How do you fix a stuck games box lock?

Squirt a tiny amount of graphite powder into the keyhole. Gently wiggle the key to distribute the powder across the internal levers. Forcibly turning a stuck key usually breaks it off in the lock.

Can you replace missing bone chessmen?

Finding an exact match for a single carved piece takes time. Dealers often sell incomplete sets for this exact purpose. Buy a damaged set to harvest the spares.

I found a box with a leather backgammon board inside, but the hinges are loose and the screws just spin in the wood. What is the best way to repair this?

Take the hinges off and plug the worn screw holes with glued wooden splints. Matchsticks work well for this job. Let the glue dry hard, then trim the wood flush with the surface. Drill a small pilot hole into your new wooden plug. The original screws will now grip tightly when you reattach the hinge to the case.

The baize lining inside the compartments of my compendium is worn out and dusty. Should I try to vacuum it or just strip it out and put new fabric in?

Vacuuming loose dust with a low-suction nozzle often lifts enough dirt to make the original fabric presentable again. Stripping the old baize destroys the historic integrity of the antique games box. Only replace the lining if the fabric has turned to powder and threatens to damage the playing pieces.