New Life Games Tech Forums

With the help of this group I have quite a few working Bally EM's now.  Several have reel strips that slip and slide at will.  I am concerned that they will move so much on the reel that I will not know if I should move it up or down.  I was told that there is a special crimper that was made for securing the reel strips to the reel.  Is this so?  Does any one have on that I can purchase or direct me where to get one?

Is there perhaps another took that I can rig up?  Will Crazy Glue do the trick?  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks

Ra

We used to use the thin side of a small plain end pocket screwdriver, with some pliers, and that lets you put just a tiny little dot of a crimp on the reels.  We did have a crimper, but it was always in the shop, and when a strip slipped on the the floor, the screwdriver/pliers worked just fine....
Just don't put too much pressure on it.

I've used a spring loaded center punch in the same hole as the old crimp.
Just support the reel with your hand from the backside.

Thank you both for the replies.  I have both the center punch and a small screw driver.  I will try both methods and report my results.

  Thanks so much

Ra

Neon:

After careful consideration of both methods i went with the center punch.  I was afraid to bend the reels while pushing down on the punch or holding it from behind.  Also I was concerned about the punch slipping and putting a hole in the reel strips.  When I looked at the current crimps some had little dimples in them that made me feel that the punch would stay where I put it.  After the first successful punch I did several more for good measure.  Did not want to go crazy though and run out of luck.  My wife is the one who puts this machine through its paces.  I am waiting for her to give it a real world playing and see if the problem is solved.   Final report pending...

STAY AWAY FROM THE CRAZY CLUE !!!
 :279-

I thought that the glue might discolor the reel strips.  The center punch seemed to have done the trick.  We will see once it has really been put through its paces.

Double stick scotch tape works especially well, both holds the strips in place, and together.

Well over the holidays my machine with the loose reel strips got a work out.  I applied the spring loaded center punch method of repair.  Total success!  After you get over the fear of putting a hole in the strips or bending the reels its a piece of cake.  lol  Thanks again list.

Ra

Glad it worked out for you.
I have been using that method for over 10 years and have never had an issue.
It's as close to original as you can get, without the proper tool.