I just started a rehab on a Gottlieb Hurdy Gurdy. Other than being dirty, the playfield is in pretty decent shape. I started the teardown over the weekend and I've had more wood screws break off on this one game than I've had in the last 15 games combined. The screws that have come out don't appear rusted or damaged in any way. I broke 3 screws that were holding the card holder on, another few holding the top arch and one or 2 on the playfield. I removed 2 pop bumper assemblies and broke 4 out of the 6 screws holding the coil brackets to the pf. I'm not really looking forward to taking more of this machine apart, but it needs to be done. Are there any tricks that I'm missing? The next issue is how to fix. I had one other break a few games back, and I used a small plug cutter and filled the hole with a small dowel. There are way too many broken screws to be using that method. I'm thinking dremel with a debur bit and fill with epoxy, then drill new holes?

Toothpicks are great for stripped holes. Not much they are going to do for broken screws.

broken screws (resized).jpg

I can give that a shot, but the blade may be thicker than the remaining screw. I did use this method to get a few screws out with stripped heads. It appears the machine may have been stored awhile in a damp environment. No water damage, but many of the screws have rusted threads and there is a lot of oxidation as well.

Thanks guys.. I'll have a look at those pliers. It looks like they may a smaller tip. Not sure if the picture makes them look bigger on the tip. I don't want to remove too much wood since the coil bracket needs to sit flat.

Drill block might work, but I think it would have to be clamped so it doesn't move. I'm going to try a few different methods I think. I just ordered a wood screw extractor to cut a 1/4" plug around the screw. I'm also going to order the pliers listed above. The screws that have snapped were pretty tight. The pliers may be difficult or very time consuming. A few drops of oil on the screw may help to give some lube. I also may try the dremel with a deburring bit.

I ordered the 1/4" one last night. I think this may be the easiest way. I'm going to put a shaft collar on the bit to give a more positive stop so it doesn't go through the PF.

HowardR - I looked at remounting it, but the pop bumper switches will have to be relocated as well. I think that will turn into a bigger project.

I ordered the 1/4" extractor that vid1900 posted. It does the job. While I was waiting for the bit to arrive, I tried the dremel with a burring bit. Made me very nervous as well as a big hole to fill. Not ideal.

I made a guide block to keep the extractor in position so it doesn't walk. As long as its centered over the screw, and the screw is straight, it does a good job. The first hole I did, the screw was in crooked and broke the bit. Luckily they are double ended. I've since done 5 without trouble.

20231030_193415 (resized).jpg

20231030_194010 (resized).jpg

20231030_200106 (resized).jpg

drill bit (resized).jpg

Since I've been breaking the majority of screws on this game, in afraid to take anything else apart. Tonight I tried something to loosen up the screws. I put my 140w Weller iron on the screw heads and heated until I saw smoke. The screws come right out. Wish I thought of it 10 screws ago..

I'm going to try to use the pliers listed above along with the heat to see if I can get the last 6 broken screws out without drilling..