Test handle for series E machine

[DCM1519]

I will soon be working on my Bally series E machine and am wondering if I need a handle to spin the reels when they are out of the machine.  After many searches on ebay and other sites, I cannot find one although they are mentioned in the Bally manuals.

If one is needed, where can I find one?

Thanks

[Amachanic]

 Do you have the manual I have pictured? They show a home made starter handle on page 47. I made one my self, but it's different then the one they show and it works find... Looks like they made one out of an old screw driver, some flat stock steel, notched the bottom for the roller, then drilled a hold for a locating pin to fit into the gear hole, then welded it all together...

[DCM1519]

I do not have that manual.  Mine is for the Mills slot machine.
 
Maybe the Bally book is one that I should also have and will order one if it wll help me understand and work on my machine.  

I have a similar manual for the 1980-1986 Series E machines so will look at that before I buy another but according to the description of the book that you have, it also has some information on the E series.  I am fascinated by slot machines and want to learn all I can about them.

I do not have a welder so one of the old factory built handles would probably be easier if any are still available somewhere.

While browsing the internet within the last couple of months, I saw some handles but cannot remember what they fit.  Will all Bally handles interchange if I do find one.?

Thanks

Dave

[Amachanic]

From what I can tell the Bally EM and E Series have the same setup and would use the same tool. If you have some simple hand tools, a drill and hack saw to cut metal, and a vice to bend a 90 degree angle at the end of the flat steel. You can use a short 1/4" bolt for the pin in the gear hole, once you make the pieces just have someone weld it together for you. Trying to find one will be like looking for a needle in a hay stack, you might get lucky, but your going to waste a lot of time looking.. I've scanned the picture from the manual so you can see the tool they made. Good luck.. Gary

[DCM1519]

Amachanic

Thanks for the pictures.  That looks simpler than I thought and we do have a muffler shop nearby that has welded small things for me.  I think they would do it.  I do have all the tools needed to do this except for the welder.

Thanks for all your help