Pong (Clone) Control Panel Knobs - how do i remove those bastards?

Superully

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Pong (Clone) Control Panel Knobs - how do i remove those bastards?

picked up a pong clone called RALLY at the weekend. the cabinet is in pretty good condition, but damn dirty. one of the control panel knobs is still original, the other one isn't. because of the dirt and the different knobs, i'd like to replace both of them, the big question is:

HOW DO I REMOVE THOSE STUPID KNOBS?

here's the original one from above

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and here's a side view of those knobs

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i've tried very tiny allen keys and screwdrivers in those holes - no luck! how do i remove those bastards?

and another questions: where can i find replacement knobs similar to the original silver one?
 
My guess is the rust and or people not using the proper sized allen wrench, messed up the hex walls inside. About the only thing you can do is force an over sized allen wrench in there and get it to turn. Could spray some PB Blaster on them too, to try and loosen the metals, since they are two dissimilar metals used.

Could also try one of these screw remover bits used with a drill and back it out of there.
 
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so i'm definitely doing the right thing when i'm trying to remove the knobs like that! not that i'm using brute force in the end and then you're telling me afterwards i have to say "abracadabra" and jump up high in the air to get the knobs off ... ;)
 
You might be able to get an "easy out" in that size or in a pinch use a torx bit and force it in. First of all though, use some penetrating oil like Liquid Wrench on it and let it sit overnight. Worst case, use some heat on the knob before you try and turn the screw. Good luck!
 
You might be able to get an "easy out" in that size

don't know if he have something of that size in germany!

in a pinch use a torx bit and force it in

sorry, i don't understand what you mean ... could you paraphrase?

First of all though, use some penetrating oil like Liquid Wrench on it and let it sit overnight.

the problem is that neither of my tools gets a hold of those screws - they are either too small or too large, so putting in some oil won't probably help!
 
would it be an option to use a tiny drill to "destroy" the screws? i've tried various tools, but not a single one works :(

Yeah I suppose, as long as the new knobs have the set screw with them. The danger in this is if you drill too far in, you will hit the shaft, but even a slight hit of the bit probably would not do a lot of damage to the shaft.

If you can find a way to notch, or slot the end of it, you can then use a flat blade screw driver.

I think a small screw extractor bit would be the best option for them.
 
Originally, those were Allen head screws in the knobs. Your pictures show the head of the screw is damaged. The best bet is to use a broken screw extractor of the proper size in there to get it out.
 
that bit would have to be extremely small ... the screws are probably only 1 or 2 millimeters in diameter!


Right, that is working against you...

You could also try putting a piece of wood down on the CP and then lifting the knob up with a flat blade. You would have to pry up from all sides of the knob, working around it. The hope would be the knob and set screw would just slide off the switch shaft. But this would be a last resort.
 
I'm sure in Germany, the land of machines, there would exist a proper screw extractor.:) Here is a slightly different style http://www.amazon.com/Eazypower-82681-Damaged-Screw-Removers/dp/B000HE9VZY/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_img_c that might work better in this case (you might be able to avoid any drilling). As suggested, apply some penetrating oil first to loosen the screw for easier extraction.

These are not always the easiest things but they do work and I think it is the only option you have if you intend to save the knobs. If you do not care about the knobs, then you could try to cut a slot into the screw with a dremel tool, but this would probably cut into the knob too. If you do not care about the control underneath then cut the shaft off completely!

Best of luck.
 
Here is a slightly different style http://www.amazon.com/Eazypower-82681-Damaged-Screw-Removers/dp/B000HE9VZY/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_img_c that might work better in this case .

thx for the link, but those look extremely big!

If you do not care about the knobs, then you could try to cut a slot into the screw with a dremel tool, but this would probably cut into the knob too. If you do not care about the control underneath then cut the shaft off completely!

i don't care about the knobs, they're worn and dirty and i'll replace them anyway. the shaft is something different, because i still need it for the replacement knobs!
 
update:

i just wanted to let you guys know that i managed to get those screws out and the knobs off with a lot of WD-40 and a torx screwdriver set which i picked up at a home depot.

thx for all your input and help, now the search is on for some nice replacements!
 
HOW DO I REMOVE THOSE STUPID KNOBS?

I had the same problem with my Rally, left knob had screw not too rusted so it was easy to remove it with a small allen key. The screw in the right knob was in a very bad state and first attempt to remove it definetely damaged the screw head.
Since the right pot was not working I decided to destroy it so that it was possible to remove the knob along with the pot shaft. Drilled the screw, threaded the hole and replaced the pot: everything was working.

Why do you assume that the knurled knob is the original one?
Both of my knobs are smooth and it seems that have never been replaced.
 
Why do you assume that the knurled knob is the original one?
Both of my knobs are smooth and it seems that have never been replaced.

simply because they are different in design (i don't think they would have used two versions on one game) and because the silver one fits so much better. but no matter what, i need two replacement knobs to make them look identical! i haven't been able to find the correct size yet!

@allesio: can we see pics of your rally somewhere?
 
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