I'm about to kick off my first attempt at this by making 7 new guides for my Gottlieb Spring Break. My old ones are too rusty and the plating is flaking off so they can't be saved.

I wasn't able to source #8 mirror finish locally, but I was able to get 4X 1" wide 36" long strips of #4 brushed finish stainless 20ga for about $40. I think I can buff it to get more shine if It seems too dull.

My question is, does anyone know if there is a nipper or punch tool out there with a square profile so I can reuse the original supports? Could I get away with using a round punch? (something like https://www.amazon.com/Capri-Tools-CP21050-21050-Puncher/dp/B00OM4GVX0/ref=sr_1_6)

Would something like this tool work? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002KRACO/ref=ewc_pr_img_2

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So I picked up a nipper and a hole punch to try out. The nipper is a little wider and slightly more shallow than the notches on the original guide. That works out since my guides are 1/8” more narrow (height wise) than the original. The nipper also makes it easy to make the tapered ends of these guides. The nipper does leave sharp edges however, so I’m going to have to sand or file them down.

I also really like the hole punch over using a drill on sheet metal. No need to clamp and no worries of spinning sharp metal.

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This was a surprisingly doable process. Thanks vid1900 for documenting this. I wouldn’t have thought to make new guides otherwise.

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New:
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Closer look at clips and #4 finish:
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Have you tried tumbling them with some crushed walnut and flitz?