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**Reel Slots** Gaming Machines => IGT S2000 and Vision Games => Topic started by: flux2 on June 21, 2022, 07:13:26 AM

Title: Best tool for removing lens covers from small buttons (on 14 button deck)?
Post by: flux2 on June 21, 2022, 07:13:26 AM

Picked up a Super 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x Super Times Pay machine. It has the 14 button panel.

Some of the small buttons are more dim than others and at least one or two lens covers seem to be cracked on the top.

In attempting to replace the bulbs with new LEDs, I tried unscrewing the buttons from the back of the panel but they are REALLY tight and I don't want to break anything, so I figured I'd try to replace them from the top.

What are the best tools for pulling the lens covers off fairly easily without damage?

Title: Re: Best tool for removing lens covers from small buttons (on 14 button deck)?
Post by: shortrackskater on June 21, 2022, 08:22:21 AM

I use a feeler gauge for my buttons - I just pick the thinnest one that still has the rigidity to pop the lens off but will fit down into the lens frame.
And I also have a small bulb removing tool that "caps" the bulb so it can be pulled out. If the bulb is stuck too much I use small needle nose pliers with tape on the "grip" area so it doesn't break the bulb.

Title: Re: Best tool for removing lens covers from small buttons (on 14 button deck)?
Post by: Badbaud on June 21, 2022, 08:33:07 AM

A piece of heat shrink tubing the diameter of the bulb will grab the bulb and pull it out.

Title: Re: Best tool for removing lens covers from small buttons (on 14 button deck)?
Post by: flux2 on June 21, 2022, 09:26:29 AM

shortrackskater and badbaud,

Thank you for the suggestions!

Title: Re: Best tool for removing lens covers from small buttons (on 14 button deck)?
Post by: Sunrise Side on June 21, 2022, 11:59:22 AM

I use Exacto knife edge to grip the side of the lens to remove it.

Title: Re: Best tool for removing lens covers from small buttons (on 14 button deck)?
Post by: sixcardmark on June 21, 2022, 12:48:41 PM

Gorilla tape. Be careful the insert may go airborne.

Title: Re: Best tool for removing lens covers from small buttons (on 14 button deck)?
Post by: Iamwally on June 23, 2022, 03:05:02 AM

I used a box cutter razor to pry them off carefully.  I also 3d printed new white caps for buttons with new legends printed on transparency paper to make the buttons look bright white again because after years of heat from incandescent bulbs the little white caps had yellowed.