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Quoted from mof:1. Spiral Notebooks
2. At 15 games in the collection, I realized I was starting to forget what work I did on each machine.
3. I went to costco online and bought 20 x 70pp notebooks for like $23 shipped. I put one in each coinbox.
I use Google Docs:
Here's an example:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ciP4L9xbAmltDYNxKwO6n3toQu3jyg1bo_pgfI2X6Bk/edit?usp=sharing
1) name of the tool: "The Wooden Knee" 
2) pic(s):
JMS_4040.JPG
JMS_4041.JPG
3) problem it solves:
Provides a stable platform for one end of your pin, while putting on legs.
4) brief description of how to make it
It's made of 2"x6" lumber I had laying around; I used angle brackets to make it more secure. Dimensions are 17" wide by 25.5" tall. The "double-T" profile makes it really secure. Long screws are used to attach the 2 parts of the upper "T". I added felt to the top and bottom to protect the game and the floor. Note: The 2 layers at the bottom are not necessary if you measure right from the start (I did not).
I keep meaning to buy a handle, so it can be more easily grabbed and deployed. Something like this:
safety-handle.jpg
5. advantages over similar tools:
It's relatively compact, and easier to remove one-handed than other "proppers" I've seen. It's rock-solid.
Here's something I didn't invent, but it's my most valuable tool - I'd be lost without it. Around 2005, a local Georgia guy started up JoePinball.com and sold these for just $50. Hopefully he'll drop in on this thread and comment.
1) name of the tool: "The Pin Pan"
2) pic(s):
JMS_4039.JPG
JMS_4037.JPG
JMS_4036.JPG
3) problem it solves:
Provides a large stable platform for your soldering iron or other tools. Cork protects your side rails and keeps the pan from sliding. It's made of aluminum (I think) so it's really light. I know I could make this out of wood, but I love the size and weight of the metal.
4) How to make it:
Cut the metal, bend the metal, rivet the metal and then put on the cork.
5) Limitations:
Widebodies need not apply.
No, the main benefit is having your soldering iron right there by the parts you're soldering. And the tray is light enough that I just park my soldering stuff on it, so that when I need to solder something on a game, I can just pick up the tray and drop it in.
I want to see the best idea for keeping a Bally playfield erect while I work on it. No Viagra jokes, please.
Quoted from 85Txaggie:My guess is tin, not Aluminum. Bet a magnet sticks to it.
Correct, the pin pan is a tin pan.
That looks like the bracket could slide right off that big plastic hook, if the playfield tipped forward.
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