Staple alternative for ground braid

Joe Grenuk

unread,

Jan 25, 2010, 5:15:49 PM1/25/10

to

I know staples and staplers are available, but I am too cheap to buy
one, and I don't do all that many swaps to justify buying one. I
generally use my civilian staple gun where I can, and a hex screw and
a washer where I can't. Anyway, I am in the middle of another swap,
and am getting ready to deal with staples again. I seem to remember a
thread a while back about using some sort of adhesive to keep the
ground braid out of trouble...plop a dallop on the braid and the
adhesive secures the braid to the bottom of the PF.

Does that ring a bell for anyone?

Thanks,

Joe Grenuk

btrip

unread,

Jan 25, 2010, 5:19:42 PM1/25/10

to

I would think a hot glue gun would work... I should add a disclaimer
that I don't condone that, but I have been known to use hex screws to
secure PB lamp leads... I just feel it really cuts down on the
vibration :P

Carl

unread,

Jan 25, 2010, 5:23:23 PM1/25/10

to

On Jan 25, 4:15 pm, Joe Grenuk <jgre...@aol.com> wrote:

I mean no disrespect, but I can't imagine doing it any other way than
they originally did, with staples. I think they did it the best way -
in that it's not coming loose for 50yrs, but if you need to pop a
staple out, it's easy.

I put off buying a stapler, and there doesn't seem to be a cheap
knockoff Harbor Freight version of the 22ga upholstery stapler. I
lucked up and got a used just once Porter Cable model with 3 boxes of
staples on Ebay, for a 'used' price.

If you plan on doing any more swaps or cabinet repaints, I'd buy a
stapler. If you're not anal about the crown of the staple looking
original, then go to Harbor Freight and get a knockoff stapler, with
the closest crown width to original, and 1/4" long staples to match.

If you can't use an air stapler, the big box stores sell a (Stanley
brand?) heavy duty hand stapler, where your hand rests over the end
where the staple comes out and you push down. It should sink a 1/4"
staple into plywood just fine. I've used one like that for securing
felt paper to sheathing.

Joey

seymour.shabow

unread,

Jan 25, 2010, 5:32:02 PM1/25/10

to

Hmmm that could work but I wouldn't do it - all it takes is for one of
those to break free and it's short-out city.

The civilian staple gun is fine. The hard part is doing the ground
braid first when you have easy access to staple it down.

-scott CARGPB#29

Carl

unread,

Jan 25, 2010, 5:26:50 PM1/25/10

to

And notice that each piece of braid/bus wire has a certain order/
direction that it goes.

Joey

John In WI

unread,

Jan 25, 2010, 5:44:22 PM1/25/10

to

I've also used hex screws to secure the leads of pop bumper sockets.
Much easier than trying to get a staple gun under a fully populated
playfield.

mytimac

unread,

Jan 25, 2010, 5:52:00 PM1/25/10

to

Hex screw all the way for me to.
Cheaper tool cost and easier to deal with in the future if you have to
adjust or fix something.

Dan

www.pinballadventure.com

honda350r

unread,

Jan 25, 2010, 6:55:19 PM1/25/10

to

Sorry but that is just gross to me ... to each thier own... I just
hope I never buy one that is done like that! I tend to swear and call
out ugly names when I see stuff like that ..

Oh well..

Andrew Barney

unread,

Jan 25, 2010, 8:13:11 PM1/25/10

to

I know, I always adjust ground braid once it is installed. I am fixing
it non-stop too!

;)

Andrew

Bob D.

unread,

Jan 25, 2010, 11:39:46 PM1/25/10

to

I have a new surebonder upholstery stapler with some staples for 45.00
plus shipping. Works well.
Bob

John Schlarb

unread,

Jan 26, 2010, 12:10:26 AM1/26/10

to

> I have a new surebonder upholstery stapler with some staples for 45.00
> plus shipping. Works well.
> Bob

I used a Surebonder as well, can't beat it for $40. You really need an
airtool to penetrate hardwood plywood.

John