Hobbies And Interests
Pinball Machines
There are two main areas to a pinball machine---the playfield and the back box. Pinball machines come in solid-state machines and electromechanical machines. Solid-state machines use digital displays to show scores, while the electromechanical machines employ mechanical reels that spin the numbers to reveal the score.
Maintaining the Playfield
Replace the pinballs on a regular basis, as they chip and contribute to the amount of wear the playfield receives. Purchase a cleaner, wax and polish specifically made for pinball machines, and clean the playfield on a regular basis. Open the pinball machine and remove the cover glass. Always remove the pinball before performing any maintenance tasks on the playfield. If the playfield has a clearcoating, use the cleaner sparingly. Use polish on the plastic ramps and wax on the playfield. Use a microfiber towel on the playfield surface. Although a T-shirt can work, it can also leave surface scratches on a playfield that has clearcoat.
Examine the flippers and moving parts of the playfield. Move them manually and make sure they are not making contact with the playfield. If a flipper is rubbing on the playfield, replace the nylon bushing. Lubricate moving parts. Inspect the rubber rings on the playfield, as they crack with age. Use replacement rings that are the same color as the original rings, if possible. Electromechanical machines usually use white.
Pinball Machine Switches
Test the switches by pushing them with your finger. Sometimes switches need cleaning or adjusting. Never use contact cleaner on a switch. Clean electromechanical switches located beneath the playfield with 400-grit sandpaper or a flexstone file. To clean flipper switches, use a standard metal file. Use a cotton swab and some 90 percent isopropyl alcohol to clean solid-state machine switches. Do not use rubbing alcohol, because it is too diluted at 70 percent.
Maintaining the Back Box
Replace the batteries in a solid-state machine annually. Remove the back glass to open the back box and replace the batteries. In an electromechanical machine, replace the light bulbs that are burned out. Preserve the back glass by coating it with a clearcoat.