Mastering The Techniques: Taking Apart An Xbox One Controller With Minimal Tools
Introduction
Xbox One controllers are a gamer’s most important tool. They’re used extensively, and as a result, wear and tear is inevitable. Analog sticks become loose, buttons stop working, and triggers fail to register movements at times. While purchasing a new controller might seem like an easy fix, it’s an expensive one. Taking the controller apart and fixing the issue can be a cheaper and quicker solution. This guide will show you how to take apart an Xbox One controller without using any sophisticated tools.
Tools you will need:
- T7 Screwdriver
- T6 Screwdriver
- Plastic opening tool
- Paperclip or safety pin (optional)
- Cotton swabs
- Isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol
Steps to disassemble an Xbox One controller
Step 1: Prepare the necessary tools
Before you begin, make sure you have all the essential tools listed above at hand.
Step 2: Remove the battery
The first step is to remove the battery. Place the controller on a flat surface and remove the battery lid. If there are no batteries, just skip to step 3.
Step 3: Remove the six screws from the back
Using the T6 screwdriver, remove the six screws located on the back of the controller. Ensure that you keep all of them in a safe place as you’ll require them while reassembling the controller.
Step 4: Take apart the controller
Use a plastic opening tool to pry the controller’s casing open gently. Begin at the bottom of the device and work your way to the top. Be cautious, and don’t apply too much strength as you don’t want to damage the delicate parts beneath the shell.
Step 5: Remove the front panel
Remove the front panel carefully by pulling it upwards and then outwards.
Step 6: Detach the battery clip and remove the rumble motors
Detach the battery clip and remove the rumble motors gently.
Step 7: Remove the screws of the controller assembly
Remove the screws of the controller assembly using the T7 screwdriver that’s located on the back of the front panel.
Step 8: Separate the triggers
Use a paper clip or safety pin to separate the triggers, but if you don’t have one, you can carefully do so with your fingers.
Step 9: Replace or repair
Now that the parts are dissembled, you can clean and replace them if necessary.
FAQs
1. Why is it essential to use a plastic opening tool?
Using a metal tool could cause permanent damage to the surface of your controller.
2. Is it worth taking apart my broken controller instead of buying a new one?
Yes, it is. Fixing a controller is a cheaper and quicker solution than buying a new one.
3. Is it necessary to use isopropyl or rubbing alcohol while taking apart the controller?
Yes, it is essential to clean the internal surface with isopropyl or rubbing alcohol as it removes dirt and other contaminants.
4. Is it necessary to use both T6 and T7 screwdrivers?
Yes, it is necessary to use both T6 and T7 screwdrivers as they remove different-sized screws from the controller.
5. How long does it take to take apart and reassemble an Xbox One controller?
It usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how familiar you are with the process.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to take apart an Xbox One controller with minimal tools, repairing your device should be a piece of cake. However, be very careful when disassembling and reassembling the controller. Additionally, note that the guide above applies to Xbox One controllers only, so don’t try to apply it to other controllers.
