In order to tune your Astrojax shells, or remove and replace Saturn batteries, you must remove screws. Astrojax balls have two screws that hold together each hemisphere of the ball. This Tuning Tip will address a few ideas that will hopefully keep your tuning experience a positive one. As a general rule, it is recommended that you remove your Astrojax screws while working at a table or countertop (carpets swallow up small screws). Unfortunately, some players have reported having problems with stripped screws. Possible causes of stripped screws:

· Use of improper screw driver size.

· Not allowing screw driver to “seat” into screw head.

· Not applying enough pressure while turning.

· Turning screw driver too fast.

· Over tightening the screw.

To get started, you need to find a good screw driver. The type you will need is a small Phillips head screw driver. Phillips head screw drivers are also referred to as “cross” head screw drivers. Any good hardware store will have them. Your local Sears Craftsman tool department is has a good selection of micro screw drivers (they paid me a million dollars to say that).  It is a good idea to take along a set of Astrojax with you.  Whatever store you purchase your screw driver from, be sure to size the screw driver by fitting the tip into one of the Astrojax screws before buying.

When you begin, make sure your screw driver has a firm "grip" when "seated" into the head of the screw. This is important: Make sure the screwdriver tip is fully seated into the head of the screw before you begin turning! Apply firm pressure and slowly turn counter-clockwise to remove the screw. If you do not apply enough pressure, or turn too quickly, the screw driver tip will “roll” out of the head of the screw. If you feel or see this happening, stop immediately! This is the point when "stripping" of the screw head begins.

Some players like to use a pair of vice grip pliers to help maintain downward force on the screw driver. If you are one of them, a heavier duty screw driver may be best, since the best location for clamping the pliers to the screw driver is at the top of the handle. To avoid damaging your screw driver, use a cloth or cardboard between the pliers “teeth” and the screwdriver handle. Using pliers with a screw driver allows you to “palm” the pliers and screw driver. This ultimately helps you maintain firm downward force while driving the screw.

When reinserting the screw into your Astrojax, be careful not to over tighten. When the screw stops, over tightening will most likely cause the screwdriver to "roll" out of the screw head, causing damage. It may also cause the screw threads to strip the Astrojax plastic itself.

If you have stripped your Astrojax screws and are unable to remove them, you might try purchasing an "easy out" tool from a local hardware store. If you can find one small enough, it will enable you to get a grip on the stripped screw. Turn it counter-clockwise to back out the screw. A good specialty hardware or fastener store will have the needed replacement screw (or a compatible size) with correct threading.

A quick recap:

* Use correct size Phillips head screw driver.
* Fully seat screw driver tip into screw head before turning.
* Counter clockwise for removing.
* Clockwise for inserting/tightening.
* Apply firm downward pressure while turning.
* Turn slowly.
* Do not over tighten when reinserting screw.

Go out and spend a few dollars on a quality screwdriver. It will serve you well as you create your new and unique, tuned Astrojax. Happy tuning!

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