Omar Khalid
Plastic gumball machines are a fun way to store treats and trinkets, and they can be easily purchased or made at home. They are simple to operate and dismantle, requiring only a bit of time and patience. This guide will explain how to open a plastic gumball machine, whether it is a standard machine or a homemade one.
How to open a plastic gumball machine
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | 25-cent coin or screwdriver |
| Step 1 | Grip the top of the machine, at the globe, firmly with one hand |
| Step 2 | Insert a coin or screwdriver into the groove in the top of the screw plug and turn it counter-clockwise |
| Step 3 | Remove the screw plug and the cap |
| Step 4 | Pour the gumballs gently into the globe, placing them in handfuls with clean hands if it is completely empty |
| Step 5 | Place the cap back on the top and insert the screw plug |
| Notes | This technique works on most common gumball machines from standard makers; however, there are special variations that will require different methods to open |
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What You'll Learn
- Grip the top of the machine and use a coin or screwdriver to turn the screw plug counter-clockwise
- Remove the screw, black flat retaining spring, and brass coin dog arm
- Examine the springs and tighten if there is no tension on the restricting dog arm
- Reposition the safety pin spring and brass half-moon dog
- Reassemble the machine by reversing the steps
Grip the top of the machine and use a coin or screwdriver to turn the screw plug counter-clockwise
To open a gumball machine, you'll need to grip the top of the machine firmly with one hand. This action will stabilise the machine, allowing you to apply torque to the screw plug without the machine spinning or toppling over. With your other hand, take a coin or a screwdriver. A 25-cent coin is recommended, implying that the groove in the top of the screw plug is designed to accommodate this coin denomination. Insert the coin or screwdriver into the groove in the top of the screw plug. The groove is likely to be designed with a specific shape that matches the shape of the coin, so ensure that the coin or screwdriver is inserted deeply enough to engage with the groove. Once inserted, turn the coin or screwdriver counter-clockwise. This action will unscrew the screw plug, allowing you to remove it and access the interior of the gumball machine.
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Remove the screw, black flat retaining spring, and brass coin dog arm
To open a plastic gumball machine, you will need to remove the screw, black flat retaining spring, and brass coin dog arm. This process will involve taking the machine apart, so it is important to keep track of the steps and parts involved for reassembly.
First, place the gumball machine on a flat surface with the handle and coin slot facing down. This will give you access to the rear of the mechanism, where the screw, black flat retaining spring, and brass coin dog arm are located.
Now, locate the screw, which is likely to be in the centre of the mechanism. Using a screwdriver or a coin, insert it into the groove of the screw and turn it counter-clockwise to loosen and remove it. Set the screw aside in a safe place, as you will need it again when reassembling the machine.
Next, you will need to remove the black flat retaining spring. This spring is likely located near the screw and may be secured by it. Gently lift and remove the spring, taking care not to bend or distort its shape. Again, set the spring aside in a safe place to ensure it is not misplaced during the process.
Finally, you can remove the brass coin dog arm. This arm is likely located near the coin slot and is responsible for restricting the coin wheel from turning backward. Gently lift and remove the arm, being careful not to damage any nearby components. Set the arm aside with the other parts.
With these steps completed, you will have successfully removed the screw, black flat retaining spring, and brass coin dog arm. Remember to keep these parts safe, as you will need them when reassembling the gumball machine.
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Examine the springs and tighten if there is no tension on the restricting dog arm
To examine and tighten the springs of a gumball machine, follow these steps:
First, disassemble the gumball machine. With the machine disassembled, place the coin mechanism on a flat surface, ensuring that the handle and coin slot are facing downwards. Remove the screw, black flat retaining spring, and brass coin "dog arm" from the rear of the mechanism.
Next, examine the springs (S). If there is no tension on the restricting dog arm (H), then tighten the springs. This step is crucial to ensure the proper functioning of the machine. The tension on the restricting dog arm plays a vital role in controlling the coin mechanism.
After making the necessary adjustments to the springs, carefully reassemble the machine by reversing the disassembly steps. Secure all the parts with the lock.
It is important to pay attention to the position of the "brass half-moon dog" and the "black safety pin" during reassembly. The safety pin spring pushes against the "brass half-moon dog," which locks against the coin wheel, preventing it from turning backward. Ensure that these components are correctly positioned and functioning properly before completing the reassembly.
By following these steps, you can effectively examine and tighten the springs of a gumball machine, ensuring that the restricting dog arm has the appropriate tension for optimal performance.
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Reposition the safety pin spring and brass half-moon dog
To reposition the safety pin spring and brass half-moon dog, follow these steps:
First, examine the springs. If there is no tension on the restricting dog arm, tighten the springs. Next, slowly lift the retaining plate and take note of the position of the brass half-moon dog and the safety pin. The safety pin spring pushes against the brass half-moon dog, which locks against the coin wheel, preventing it from turning backwards.
If the gumball machine is not functioning properly, the safety pin spring and brass half-moon dog may need to be repositioned. To do this, first, remove the screw, black flat retaining spring, and brass coin "dog arm" from the rear of the mechanism. Then, reassemble the machine by placing the coin mechanism on a flat surface with the handle and coin slot facing down. Reattach the screw, black flat retaining spring, and brass coin "dog arm", ensuring they are positioned correctly.
By following these steps, you can ensure that the safety pin spring and brass half-moon dog are correctly positioned, allowing the gumball machine to function properly and dispense gumballs with each turn of the coin wheel.
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Reassemble the machine by reversing the steps
To reassemble your plastic gumball machine, you will need to reverse the steps taken to dismantle it.
First, place the coin mechanism on a flat surface, ensuring the handle and coin slot are facing down. Reattach the screw, black flat retaining spring, and brass coin "dog arm" to the rear of the mechanism. Ensure the tension is on the restricting dog arm; if not, adjust the safety pin spring and reposition as needed.
Next, lift the retaining plate and pay attention to the position of the "brass half-moon dog" and the "black safety pin." The safety pin spring should push against the brass half-moon dog, which locks against the coin wheel, preventing it from turning backward. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the correct positioning.
Once you have secured the coin mechanism, you can replace the cap and insert the screw plug, turning it clockwise until tight. Ensure that all parts are secure and locked in place.
Finally, examine the springs and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the machine functions correctly. Test the machine by inserting a coin and turning the handle to release a gumball. Your plastic gumball machine is now fully reassembled and operational.
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Frequently asked questions
Grip the top of the machine, at the globe, firmly with one hand. With your other hand, take a 25-cent coin or a screwdriver, insert it into the groove in the top of the screw plug, and turn it counter-clockwise. Remove the screw plug and the cap, and you're ready to fill your machine with gumballs!
Place the cap back on the top and insert the screw plug.
Some gumball machines may have different methods to open them. Try searching online for the specific make and model of your machine to see if there are any special instructions.
