I don’t see an official thread out there that discusses everyone’s favorite pinball tools, so let’s do this! I have some but would love to see others as well.
Please post a pic of the tool along with a URL of where to buy it.
(Topic ID: 310931)
Bridgeton, MO
My current go to tool for removing Stern flippers:
F0B6927F-4E14-4881-A508-13EAD7CE9E98 (resized).jpeg
It’s from Lowes:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-10-Piece-Steel-Handle-Ratcheting-Multi-Bit-Screwdriver-Set/1000596669
I was using a regular 5/32 Allen wrench but this is so much better than turn/remove/turn.
The only bad part is you have to buy the dewalt bit set to get the 5/32 bit if you don’t already have that bit.
The pin wrench from Titan I’ve only owned a couple of years but oh my gosh I wish I had of discovered this 10 years ago. It holds the top of the posts under the plastic from rotating when you unscrew the nut on top.
https://www.titanpinball.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=24&product_id=152
Small Klein telephone repair pliers.
Hasn't been available for years. At the time when I got it, you had to get it from a telephone repairman. They were only sold to them.
Used from the EM days forward. Great for adjusting leaf blade switches, and many, many other things.
LTG : )
DSC00589 (resized).JPGQuoted from LTG:Small Klein telephone repair pliers.
Hasn't been available for years. At the time when I got it, you had to get it from a telephone repairman. They were only sold to them.
Used from the EM days forward. Great for adjusting leaf blade switches, and many, many other things.
LTG : )
[quoted image]
Nice Lloyd - I haven’t seen those. I did pick up a pair from Amazon that have a small nose that are handy:
Hakko CHP PN-2007 Long-Nose Pliers, Flat Nose, Flat Outside Edge, Serrated Jaws, 32mm Jaw Length, 3mm Nose Width, 3mm Thick Steel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FZPHEW2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_S8JE677A6ACTBESWAM94
My father created print ads for local companies one of them being Ullman Devices. When I was a child he'd bring home tools to photograph never to be returned. Decades later I still use these same tools fixing pins. Today I finally got around to getting the batteries off the board on my Swords of Fury. I reach for this tool constantly. Pried batteries out and punched starter holes for holder screws.
Scribe (resized).pngQuoted from LTG:Small Klein telephone repair pliers.
Hasn't been available for years. At the time when I got it, you had to get it from a telephone repairman. They were only sold to them.
Used from the EM days forward. Great for adjusting leaf blade switches, and many, many other things.
LTG : )
[quoted image]
Whia just introduced similar profile pliers…. Looks like I’ll need to add them to my next order. I love their line of tools.
Whia (resized).jpegQuoted from jackd104:Magnetic grabber wand
[quoted image]
+1
These are invaluable for keeping loose screws/nuts/washers under control during removals as well as installations! Also great for finding metal pieces in hard to see/access nooks and crannies of course.
One of the things I hate about working on games is all the time I inevitably spend looking for dropped hardware pieces. These help me reduce that aggravating need as well as keep my sanity!
Quoted from LTG:Small Klein telephone repair pliers.
Hasn't been available for years. At the time when I got it, you had to get it from a telephone repairman. They were only sold to them.
Used from the EM days forward. Great for adjusting leaf blade switches, and many, many other things.
LTG : )
[quoted image]
https://www.amazon.com/Long-Nose-Klein-Tools-D307-51-2C/dp/B000F0KC62/ref=sr_1_13
Edmonton, AB
My pair of leg lifters with the wheels on them. I don't move games around much anymore but they are handy for adjusting levelers.
Quoted from Damonator:…and another tip I got from LTG while I’m thinking about it. Blue tape to hold that stupid flipper gap spacer in place! I can’t tell you how many years I held that stupid thing with one hand while tightening with the other.
[quoted image]
Dug around real quick and found the video for it.
Some helpful tips! Thanks Lloyd!
Quoted from LTG:I have a video how to use the flipper spacer gauge.
In it you can see the nut to loosen on the pawl ( just a teeny bit so the flipper barely turns ) and turn the flipper and retighten it.
LTG : )
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/dialed-in-owners-and-fans-club/page/82#post-4400586
A truck. I don't have a picture handy but if you swing by a Dodge dealer you can catch a glimpse. Second would be a lift cart from harbor freight. Third world be a spa day for the ladies in my life. I get a lot more done with a little peace and quiet!
I like my pinball skates.
https://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/PBS
pasted_image (resized).pngQuoted from PlanetExpress:Whia just introduced similar profile pliers…. Looks like I’ll need to add them to my next order. I love their line of tools.
https://www.wihatools.com/pliers-cutters-crimpers/insulated-6-inch-long-flat-nose-pliers-brushed-finish[quoted image]
+1 for Wiha
I like their basic set for swapping one size out quickly. Beats having a huge pile of drivers
https://www.wihatools.com/drive-loc-vi-interchangeable-blade-32-piece-set-in-folding-wallet
For EMs I like the ultimate leaf switch adjustment tool.
https://www.pinballlife.com/ultimate-leaf-adjuster-tool.html
Vampliers.
https://www.amazon.com/Professional-International-Vampliers-Portable-Extraction/dp/B006YJKAPQ
I don't use them a lot, but they're great for gripping things, especially small siderail nails.
