So i modded my first arcade stick a while back, and while exchanging the buttons i ran into a little issue. I broke every god damn button possible. Now the second time through im not as bad, i messed up the side clip things on one out of 8 buttons but nothing i couldnt fix with some elbow grease real quick. Does anyone have any insight on how much power you need to take out a button/ a better way to do so than i have been? im a pretty big dude so when i push in on the side clips on sanwa buttons i push pretty hard by accident.
I believe you are talking about the quick disconnects. When they are hard to take off what I use is a small pair of pliers as that requires less strength and comes off easier.
If you are talking about the button. I guess make sure that you have the tabs pinched in correctly. And push with a good amount of force again. You can use a tool to make the process easier on your hands and fingers. If you are using a screwdriver of any sort than you should push in one tab with your hand and then push the screwdriver into the button somewhere where it won’t break anything off.
When they’re in tight, I always push one tab in while pushing down on that side of the button. As soon as the tab moves past the panel (just enough to keep it from popping back out), I do the same thing on the opposite side.
The Gamerfinger buttons (never buy these) in my Panzer were in so tight that I had to very carefully use adjustable jaw pliers of the right size and slightly spin them left and right while the tabs were held down and applying force up and out.
Use the backside of a pair of tweezers on one tab until the tab is flush with the hole, push that side in slightly, and do the other side.
Your snap-in buttons should last at least 4 installs this way, no problem.
Get a homeless tramp to do it. They are weaker and smaller than you and can be paid in threats.
Tip #1: don’t squeeze as hard.
That being said, the technique that @PresidentCamacho described works best for me: press one locking tab in gently while pushing that side of the button (from the bottom) outwards/upwards, and stop as soon as the button pops out a bit from the hole. Now repeat on the other side, and then alternate between the two sides. That way, you’re sure to be pressing in on the locking tab only just enough to get the button out, and not more than that.
Alternatively, you can always switch over to screw-in buttons instead (which I prefer anyways).
I have to twist and use my fingers when taking out the buttons if not I’ll the break the tabs using a screwdriver. Screw ons are the best in my opinion.