How to Make the Trigger Buttons Stiffer on a PlayStation 3

Household items can repair your PS3's trigger buttons.

Regular use of your PlayStation 3 controller may cause the trigger buttons to loosen over time. In many cases, the reason for loose trigger buttons is a distorted or broken spring. Replacing this spring and coating the trigger button lightly with clear nail polish can stiffen your loose PS3 trigger buttons.

Things You'll Need

• 2 floppy discs (3.5 inches)
• Clear nail polish
• Precision screwdriver

Instructions

1. Disassemble the floppy discs and save the internal springs. Discard the discs and set the springs aside.

2. Unscrew the back of your PS3 controller with the precision screwdriver and carefully lift up the back of the controller.

3. Remove the lithium-ion battery from the controller by gently pulling the wire from the circuit board of the controller.

4. Remove the trigger buttons and apply one light coat of clear nail polish to each trigger button. Allow the nail polish to dry completely before reassembly.

5. Press the ends of the metal bar inside of each trigger button to remove the bar and the current spring.

6. Coil the new spring around the metal bar with the ends of the spring facing away from the trigger button. Carefully replace the trigger button back into the PS3 controller.

7. Reconnect the battery to the circuit board and carefully close the controller case. Screw the case closed and test the functionality of the new trigger springs.

Tips & Warnings

• Disassembling your PS3 controller may damage it beyond repair and void your replacement warranty.

References

• LVL Select: How to Fix a PS3 Trigger
• Julia Heng: How to Tighten Loose Joints in Action Figures and Toys
• Reader's Digest: New and Improved Uses for Nail Polish
• Mmmonkey: PS3 Dual Shock 3 Sixaxis Joystick Swap