However, I see that the cost jumped way up on those. I think they were under $20 when I bought mine. I'd either shop around or look at the alternatives in the suggested items area.
My DMD Slide Busters 
https://mikes3dthings.com/product/dmd-slide-busters-mini/
I would say my nut driver and Milwaukee m12 soldering iron come to mind as my favorite. I love the portability of the cordless solder iron.
20220206_184229.jpg20220209_153054.jpg20220219_192009.jpg
20220227_224258.jpgGotta have lots of light. I've got two of these and I put super long cords onto them to reach anywhere I need.
lamp (resized).jpg
And these automatic wire strippers are always satisfying to use and great time savers.
https://www.amazon.com/IRWIN-VISE-GRIP-2078300-Self-Adjusting-Stripper/dp/B000OQ21CA
wire strippers (resized).jpg
Quoted from jeffc:Gotta have lots of light. I've got two of these and I put super long cords onto them to reach anywhere I need.
[quoted image]
And these automatic wire strippers are always satisfying to use and great time savers.
amazon.com link »
[quoted image]
Thanks - I’m going to try out those strippers. I have the other style of self-adjusting, but they don’t work as well in tight spots.
As for light, if you are on the Milwaukee M18 system, this one lasts forever and is an octagon shape so it angles well.
90274232-2331-40BB-9852-73168C423C10 (resized).jpeg
98BAD7F5-E6E7-4F5C-A2A6-844254A3AA71 (resized).jpeg
Milwaukee Electric Tool 2361-20 M18 LED Flood Light (Tool-Only, Battery and Charger NOT Included) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G3T1FO2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_6G29988HQJ2ZMPMN3HS4
Quoted from mikespins:My DMD Slide Busters https://mikes3dthings.com/product/dmd-slide-busters-mini/
I would say my nut driver and Milwaukee m12 soldering iron come to mind as my favorite. I love the portability of the cordless solder iron.
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]
[quoted image]
Is this the one? How does it do with larger solder points like coils? I have a cordless Hakko that was about 30 bucks and it sucks pretty hard. Doesn't really get hot enough to do switches let alone coils. Would love to find a cordless one that gets hot enough.
Quoted from jeffc:And these automatic wire strippers are always satisfying to use and great time savers.
Was going to post this myself. Can't believe how good these are and that I lived so long without them. I used to spend more time stripping wires than soldering them back on.
Speaking of which, this is the best iron to use while in the machine.. Hakko FX600 series.. Haven't tried a wireless one, but this gets so hot and is so consistent, not sure I ever will.
pasted_image (resized).pngQuoted from grantopia:Is this the one? How does it do with larger solder points like coils? I have a cordless Hakko that was about 30 bucks and it sucks pretty hard. Doesn't really get hot enough to do switches let alone coils. Would love to find a cordless one that gets hot enough.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-12-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Soldering-Iron-Tool-Only-2488-20/302022408?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&&mtc=Shopping-BF-F_D25T-G-D25T-025_009_PORT_POWER-Milwaukee-NA-NA-Smart-NA-NA-PortablePower_Smart&cm_mmc=Shopping-BF-F_D25T-G-D25T-025_009_PORT_POWER-Milwaukee-NA-NA-Smart-NA-NA-PortablePower_Smart-71700000084736776-58700007165824624-92700065193741219&gclid=CjwKCAiAgvKQBhBbEiwAaPQw3HIJPO9Rhy4y8gE3NFnI_jbf3l-9j78ahZNGXAIbpMImc3SoknX2choClkEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Yup, that's the one! It has done great with anything I have ever thrown at it, including coils, switches, basic wiring, etc. I only have a cheapie $5 iron to compare it to, but in my opinion this thing lives up to the price. I am a big Milwaukee guy so I have a bunch of M12 batteries as well which helps. However, it does not eat through batteries like you would expect, but I usually try to put a 3.0 on it when in use.
Quoted from mikespins:Yup, that's the one! It has done great with anything I have ever thrown at it, including coils, switches, basic wiring, etc. I only have a cheapie $5 iron to compare it to, but in my opinion this thing lives up to the price. I am a big Milwaukee guy so I have a bunch of M12 batteries as well which helps. However, it does not eat through batteries like you would expect, but I usually try to put a 3.0 on it when in use.
Awesome! I will check this out for sure. The performance on the Hakko one was a real bummer and it would be so nice to have one that works well to keep the cords out of the way under a pf.
better magnetic pickup, it will lift a ball out of an upkicker:
https://www.amazon.com/V8-Tools-3826-Flexible-Magnetic/dp/B002YKNOLQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_pb_opt
I use these mini channel locks all the time:
https://www.amazon.com/Crescent-Tool-Pliers-Tongue-Groove/dp/B08528RS3N/ref=sr_1_1
Quoted from LTG:Small Klein telephone repair pliers. [I think those are model K50.]
