Ever bought a pinball machine, or inherited one, and wondered how on earth to move it? You’re not alone—pinball machines are heavy, awkward, and full of delicate parts. Move them wrong, and you risk costly damage or injury.
Knowing the right way to move a pinball machine is crucial, whether you’re relocating, selling, or just rearranging your game room. In this article, you’ll find easy steps, helpful tips, and key safety insights to make the job smooth and stress-free.
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How to Move a Pinball Machine: The Complete Guide
Moving a pinball machine may sound simple, but these classic arcade marvels are heavy, awkward, and surprisingly delicate. Whether you’re an avid collector, a retro games enthusiast, or someone relocating your prized game room, moving a pinball machine safely takes a bit of planning and know-how. This guide will walk you through every step to ensure your pinball machine arrives at its new home in perfect condition.
Understanding the Challenges of Moving a Pinball Machine
Pinball machines are not just heavy—they’re typically bulky and contain many delicate parts, from the glass playfield cover to intricate mechanisms inside. Most machines weigh between 200 and 300 pounds, making them difficult to handle on your own. In addition, damage to components like the backglass, playfield, or legs can be costly to fix.
Moving them safely requires preparation, the right tools, and, ideally, an extra set of helping hands.
Essential Tools and Supplies
Before you begin, gather these items:
– Thick moving blankets or furniture pads (for wrapping and protection)
– Stretch wrap or packing tape
– Basic hand tools (screwdriver set, wrench, socket set)
– Furniture dolly or hand truck
– Zip ties or cable ties (to secure loose cables)
– Plastic bags for hardware (label these for easy reassembly)
– Work gloves (for grip and safety)
– A friend or two for lifting and maneuvering
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Move a Pinball Machine
1. Prepare the Machine and Your Work Space
- Unplug the machine, ensuring it’s turned off and disconnected from power.
- Remove any decorative or fragile pieces, like toppers or side mirrors.
- Take a moment to clear a path from the machine to the exit, removing obstacles like area rugs, chairs, or other furniture.
2. Remove the Pinball Machine Legs
Most pinball machines are transported with the legs removed for safety and space-saving reasons.
- With the machine still upright, carefully unscrew the bolts securing each leg (you may need a socket wrench or spanner).
- Enlist a helper to hold the cabinet steady while you work.
- Place each bolt and any washers in a labeled plastic bag.
- Remove the front legs first, tilting the machine back onto the rear legs for stability, then remove the rear legs.
Tip: Some machines may have different bolt lengths for front and back legs—keeping them labeled will save you confusion during reassembly.
3. Secure and Remove the Backbox (If Necessary)
The “backbox” is the upright section at the rear of the pinball machine, usually containing the display and game controls.
- Some machines have a hinged backbox that folds down after unwinding a locking bolt or latch.
- Others require you to remove bolts or screws to detach the backbox completely.
- Disconnect any wiring carefully—snap photos for reference to help with reassembly.
Once folded or removed, wrap the backbox separately in moving blankets.
4. Protect the Glass and Playfield
- Slide out the game’s glass top using two people. These are tempered glass and can shatter if dropped.
- Stand the glass upright on a soft surface, wrap in blankets, and tape securely.
- If your model allows, remove the playfield or secure it with foam padding so it doesn’t shift in transit.
5. Pad and Wrap the Cabinet
Pinball cabinets can easily chip or scratch. Wrap the entire cabinet in moving blankets, securing them in place with stretch wrap or packing tape.
- Be generous with padding at corners and edges.
- Wrap removed legs, backbox, and other parts separately.
6. Load Onto a Dolly or Hand Truck
- With two to three people, carefully tip the wrapped cabinet onto its side.
- Slide a furniture dolly or hand truck underneath the machine’s center of gravity.
- Secure with straps if you have them.
- Move slowly, watching out for door frames, tight corners, and stairs.
7. Transport and Reassemble
- Load the machine into your vehicle or moving van, keeping it upright when possible.
- Surround with blankets and secure with straps to prevent shifting.
- Avoid stacking heavy items on top.
- Reverse your disassembly steps to set up the pinball machine in its new home.
Moving a Pinball Machine Upstairs or Downstairs
Moving a pinball machine up or down stairs is especially tricky:
- Always remove the legs for easier handling.
- Cover sharp corners with extra padding.
- Use a sturdy moving dolly rated for heavy loads.
- Have at least two people lift—one to guide, one to steady.
- If the staircase is narrow or has sharp turns, proceed slowly and carefully.
- In some cases, professional movers or lift straps may be needed to stay safe.
Key Tips and Best Practices
Plan Ahead
- Take photos at each disassembly stage. This makes reassembly much easier.
- Label all removed parts and hardware.
- Disable or remove any loose pinballs inside the machine to avoid internal damage.
Work Safely
- Never attempt to lift a pinball machine alone. Injuries and damage can occur if the weight shifts.
- Use appropriate lifting techniques—bend your knees, not your back.
- Wear work gloves for a better grip.
Protect the Machine
- Wrap, pad, and secure all parts as if they’re fragile (because they are).
- Transport components upright and secure to avoid any shifting during the move.
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t attempt to move a pinball machine fully assembled—it risks serious damage.
- Don’t skip labeling hardware; pinball machines use a variety of bolts.
- Never force parts when reassembling. If something doesn’t fit, check your reference photos.
Benefits of Proper Pinball Machine Moving
Moving your pinball machine the right way means:
- You avoid expensive repairs and preserve the value of your machine.
- The risk of injury is much lower for you and your helpers.
- The process is less stressful because you’re prepared and organized.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Heavy Weight and Awkward Shape
Pinball machines are bulky and don’t have even weight distribution. Solution: Always move with help and use a dolly designed for heavy items.
Tight Spaces and Narrow Doorways
Some pinball machines are wider than door frames or stairways. Solution: Disassemble as much as possible and plan your path in advance. If disassembly doesn’t help, consider removing doors from hinges temporarily.
Delicate Components
Glass, electronics, and artwork can be damaged by vibration or impact. Solution: Pad everything generously and move gently.
Lost Hardware
Small screws are easy to lose during disassembly. Solution: Use labeled bags for each set of hardware, and keep them somewhere safe until you’re ready to reassemble.
Summary
Moving a pinball machine isn’t just about muscle—it’s about preparation, patience, and attention to detail. By planning your route, gathering the right supplies, and following each step carefully, you’ll keep both your machine and yourself safe. The key is to break down the task: remove what you can, wrap everything well, move slowly, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. That way, your next high-score session is just a safe journey away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How heavy is a typical pinball machine?
Most pinball machines weigh between 200 and 300 pounds (90 to 135 kg). Newer models or wide-body machines can weigh even more.
Can I move a pinball machine by myself?
It’s not recommended. Even smaller machines are heavy, unwieldy, and fragile. Always have at least one other person to help with lifting, stabilizing, and navigating tight spaces.
Do I need to take the legs off to move a pinball machine?
Yes. Removing the legs makes the machine much easier and safer to move. It reduces the risk of bending legs or damaging floors and gives you more room to maneuver.
Should I hire professional movers for my pinball machine?
If you’re not comfortable with heavy lifting or have tricky stairs or tight spaces, hiring professional movers experienced with arcade machines can prevent damage and injury.
How do I protect the glass and artwork during a move?
Remove the glass top and backglass if possible, wrap them separately in thick blankets, and secure with tape. Pad corners and edges of the cabinet and backbox to protect painted artwork from scratches and chips.
Moving your pinball machine doesn’t have to be a headache. With careful planning, the right equipment, and a little teamwork, you can enjoy your pinball adventure wherever you set up next!