If you’re a pinball enthusiast, you know how vital the small details are to keep your machine playing smoothly. Among those, rubbers and rings are essential components that affect ball movement, sound, and overall gameplay. Over time, these rubbers wear out, become brittle, or lose their bounce — which can negatively impact your pinball experience.
At House of Pinball, we not only provide top-quality pinball machines for sale, but we also want to help you maintain and enjoy your machine to the fullest. This guide will walk you through how to replace pinball machine rubbers and rings, so you can keep your game in perfect shape and avoid costly repairs down the line.
Why Replace Pinball Machine Rubbers and Rings?
Pinball machine rubbers and rings serve as bumpers, protectors, and bounce surfaces inside your game. When they deteriorate:
- Gameplay quality suffers — balls don’t bounce as expected.
- Increased risk of damage to playfield plastics and metals.
- Sound changes — dull thuds replace crisp hits.
- Appearance is affected — old, yellowed rubbers can look worn and unattractive.
Regular replacement improves your machine’s performance and preserves its value — a must for collectors and casual players alike.
What You’ll Need to Replace Your Pinball Rubbers and Rings
Before starting, gather the right materials and tools:
- Replacement rubber kits specific to your machine model (or universal kits)
- Rubber rings (used for posts, bumpers, and slingshots)
- A rubber ring installation tool (or needle-nose pliers)
- A flathead screwdriver or a small plastic prying tool
- Cleaning supplies (isopropyl alcohol, microfiber cloth)
- Optional: pinball rubber cement for securing rubbers (not always necessary)
At House of Pinball, we stock quality replacement rubber kits and can help you find exactly what fits your machine.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Pinball Machine Rubbers and Rings
Step 1: Power Off and Open Your Machine
Safety first! Unplug your pinball machine to avoid any electrical hazards. Open the playfield glass carefully and secure it so you can work comfortably.
Step 2: Remove Old Rubbers
Locate all the rubber parts on the playfield — including the flippers, bumpers, slingshots, and posts. Gently pull off the worn or cracked rubbers. For rings on posts or bumpers, use your installation tool or pliers to slide them off carefully.
Step 3: Clean the Areas
Before installing new rubbers, clean the posts and playfield surfaces with isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt and residue. This ensures better adhesion and longevity of your new rubbers.
Step 4: Install New Rubber Rings
Start with the smaller rubber rings for posts and slingshots. Using the ring installation tool, stretch the rubber ring over the post or bumper and seat it firmly into place. Be careful not to overstretch or tear the rubber.
Step 5: Install New Rubber Strips and Kickoff Rubbers
Replace longer rubber strips on kickers or slingshots by positioning them carefully along the playfield guides or plastic protectors. If your kit includes adhesive, apply a small amount to keep them in place.
Step 6: Replace Flipper Rubbers
Flipper rubbers wear out quickly, so they’re often replaced separately. Remove the flipper assembly rubber, clean the flipper bat, and snap on the new rubber. Make sure it fits snugly for responsive gameplay.
Step 7: Double Check All Installation Points
Inspect your work carefully to ensure all rubbers and rings are seated correctly, without twists or loose areas.
Step 8: Close the Machine and Test
Close the playfield glass, plug your machine back in, and test several games to feel the difference. The ball should bounce crisply off the new rubbers, improving gameplay and sound.
Tips for Maintaining Your Pinball Machine Rubbers
- Inspect rubbers every 6-12 months, depending on play frequency.
- Keep spares on hand — rubbers wear down faster in high-use machines.
- Avoid exposing rubbers to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
- Clean rubbers periodically with mild soap and water, but avoid harsh chemicals.
Why Buy Your Next Pinball Machine or Parts from House of Pinball?
At House of Pinball, we’re passionate about pinball and committed to helping players get the most out of their machines. Whether you’re looking for a new pinball machine for sale, replacement parts like rubbers and rings, or expert advice on maintenance, we’re here to assist.
- Wide selection of new and used machines, fully tested and guaranteed
- Quality parts and accessories, including OEM and aftermarket rubbers
- Knowledgeable customer service with 12+ years experience in pinball
- Competitive pricing and fast shipping nationwide
Final Thoughts
Replacing your pinball machine rubbers and rings is a straightforward maintenance task that dramatically improves gameplay and preserves your machine’s value. With the right tools and parts, you can do it yourself and keep your game running like new.
Ready to upgrade your pinball experience? Visit House of Pinball today to shop the best pinball machines for sale and high-quality replacement parts.
Start your pinball maintenance now:
👉 Shop Pinball Machines & Parts at House of Pinball