Hasn't been available for years.
I agree with Lloyd that these are very useful for flattening bent metal items. I got my pair from the Wico catalog in the 1970s, and I haven't seen them on Klein's website. If you can't get a used pair, go for pliers with flat faces that are rectangular.
.................David Marston
Quoted from LTG:Small Klein telephone repair pliers.
Hasn't been available for years. At the time when I got it, you had to get it from a telephone repairman. They were only sold to them.
Used from the EM days forward. Great for adjusting leaf blade switches, and many, many other things.
LTG : )
[quoted image]
I think I have a set of those pliers:
Klein 323- 4 1/2 C. The perfect size for electronics work and leaf switches.
Very small and strong. Perfect for tight places.
I bought mine 50 years ago to fit in tight places to install spade lugs onto radio multi switches in small enclosures.
They are also the perfect size to bend component leads to fit on PC boards.
They are worn a bit but still function properly, I have used them a lot as well as the 4 /12" super slim long needle nose one.
I tried to replace them awhile ago and they arent listed anywhere other than Ebay vintage Klein tools. But these never come up.
klein 323-4 12 C (resized).jpg
Blu Tack
https://www.amazon.com/Tack-Original-Adhesive-Putty-Pack/dp/B01JRZQLX8
I use this stuff everyday for holding components onto a board before I solder - great for holding headers straight. I also use it to hold small boards to the bench while I work on it. Very useful.
Köln
Quoted from WolfManCat:This tool helps you adjust leaf switches. Works well when you want to adjust a switch on the fly. Definitely one of my favorite pinball tools
Ditto! Those leaf switch adjustment tools are a godsend.
From my post http://pinballnovice.blogspot.com/2021/12/the-6-most-useful-tools-i-never-knew-i.html
1) digital micrometer
2) leaf switch adjuster
3) telescoping magnet
4) angled-wedge lifter thing that kind of looks like a screwdriver? Also has a magnetic tip.
5) dental pick
6) wood clamps
tools 1 (resized).jpgtools 3 (resized).jpgQuoted from cait001:4) angled-wedge lifter thing that kind of looks like a screwdriver? Also has a magnetic tip.
Staple puller.
LTG : )
0F079523-E15F-42CD-A531-82430C456819 (resized).jpeg
Gearwrench #2 Phillips screw driver. I’ve used many different screwdrivers over the years. I was infatuated with Klein for a while. I had a brief affair with Wiha. I even used Snapon for years. But then I started using Gearwrench in the garage. Then they migrated into the game room. It became my main screwdriver set.
And seriously, all other tools aside, the right set of screwdrivers is the most used tool you have in this hobby. Use the ones you like. Spend a few bucks and buy a #2 Philips from different manufacturers and find the one that fits you. You can thank me later.
Split blade screwdriver. Not good for loosening slotted screws but fantastic for holding the screw and getting it started in awkward situations. Makes you love slotted screws and hate Phillips and hex head fasteners. BTW, these were just random internet pics and I don't have any experience with this brand.
311J4brMcLL._AC_SY580_ (resized).jpg714X1RB6vrS._AC_SL1500_ (resized).jpgQuoted from GSones:Split blade screwdriver. Not good for loosening slotted screws but fantastic for holding the screw and getting it started in awkward situations. Makes you love slotted screws and hate Phillips and hex head fasteners. BTW, these were just random internet pics and I don't have any experience with this brand.
[quoted image][quoted image]
That’s awesome - I just ordered a set!
Klein Tools SK234 Slotted Screw-Holding Screwdriver Set, 3/16-Inch, 1/4-Inch and 5/16-Inch Slotted Tips https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002RIA3K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_4WC5KPVD2JN7AJE9185W
Essential tools I waited way too long to buy:
Stubby hollow-shaft nut drivers, 1/4” and 5/8”:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BZHUKQ
Long-handled magnetic screwdrivers (search “Klein Tools 85072”):
Quoted from Gogojohnnyquack:My pins are all on a concrete floor so putting the glass down on it is a no go. My favorite tool is a length of pool noodle with a slot cut into it to put on the end of the glass when sliding it out. I keep one in both rooms. Super clutch.
[quoted image]
[quoted image]
Dollar tree stores have boxes of pool noodles in the spring and summer for $1 each. I usually stock up every spring.
Reply
Wanna join the discussion? Please sign in to reply to this topic.
Hey there! Welcome to Pinside!
Donate to PinsideGreat to see you're enjoying Pinside! Did you know Pinside is able to run without any 3rd-party banners or ads, thanks to the support from our visitors? Please consider a donation to Pinside and get anext to your username to show for it! Or better yet, subscribe to Pinside+!
