It's amazing what some wet sanding and polishing can do

[Onji]

I'm in the middle of restoring a Joust. These are the sticks that were on it. I was thinking they were goners, so I ordered replacements from AS:



Decided to give sanding a shot.

Wet sanded with 400grit then 1000grit using a makeshift drill press (no laughing):



After sanding I polished with Novus 3, then 2. Very pleased with the results!



So to say the least I'll be using these. Guess I wasted some money on the replacements, but whatever. May use them for something else down the road. This was a good learning experience for me.

 

[TheYeti]

Great results! Those ball tops are totally different colors between the "before and after". I use pretty much the same method.

The same technique can be done with buttons. You just need a nut and bolt to hold the button in the chuck of the drill. Works especially good on Nintendo buttons. Is some cases you can make them look brand new.

 

[WadeLanham]

I've had the same good experience several times, but with my Joust, it didn't work. There were big voids once I got through the rough outside layer, and I ended up having to replace them. Still always worth a try though.

Wade

 

[WadeLanham]

I also recommend sanding the shafts and painting them silver. Otherwise they just rust up again since the chrome is gone, but good rustoleum paint lasts 15+ years.

Wade

 

[prOk]

That's the best mindset, restore and preserve the originals. it's more work than just clicking a mouse but much more satisfying.

 

[obitus1990]

Great results! Those ball tops are totally different colors between the "before and after". I use pretty much the same method.

The same technique can be done with buttons. You just need a nut and bolt to hold the button in the chuck of the drill. Works especially good on Nintendo buttons. Is some cases you can make them look brand new.

Can you post a picture of using the nut and bolt on buttons? I'm having a hard time getting a mental picture of that to try it.

 

[TheYeti]

Can you post a picture of using the nut and bolt on buttons? I'm having a hard time getting a mental picture of that to try it.

Disassemble the button. Put the bolt through the button collar with a washer on both ends.

For the button itself, I wrap the shaft in tape so the chuck doesn't bite in.

 

[Onji]

Disassemble the button. Put the bolt through the button collar with a washer on both ends.

For the button itself, I wrap the shaft in tape so the chuck doesn't bite in.

Brilliant! Gonna try that out.

 

[bakerhillpins]

Brilliant! Gonna try that out.

Seriously!! That's awesome.

 

[72gto]

That process also works well for the rollers in roller ball controls.