T-Nuts or no T-Nuts?

D_Harris

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Do many here use T-nuts on the plywood control panels?

I have several original Williams control panels and have noticed that on games like Joust and Robotron T-nuts were used when securing the joysticks.

Since I have to make more of these, can anyone tell me if T-Nuts are really needed or did Williams just use T-nuts as a safety measure?

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
 
You would need the t-nuts for the machine thread screws to thread into. I think wood screws wouldn't be an acceptable alternative, if you're looking for alternatives. Williams cabinets were usually put together well and I think they made a good choice in how they assembled the control panels. Why change it?
 
When done correctly t-nuts leave the surface of the control panel smooth with no bolt heads to scuff your knuckles on.

ken
 
Thanks.

Unless there was a way to remove T-Nuts that are already installed, I'm going to have to order some, because my local hardware store doesn't have them. :(

Anyone know the size?

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
 
Lowes has some. PRetty sure I replaced those exact ones on a Williams panel with t-nuts from Lowes. Of course, if you were doing a lot, or t-nuts for playfield swap, you'd want to order them get them much cheaper.
 
Lowes has some. PRetty sure I replaced those exact ones on a Williams panel with t-nuts from Lowes. Of course, if you were doing a lot, or t-nuts for playfield swap, you'd want to order them get them much cheaper.

+1

Lowes has T-nuts. Make sure you get the correct thread type...I forget if Williams uses coarse or fine threads. Take a bolt with you to test. You will find them in the metal drawers in the hardware aisle.
 
I usually buy them from a local Ace hardware store. Take a bolt with you. I think they are 10-32 thread, but it has been a while since I bought them.

ken
 
T-Nuts

Darren,

I just finished my Robotron CP, I took the original t-nut and went to my local Fastenal Store and they were able to match the nut and the matching hex/button head screws to fit the nuts. Now I feel ridiculous for not ask what the actual sizes were.

I know its not an answer but I can gurantee Fastenal will be able to help if you have one close.

Thanks
Greg
 
Not sure how close it is to you, but here's the Fastenal branch in Staten Island:
http://www.fastenal.com/web/storeInfo.ex?branch=NYNE7

I've ordered stuff (mostly small machine screws) from them a few times. Sometimes it might not be in stock at your local branch, but one of the other branches may have it and they'll ship it to your branch within a few days.
 
Thanks.

Perhaps they can help me figure out the name of the screws I need for securing things like a Star Wars bezel or Ms. Pac-man marquee bracket.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
 
Perhaps they can help me figure out the name of the screws I need for securing things like a Star Wars bezel or Ms. Pac-man marquee bracket.

Security Torx screws? That's what's holding the upper marquee bracket on my Gaplus cab.
 
I'll have to see if I can brings samples of all the screws I need. I know it's been difficult getting the black oxide versions of a lot of screws.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
 
Does anyone at least know what length these screws are supposed to be? (I have the T-Nuts).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
 
I have the option of picking up some 1-1/4" long screws that are either zink, brass, or stainless steel. Does anyone know if that is the correct length?

And since the T-Nuts I have are zink plated should I stick with zink plated screws, or will galvanic corrosion not be a significant problem?

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
 
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