-Arcade

[Dekelia]

I have an X-Arcade 2 player setup and I'm trying to remove one of the joysticks.  I eventually want to use these joysticks for a CP I'm building (since I already have it and am using the X-Arcade decoder anyway) but for right now, I just wanted to try out the WICO 4-way I bought and figured I'd could put it in the X-Arcade to try it.

Anyway, I can't figure out how to get them out.  Has anyone done this.  They just use what appear to be standard joystick bolts with locking washers.  I can't keep the bolt still so I can remove the nut, it just spins.  Since it is smooth and round I can'r figure out how to do it.

Is there a trick to this that I'm missing?  Do I just have to use bolt cutters to get the thing out?  I figured this was a fairly normal thing to do.  Any ideas?

[AlanS17]

Carriage bolts don't typically spin that way. I've never personally worked with an X-Arcade, but carriage bolts should have a square portion under the head that digs into the material and prevents spinning. If it's spinning that likely means the the hole somehow got stripped (assuming they're using standard carriage bolts).

How much of the head can you grab? I'd recommend grabbing the head with pliers while you try to unscrew from underneath. Otherwise try pushing down really hard on the head while you unscrew from underneath. The pliers would be a better option if you can get a grip, though.

[Dekelia]

Yeah, I tried both of those things.  I even got a piece of rubber to put on it while I pushed down to create better friction.  I scratched it up real good with the pliers but it didn't budge (couldn't get a good grip).  I even tried two pairs of needle nose pliers, one holding it from underneath - didn't work.

Are normal arcade bolts, "carriage bolts?"  These don't seem to be, but maybe they are just stripped.  I'm thinking I may just need to leave them in there.

Thanks for the help though.

[walls83]

hack saw

[DougHillman]

hack saw

While this is a little low tech, it may end up being your last resort.  Personally, I'd use a Dremel tool with a cut-off wheel myself.  Hacksaws are for the Amish.

D

[stellarola]

I removed my sticks to put in my Control Panel. Just use a small flathead screwdriver to get in there to get a good grip.  

[Darkstalker]

You could try a pair of vise grips too.  Works much easier.

[Gunstar Hero]

"When all else fails use fire."

[Dekelia]

I removed my sticks to put in my Control Panel. Just use a small flathead screwdriver to get in there to get a good grip.  

I don't really understand what you mean.  What do you do with the flat head screwdriver?

[AlanS17]

I think he means getting the screw driver up underneath the head to pull up and hold it still while you screw from the other side.

If the pliers didn't work I might have to recommend the Dremel. But BE CAREFUL! If you go that route, use the fastest speed available and use good eye protection. A low speed will cause the thing to jump and potentially damage the X-Arcade.

If possible, cut underneath between the nut and the board. Avoid working on top because you're bound to booger it up. Working underneath leaves more room for error. Plus I guess I don't need to tell you to move away any wires that are even remotely close. If the Dremel jumps and splits a wire (and I speak from experience) it can be a pain in the butt.

[deadmoney5]

Um...I havent tried it, but there is a FAQ on their site telling you how to switch from 8way to 4 way...

looks easy, too

[SoundDoc]

I've had to get lock-nuts off spinning bolts/screws a fair number of times, and if their turning it can be a real ****!
One thing that I've started to do, that seems to work is to get some crazy glue, and put a  couple of drops on the top of the bolt/screw to glue it to the top of the CP, once it sets, I either use my drill with a socket, and adjust the "Torque" setting to the minimum, or use a impact gun on the nut while also holding the screw head down. the multiple impacts help "nudge" the nut off a little each time until they just spin off, then a quick tap on the bolt with a hammer cracks the little bit of glue holding the head.
Just another idea, if that doesn't work, I second the Dremel tool.

sd

[SQrL]

Hmm... strange, I built my CP using the "guts" of an X-Arcade 2 player and never had any problems removing the joysticks or any other parts.

Might wanna spray em down with some WD40 as well (every lil bit helps).

[Dekelia]

Hmm... strange, I built my CP using the "guts" of an X-Arcade 2 player and never had any problems removing the joysticks or any other parts.

Might wanna spray em down with some WD40 as well (every lil bit helps).

Well it's good to know it can be done.  I'm now worried I have completely screwed up one of the joysticks.  I'll definately oil up the other one before I take it out.  Thanks.

[Tiger-Heli]

Just my random thought:  You might be able to use Vise-Grips to hold the bottom of the screw in place while you remove the nut with a wrench.

Be careful about stripping the threads, though . . .