Anyone ever take a joystick out of an X-Arcade? I can't figure out how...

[Dreamwriter]

So, I am gutting my old X-Arcade - I know the joysticks aren't the best but I'm only gonna use them as secondary sticks for Robotron and Smash TV and the like.  But I can't get them outta the box - I got all the nuts/bolts out, but the handle doesn't unscrew (turning it turns the actual metal stick).  Any ideas?  Thanks!

[neo_virus]

There should be a C clip on the end of the stick that you can take off. Its a bit tricky but you should be able to do it. Theres an exploded view of the joystick here: http://www.happcontrols.com/images/50/50608400_exploded.gif

You can see the clip on the bottom left hand side of the picture. Hopefully this should help you out, that is if its the same stick as my X Arcade one.

[severdhed]

thats how it was with my x-arcade as well

[Dreamwriter]

Yeah, I thought that might be it, but I couldn't figure out how to get that off either.  I just found out on X-Arcade's site they tell how to take the joystick apart, to switch to 4-directional, and you're right, the C-Clip is the culprit.  Unfortunately, they aren't any help in getting it off either: " You will notice a tiny silver "C" shaped metal piece (C-Clip) on the bottom. Slide that sideways with a flat-head screwdriver to remove (careful, they like to run away from you!)"  The thing seems to be on REALLY tight (and pushing on it tends to rotate it).  Oh well, just gotta keep working at it.  Thanks guys!

[severdhed]

mine came off really easy, i can pop them off with my fingers.  the key is if you are using a screwdriver, make sure you are pressing against both tips of the C at the same time, that will cause it to spread open slightly and pop off, if you just push on one side, it will just spin around the shaft.

also, it is easier if you push in on the plastic actuator that the clip rests on, that will take the pressure of off the clip, making it easier to get off, just be aware that the plastic actuator is spring loaded, once the clip comes off, it could go flying...so be prepared.

[ShinAce]

I find the easiest way is to put the stick in your lap face down, with the joystick handle firmly pushed into your thigh. Use a very small flathead screwdriver to get in the notch formed between the clip and shaft. Now just press the actuator down with a finger or two to relieve pressure on the clip and pop it off. Even if it only comes off 10%, that's enough to now use pliers and pull it off.

[Dreamwriter]

Thanks for the tips.  Dunno why mine were so much tighter than the rest of yours (with your fingers?!), but even pliers didn't work.  In the end I had to use wire cutters, the two ends hooked into one of the holes in the c-clip, and pull really dang hard.  And it was even that hard the second time I did it (when put into my new CP, I accidentally left off a piece, so had to take the joysticl back off).