My solenoid screws keep loosening...

alejandromad

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Donor 2011
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... and even falling out. What the ...?

I'm sure the screw holes are just not tight any more.

What's the tried and true way to deal with that?
Wood filler and screw them back in?

Silly question I guess but ...
 
Wood filler is too hard. I won't work.

One approach that a lot of collectors use is to dip one or more tooth picks in wood glue and stick them in the hole. Then let the glue dry, cut the toothpicks flush with the plywood and install the screw. I've had good results with that method. Occasionally I'll use toothpicks without any glue. That can work too depending on how stripped the hole is.
 
I just realized the title of this thread specifies the solenoid screws. My advice was for the playfield. I assumed that's what you were talking about when you mentioned wood filler.

If the screws are on the metal solenoid brackets that is a totally different story. In that case you'll want to use a lock washer, screw and nut of possible, tap a larger hole, etc... depending on where it is and how bad it is.
 
Right slingshot solenoid (currently) for example... it has also happened with the saucers.
I'm confused as well. Are the srew going into the wooden playfield or into a metal bracket? If into metal use a lock washer or some lock tight. If wood then do what was stated above.


Glennon
 
They screw directly into the wood on the bottom of the playfield. I just re-tightened them all so I'll be OK for awhile but yeah... I think the toothpick and glue method will work out fine.
Thanks guys.
 
Definitely toothpicks or wooden matchsticks and white (wood/Elmer's) glue. Don't try the "super glue." Wood and white glue will be solid, stronger than the original wood.
 
Definitely toothpicks or wooden matchsticks and white (wood/Elmer's) glue. Don't try the "super glue." Wood and white glue will be solid, stronger than the original wood.

I found the wood glue to be harder and less "spongy" than super glue. Thus less responsive. Why do you think otherwise? Curious, not doubting you.
 
I found the wood glue to be harder and less "spongy" than super glue. Thus less responsive. Why do you think otherwise? Curious, not doubting you.

Super glue dries way harder than white glue. White glue will form to the threads better than super glue. The "spongyness" is a good thing. Super glue will tend to flake when you remove the screw. It might not be bad for screws under the playfield that you're never planning to remove again but I definitely wouldn't use it on top of the playfield. White glue and tooth pics are pretty much "industry standard" among pinball restorers.

There are many cases where it's better to abandon the glue all together and drill a hole through the playfield and put a t-nut on the other side. Tim Arnold does this on a lot of his games.

Just my $.02CDN
 
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