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How to Fix Jennings Slot Machines

Most Jennings &Company slot machines were produced between the 1940s and 1960s. These are the classic, coin operated, reel style slot machines that can still be seen in casinos today. While many are electrified to power the lights on their displays, the internal mechanisms are still entirely mechanical. This makes it fairly simply to fix most problems yourself. Additionally, many problems with these machines are caused by a coin jammed somewhere inside the machine.

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver
Flashlight

Instructions

Inspect the Escalator From The Back
- 1
  Unplug the machine. Insert the key into the back door to remove the door.
- 2
  Locate the two lock-in bars below the bonnet. The bonnet is the large metal piece covering the top part of the back of the machine. These two bars are on the left and right sides, attaching the bonnet to the rest of the machine. Disengage the bonnet by pulling both bars towards the center.
- 3
  Remove the bonnet by lifting it up and out.
- 4
  Locate the chain which drives the escalator, about 1 inch above the spinning reels. There will be small grooves which allow the coins to drop from the escalator into the machine. The escalator is the entire mechanism that is hidden by the bonnet, and has slots for the coins to go down deeper into the machine. Grab this chain with your hand to see if this is the location of the jam. Check all around the escalator and chain, moving the parts with your hand or a screwdriver to see if this is the location of the jam. This area is where most jams occur. If the jam is in this location, gently push the jammed part back into place. If not, you will have to remove the machine from the shell entirely.
Remove the Machine From the Casing
- 5
  Find the two locks located about 4 inches from the base of the machine, on the far right and left sides. Disengage both by lifting the small lock tab, then pulling up, out and down.
- 6
  Put one hand on the white bar below the wheels, the other on the bar that crosses over the reels. Do not grab the wheels. Grasping the two bars, pull them toward yourself. You will feel the mechanical unit of the slot machine coming out of its casing.
- 7
  Look at the front of the machine. See if there are any coins jammed in the front of the escalator mechanism. If there are, gently push then through with a screwdriver.
- 8
  Inspect the inside of the machine for loose coins stuck in the mechanism, especially at the bottom. A flashlight can make this easier.
- 9
  Remove any jammed coins from the machine. If they are too difficult to reach with your fingers, pry them loose with the screwdriver. Test the machine by pulling on the large lever to make sure that all of the parts are once again moving smoothly before you put it back into the casing.

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