I have done many EM playfield swaps. My method is everything works before stripping the pf. I have never had to replace a dim or flickering bulb socket after I used a Pinball Resource bulb socket cleaner. It must be magic. I have never replaced the braid as it is already attached to everything it needs to be attached to. Why make more work and problems for yourself? There are always glitches on first power up after the swap, but I think keeping the sockets and braid where the manufacturers put them minimizes the problems after the swap. Just my lazy man’s method to minimize the hassle and increase the chances for successful swap.