Tools

Pinball repair tools

These are the basic tools that I use in repairing machines. I can vouch for the tools listed here (except * items) because I own them and use them

  • Hakko FR300 desoldering iron
  • Small open end wrench set
  • Dewalt DWHT70265 T handle hex key set
  • 3 picks (straight, right angle, curve)
  • 1/4″ and 5/16″ magnetic nut drivers 6″ length
  • Klein nut driver set
  • Small socket set
  • Craftsman digital level
  • Contact cleaning tool (not nail file)
  • Hobby Creek helping hands set
  • Switch adjusting tool
  • Right angle Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers
  • Soldering iron station (search forums for a decent one)
  • Manual solder “sucker”
  • LED light that straps to your head
  • Small jewelers hammer
  • Pin punch set 
  • Molex round pin removal tool .156
  • The longest #1 Philips head screwdriver you can buy
  • Plastic pry bar set
  • Multimeter with a good set of test leads including alligator clips
  • Needle nose pliers (high quality)
  • High quality crimper for .156 Trifurcon style terminations
  • Allen or “hex” key sets in both metric and SAE (don’t buy the ones that fold up, get the “L” shaped ones
  • Mini socket wrench set (the ones that are really tiny and have an adapter that fits into wrench to use in tight spaces…only goes up in size to 3/8ths or so)
  • Magnetic retrieval device (telescoping)
  • “Grabber” retrieval device (punch button and “fingers” pop out other end to grab stuff in tight places)
  • Telescoping mirror
  • Plastic razor blades
  • Fuse puller tool (not the little yellow one)
  • IDC wire insertion tool
  • Bulb removal tool
  • 3,000 RPM electric drill
  • Adjustable plumbers pliers
  • Flipper gauge
  • Feeler gauge set
  • Jewelers screwdriver set
  • Heat sink for soldering
  • Forceps of various sizes for holding wires while soldering
  • Spare alligator clips for holding wires while soldering
  • Titan ratcheting magnetic screwdriver – note, shaft if 6.5″. This screwdriver is very high quality for the price and you can add any bits you want: 
    • bits to remove cap screws on flipper mechs
    • bits to remove hex head screws (even unslotted, as the screwdriver had a socket adapter)
    • bits for star screws, security screws, etc., etc.