So, you just bought your first pinball machine for sale, or maybe you’re upgrading your game room with a classic from House of Pinball. Either way, proper setup is not optional—it’s essential.
Correctly leveling and setting up your machine ensures:
- Smooth, fair gameplay
- Less mechanical strain
- Better flipper response and ball movement
- Less maintenance over time
At House of Pinball, we make sure every machine leaves our shop ready to play. But once it’s in your home, your setup can make or break the experience. This guide gives you everything you need to set up your pinball machine like a pro—even if it’s your first time.
🧰 What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these tools:
- Digital angle level or bubble level
- Wrench set (usually 5/8″ for leg bolts)
- Pinball leg levelers (included with most machines)
- Furniture sliders or cardboard (to protect floors)
- Helper/friend (pinball machines are heavy—up to 300 lbs)
🚚 Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Location isn’t just about looks—it affects playability and accessibility.
✅ Ideal Conditions:
- Solid, level flooring (no carpet if possible)
- At least 18–24 inches of space behind and on both sides for access
- A dedicated power outlet (surge-protected if possible)
- Low humidity and temperature-controlled room
- Avoid direct sunlight (to protect artwork and playfield plastics)
🎯 Pro Tip: Don’t place your machine too close to walls—you’ll need to lift the playfield and open the backbox occasionally.
🦵 Step 2: Install and Adjust the Legs
Most pinball machines ship with legs detached. Let’s get them on safely.
How to Install:
- Have your helper hold one end of the machine while you attach the front legs.
- Use the wrench to hand-tighten the bolts through the cabinet brackets.
- Repeat with the rear legs.
- Stand the machine upright carefully and ensure it rests evenly.
Once the legs are on, adjust the leg levelers (screw feet) to roughly match your target angle.
📐 Step 3: Set the Pitch (Playfield Angle)
The pitch of a pinball machine determines how fast the ball moves. Most machines are designed to play best at around 6.5°—but newer games may recommend up to 7.0° or more.
How to Set It:
- Open the coin door and place your digital level on the playfield, between the flippers.
- Adjust the rear leg levelers to raise/lower the back of the machine.
- Keep checking the pitch until you hit your target (usually 6.5° to 6.8°).
- Tighten everything once set.
🎯 Buyer Tip: Ask the seller or dealer if the machine has pitch preferences. Some titles (like The Addams Family or Attack from Mars) play better at slightly steeper angles.
↔️ Step 4: Level Left to Right
An uneven machine causes unfair drains and unpredictable bounces. Here’s how to fix that:
- Place your level horizontally across the playfield, just above the flippers.
- Adjust the front leg levelers side to side to balance it.
- The bubble or digital readout should show level.
✅ Test Tip: Launch a ball straight up the center (no flipper use). It should return down the middle if the table is level.
🧪 Step 5: Power On and Test Gameplay
Now it’s time to plug in your machine, let it boot up, and run a quick game to test your work.
- Check that the ball movement feels natural and fluid
- Make sure balls aren’t favoring one outlane
- Check flipper response and bounce
- Listen for unusual noises or misfires
🎯 Nudge Check: Try a soft nudge during play. If the machine is wobbly or too sensitive, recheck your levelers and tilt bob setting.
⚠️ Optional but Recommended: Secure the Tilt Bob
If you’re new to pinball or worried about triggering tilt too easily, adjust the tilt bob for more forgiveness.
How:
- Open the coin door and locate the plumb bob (typically on the left side).
- Use the adjustment screw to move the ring further away from the bob.
- Test by gently nudging and seeing how much movement triggers a tilt warning.
✅ Pro Tip: If you’re serious about nudging, find a machine with a well-calibrated tilt system—or ask House of Pinball to fine-tune it before delivery.
🛒 Thinking of Buying a Pinball Machine?
If you’re researching how to set one up, chances are you’re already looking at listings. Here’s why setup matters when buying:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Playfield angle | Too steep = fast game, too shallow = sluggish |
| Leg condition | Bent or rusted legs can’t level properly |
| Tilt settings | Too tight = frustrating play |
| Cabinet structure | Warped cabinets = poor leveling |
At House of Pinball, we take care of these details before your machine arrives, and we walk you through setup step by step.
✔️ Pre-set pitch and leg alignment
✔️ Machines tested for balance and flipper symmetry
✔️ Setup video tutorials for every buyer
✔️ Post-purchase support included