Care for a Pinball Machine
Pinball machines have been around for decades and can provide hours of entertainment. Though there's a huge variety of different pinball machines -- from simple child pinball machines to elaborately complex contraptions -- the methods for taking care of them are pretty similar. You'll need to clean and maintain your pinball machine frequently to keep it running well and looking good. Always unplug the pinball machine before maintenance or cleaning.
Instructions
Cleaning
1. Remove the playfield glass from the machine and clean both sides using a rag and some glass cleaner.
2. Clean the playfield by wiping it down with microfiber cloths dampened with pinball playfield cleaning solution, which can be purchased from a hobby shop. Wax the playfield with a wax/polish when finished.
3. Clean the bumpers and other components of the playfield, like the decorations, with a cotton swab dipped in 90% isopropyl alcohol. This solution dries almost instantly so it won't damage any electrical components.
Maintenance
4. Replace the rubber o-rings around select components. These rings tend to stretch and crack over time.
5. Replace all the light bulbs that are burning out or dimming. You'll often see signs when a light bulb is ready to die, like dimming or flickering.
6. Test the flippers and apply a small amount of WD-40 to loosen them up if they need to be tightened.
7. Replace the pinballs about once a month, depending on how frequently you use the machine. Worn pinballs can chip and damage components.
Tips Warnings
Always remove the pinballs from the machine before doing any routine maintenance.
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