So I got my rotary joysticks...

[Veinman]

Today I finally received my two Happ Mechanical rotary joysticks that I will be putting in my cabinet. However, unlike other sticks I have received, these are fully assembled. Does anyone know a link to detailed instructions on how to install them?

I can start unscrewing things on my own, but I'd like to avoid any unnecessary steps, and also risk putting the sticks back together wrong.

[fl0yd]

I'm working from memory here, but you should only have to remove 1 set screw.

On the coupler, which is also the microswitch activator, there are 2 set screws.   Unscrew the one closest to the base of the joystick.  The shaft should then slide out of the coupler leaving you with 3 pieces.  Mount the base to your CP surface, slide the shaft through from the top, and then reassemble the 3 pieces and tighten the same set screw.

[Veinman]

I found a video of the installation process on retroblast. He mentions using a torx wrench. Is that like an allen wrench (hex head?)

Happ's website lists the part as a "SET SCREW, CONE POINT M4 X 8MM" so I guess I need an 8mm torx wrench. I checked all my allen wrenches, none fit.

[JB]

Torx is LIKE a hex-head, but... not. It's star-shaped.

[Franco]

A torx driver would work but its not ideal. It is definatly a hex head grub screw. As fl0yd said just remove one of the screws, pop the stick through your CP and then reinsert the screw. Note that you have to apply some pressure to both ends of the assembly to locate the screw as the assembly seems to be 'sprung'.

[Veinman]

I missed this post. Today I went to Lowe's and bought an 8-in1 torx head screwdriver for $6. It had an 8mm (apparently according to the packaging it goes by a size called T8) that fit the screw perfectly.

It will probably be the only time I need a torx wrench, but hey, I've got one now. And judging from the quality of the tool, at $6 it is about $4 over-priced.

[Kremmit]

You might be surprised- I've bumped into Torx screws on other parts.  Also cars and other random things.  Jeeps are full of 'em.

Unfortunately, I've also bumped into a lot of Security Torx screws- the ones with the little pin in the center of the star, so you need a bit with a hole in the center.  Gorf/Tron sticks have 'em a lot, so do Happ trigger grips. 

I wish I'd bought Security Torx bits instead of regular ones, as then I wouldn't need two sets.

[Veinman]

The day I work on a car is the day the world explodes.