How do I grip metal mini post to attach nut?

[davejuk]

I suspect that this is a stupid question but how do I grip the metal mini post to attach the nut on the underside of the play field?

The nut goes on and then just grips it and the post spins. I can't use fliers or anything to grip the post on top of the play field as it is round and smooth. Am I being stupid?

This is the part i am talking about:

https://www.pinball.co.uk/shop/addams-family-gold/metal-mini-post-02-4003/

 

[Mooseman]

That post normally screws into a t nut which is a threaded piece of metal that sticks into the wood. They do fall off and get replaced by normal hex nuts.
You could grip the post to turn with plyers or pipe grips but gently else will mark the metal

 

[ronsplooter]

Use needle nose pliers and grip the very thin part that is covered by the rubber, that way if it moves and scratches you won't see it once the rubber is on

 

[davejuk]

Hmmm thanks but there's definitely no way I can grip the top with pliers.

I think I will have to just put a washer or two underneath and not overtighten the nut.

 

[ronsplooter]

Hmmm thanks but there's definitely no way I can grip the top with pliers.

Why not, is the post in a weird place or something? I've done exactly this working on numerous games Put the playfield in an upright position, get the pliers on the thin bit and grip tight then use your other hand to tighten the nut on the other side.

 

[darren_ross]

If you can't grip it tight enough with pliers then use stilsons. It will mark the post but abit of emery cloth will get the high spots out and then cover it with the rubber.
In fact.. it shouldn't trip unless you're using a locking nut? A regular nut and a locking washer should be fine. It also should grip when it meets the underside of playfield.

 

[carl lawrence]

As @ronsplooter said or you can use a standard nut first and then put use lock tight ,or you can then use another nut after,some that mean you have two nuts on the post !
The way I would go if I cannot use the pliers ,but it is more dangers is...... Drill / use a Stanley knife and cut out some of the nylon out of the nut ,this will make it a lot easier to get on or you could use a old nylon nut and clean it up ?

 

[pinballmania]

Easy. Use Stilson grips but put a rubber sleeve over the whole post first.

 

[davejuk]

Are these lock nuts meant to go all the way down against the playfield?

 

[pinballmania]

Yes. With a washer in between.