IFIXIT Joy Con Buckle Lock Replacement Instruction Manual

: June 13, 2024
: IFIXIT

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Joy-Con Buckle Lock Replacement
Use this guide to replace the buckle lock in a…
Written By: Adam O’Camb

INTRODUCTION

Use this guide to replace the buckle lock in a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con with a metal one, or a new plastic one.
There are a few minor differences between the left and right Joy-Cons, but none that will affect the procedure. These steps apply to both Joy-Cons.

TOOLS:
Tweezers (1)
Phillips #00 Screwdriver (1)
Tri-point Y00 Screwdriver (1)
iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) (1)
Spudger (1)

PARTS:
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Replacement
Metal Buckle Locks (1)

Step 1 — Remove the case screws

Use a Tri-point Y00 driver to remove the four 6.3 mm-long screws from the back panel of the Joy-Con.

Step 2 — Separate the halves of the Joy-Con

Insert an opening pick into the seam at the bottom edge of the controller (opposite the L and ZL buttons).
Slowly slide the flat edge of your opening pick up the side of the Joy-Con.

Be careful not to slide the opening pick too far inside the Joy-Con. This may damage the inner components. The back panel loosens easily, so not much pressure is needed.

Step 3 — Open the Joy-Con

With the charging rail facing away from you, open the the Joy-Con like a book.

Don’t try to fully remove the back panel. There are still two cables connecting the charging rail to the motherboard.

Step 4 — Unscrew the charging rail

Use a Phillips #00 driver to remove the 2.5 mm screw securing the charging rail.

Step 5 — Remove the back panel

Pull the back panel straight off of the charging rail to remove it.

There’s a chance the rail unlock button will fall out of the back panel. During reassembly, make sure it is installed correctly, with the tab on the button slotted into the notch in the back panel.

Step 6 — Remove the buckle lock bracket

Use a Phillips #00 driver to remove the screw securing the buckle lock retaining bracket.

Step 7

Slide one side of a pair of pointed tweezers under the flat part in the middle of the buckle lock bracket.
Grasp the bracket with the tweezers and pull the bracket straight away from the charging rail to remove it.

Be careful when you remove the bracket, as the spring and old buckle lock may shoot out and be easily lost.

Step 8 — Remove the buckle lock

Lift the buckle lock slightly out of its slot in the charging rail, just until the spring is exposed enough that you can grab it with tweezers.
Grab the buckle lock such that the tweezers are around both sides of the lock and holding the spring inside the lock.
When you pull the lock out, the spring can shoot out. Make sure you have a firm grip with the tweezers.
Pull the buckle lock out of its slot in the charging rail.

During reassembly, make sure to move the spring from the old lock to the new one.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.
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