Common household tool in lieu of reel crimp tool?

[WikiSlots]

Hey everyone,

Do I need to buy a reel crimp tool or is there a common household tool that will suffice? I'm looking at replacing strips on the Mills Poinsettia.

Also, I read in another post to remove the reels completely (as opposed to just the bundle). I really didn't want to have to calibrate, so I was hoping to get away with doing it while on the bundle. Any strong opinions against?

Thanks,

-Dave M

[oldslotman]

I use a small tip screwdriver to open up the crimp and a pair of needle nose pliers to recrimp. No need to remover reel bundle. It can be done right on the machine. Cycle the machine and stop the clock so the reels will free spin. Pretty easy to do. Mark the end of the reel strip on the reel before you remove it and then install the new reel strip and line up with the mark. Do all three but do not crimp them yet. Let the machine finish it's cycle so the reels are locked in and then install the mech in the cabinet and make any minor adjustments to the reel strips so they line up in the window. You can now crimp them.

[WikiSlots]

Excellent advice! Thank you!

[WikiSlots]

Wow! I just took the reel bundle out and was about to start the project when I discovered the reel strips are tin! These are the real reel deal. I don't think I should be replacing them with paper no matter how bad they look, right?

[RameGoom]

I took an old pair of crusty pliers, opened them all the way and sat at the bench grinder for a while...then finely shaped the tips with the Dremel tool. Here's what it ended up as:

[Midcoast Vintage]

Wow! I just took the reel bundle out and was about to start the project when I discovered the reel strips are tin! These are the real reel deal. I don't think I should be replacing them with paper no matter how bad they look, right?

IF YOU CAN READ 'EM... YOU CAN USE 'EM.
NOXEMA SKIN CREAM WORKS GREAT TO CLEAN THEM.
NON ABRASIVE, AND, LEAVES A PROTECTIVE COATING.