How to Move a Pinball Machine

Pinball machines are a quirky, endearing addition to your home. But while they’re fun to play, their size, weight, and fragility makes them seemingly difficult to move. However, the process is easier than it looks. All it takes is the right tools, a little help, and a few precautions. This guide breaks down the process from start to finish, explaining how to move a pinball machine in stages, in order to ensure it arrives safely at your new location.

Gather Tools and Supplies

Pinball machines are complex devices, with a large number of electric and mechanical components working together to create an engaging experience. Fortunately, they’re all fixed and secured inside the cabinet, so all you need are a few simple tools to take apart the legs and backbox. These include:

• Screwdriver
• Adjustable Wrench
• Socket Wrench
• Moving Blankets
• Foam Inserts
• Anti-Static Bubble Wrap
• Packing Tape
• Ratchet Strap
• Resealable Plastic Bags
• Dolly or Hand Truck

Keep in mind that pinball machines typically weigh 250-350 pounds, so in addition to the above tools, you’ll also need at least two people to help you lift and maneuver it. Depending on the size of your machine, three or four might be better.

Remove the Balls

Pinball machines come with a large number of carbon steel balls. To prevent them from rattling around inside the cabinet, you’ll have to remove them from the ball trough. Start by unplugging the machine. Then unscrew the coin door and collect the carbon balls inside. If there are any balls in the launching mechanism, remove them by unlocking the lockdown bar and sliding the playfield glass out as well.

Games with a multiball feature include kick-up mechanisms that hold balls temporarily before releasing them into the playfield. Though it’s unlikely there will be any stored there, it’s always a good idea to check. To do this, extract the backbox key, which is normally stored behind the coin slot, and unlock the backglass. Carefully remove the display panel and take out any balls you find inside. After replacing the glass and locking the backbox, store the balls in a plastic bag for safekeeping.

Fold Down the Backbox

Most pinball machines manufactured after 1990 have foldable backboxes, sometimes referred to as display heads. To secure them, open up the backbox and take out the bolts or thumb screws that keep them fixed in place. Newer models use a pin rather than screws. If this is the case, simply slide it out to release the box. The display head is not particularly heavy, but it isn’t well balanced either. After you take out the bolts or extract the pin, there’s a chance it might tip forward.

To prevent damage, ask a friend to hold it in place while you remove the connecting hardware. Place a foam insert over the playfield glass to prevent scratching, then gently lower the backbox on top of it. Foam offers the best protection, but a moving blanket or piece of heavy cardboard works as well.

If your machine uses a pin, reinsert it to lock the backbox in place. Then wrap a ratchet strap around the machine and gently tighten it to secure the display head. You want it snug, but not too tight.

Remove the Backbox

If you own a machine built before 1990, you’ll probably have to remove the backbox completely. Start by opening the backglass and disconnecting the wires. Most are different sizes, so reconnecting them isn’t normally difficult. Nonetheless, you may want to label them just to be safe.

Next, remove the bolts or thumbscrews one by one, with a friend holding onto the head for safety. Then lift the box off the machine and set it down on a moving blanket, standing upright. Leave the backglass in the machine. It’s the safest way to transport it.

Wrap the display in bubble wrap before covering it with the moving blanket. Use packing tape to hold it in place. Make sure the bubble wrap is anti-static. While it’s unlikely, a buildup of static electricity could damage the game’s electronic components.

Remove the Legs

Once the backbox is secure, it’s time to disassemble the rest of the machine. Start by laying a blanket out on the floor. You’ll place the cabinet down on top of it when you’re done. Next, position at least one person on either side of the machine to hold it while you work. Three or four people will provide even better stability. You may want to consider placing a stool underneath the cabinet to help prop it up.

Remove the screws and bolts holding the legs in place. Different models use different hardware, so you might need a screwdriver or adjustable wrench to get them off. On modern machines, the front legs sometimes fold up. If they’re fixed, you can place the rear of the cabinet on the floor once you have the back legs off, with the coin slot facing up 90 degrees.

Once all the legs have been taken off or folded securely underneath the unit, lay the cabinet gently on the moving blanket. The screws, bolts, and washers used to secure the legs should be stored in plastic bags. Wrap the legs in bubble wrap and place them off to the side. Cover the machine in moving blankets. You may need three or four to protect it completely. Again, use packing tape to hold them in place.

Load the Machine Onto the Truck

Once the machine has been tightly wrapped, carry it out to the van with a dolly or hand truck. Because pinball machines are large and heavy, plan your route first. The most direct path may not be the easiest. Move the machine slowly through your home, using spotters to prevent it from banging into walls or doorways.

After you’ve gotten it outside, place it directly on the truck bed. Keep it upright at all times. Laying it on its side risks upsetting the internal components. If you can’t strap the unit to the side of the truck, wedge moving blankets between it and the surrounding items for added stability. If you removed the head, place it upright in a secure spot where it won’t fall over. If you can’t strap it to the side of the truck, consider placing it in between two boxes, ones light enough that they won’t damage it in the event of a sudden stop.

Reassembly

When you arrive at your new home, set up your pinball machine by repeating the disassembly process in reverse. Unload the machine and wheel it to its designated spot, remembering the shortest path is not always the easiest. Make sure the route is clear of boxes, furniture, and other obstacles. Once you’ve gotten it to the right room, unwrap the cabinet. Then reattach the legs and lift the backbox into place. If you removed the backbox, reattach it and connect the wires inside the backglass. Finally, reinsert the balls and plug the unit into the nearest outlet. Time to celebrate with a quick game!

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