A couple things I have learned after finishing a couple of half completed swaps.

If you can place your rotisserie next to the cabinet it is worth it to be able to test the playfield at multiple times during the swap.

1. Before populating the top: Add and test all feature lamps. This is a really good time to identify if you have any wiring mistakes
2. Before putting any plastics on in most cases (and some posts in hard to reach areas): Add and test all GI for the same reason as above. You may want to do this after you drill the post holes so you can blow off the dust
3. Before putting any plastics but after rubbers. Check any switches that may be closed by new rubber

I live in fear of doing this but I have a much simple solution. I drill through a cork. No modifications to the bit needed and short of the cork disintegrating (unlikely at these speeds) there is little chance of a drill though.

By carefully setting the depth of the bit and using the size of the cork I get a perfect depth on the hole without any playfield damage.

I usually have to cut the cork down actually so I cut off the part that is wine stained.

I added a step to my last swap and put in inline connectors on all of the under playfield assemblies. I used 2 and 3 pin molex connectors in .062 for switches and .093 for coils.

This allowed the assembly to be left in place during replacement. I would continue to play the game so I knew everything was working.

Then during the swap the assemblies came out first leaving alot of open room. This removed the majority of the weight from the harness and allowed the position to be easily checked on the new playfield.

Additionally the mechs can be cleaned and polished individually during downtown from other activities.

I see the modifications on the drill bit as a way of causing unintended issues. Meanwhile my drill bit just sits in the toolbox with a cork through it and when it needs replacement the new one slides right in.

I'm not going to make any claims about whether or not I've ever had a drill through as I'd just be inviting irony to make an appearance on my next swap

For me I don't care if the mechs ever get removed again. This is all about keeping the assembly as a single unit and making it easier to do the swap.

I lack the equipment and experience to cut down a drill bit. I'd be afraid or leaving a burr or something that would damage the surface.

But that is based on my ignorance of the process and my already having a method that works for me.

A new step I have added to the process. I layout the old plastics and new plastics, if any, on the new playfield to check the dimples before I do anything else to the new playfield. It's so much easier to check hole and dimple placement with no rails or other components in the way.