Buying or selling a pinball machine for sale is exciting—but moving one? That can be a bit nerve-wracking if you’re not prepared.
A pinball machine is heavy, fragile, and packed with intricate electronics, making it more challenging to transport than your average arcade game or piece of furniture. Whether you’re relocating your personal machine or picking one up from House of Pinball, this guide covers everything you need to know to move a pinball machine safely—without damage.
🔧 Step 1: Gather the Right Tools
Before you even think about unplugging the machine, make sure you have:
- Furniture dolly or hand truck (rated for 250+ lbs)
- Moving blankets or foam padding
- Straps or ratchet tie-downs
- Power drill or socket wrench (to remove legs/bolts)
- Ziploc bags or containers (for bolts/screws)
- Packing tape and labels
- Optional: Pinball leg protectors, bubble wrap, shrink wrap
You don’t want to be halfway through disassembly and realize you’re missing a critical strap or tool.
🛑 Step 2: Power Down and Prep the Machine
Always unplug the machine before beginning any disassembly. If you’re transporting an older model, make sure to turn off the main power switch (if present).
Next, remove the balls from the playfield to avoid internal damage. Simply open the coin door, go into service mode (if applicable), and eject the balls. For EM machines, manually open the playfield and lift the ball trough to collect them.
🪛 Step 3: Remove the Backbox or Fold It Down
Modern machines (like Stern or Jersey Jack pinball) often have a hinged backbox you can fold down.
Here’s how:
- Open the backbox door.
- Unplug any wiring from the cabinet (label them if needed).
- Use a wrench to loosen the bolts securing the head.
- Carefully fold the head forward (onto a blanket-covered playfield).
If you’re moving a solid backbox (common with older or EM machines), you may need to fully detach it. Just be extra careful with the wiring harnesses.
🧰 Step 4: Remove the Legs
One person can hold the cabinet upright while the other unscrews the legs (start with the back legs first). Wrap each leg in a moving blanket or bubble wrap to prevent scratches.
Tip: Place all bolts, washers, and screws into a labeled Ziploc bag so reassembly is smooth later.
📦 Step 5: Wrap the Machine for Protection
With the legs and head off, wrap the body of the pinball machine using:
- Moving blankets or thick padding
- Stretch/shrink wrap for extra stability
- Bubble wrap around corners and buttons
Use ratchet straps to keep everything tightly secured during loading.
🚚 Step 6: Loading and Transporting
Use a heavy-duty dolly to roll the main cabinet into your truck or vehicle. Make sure it’s upright and balanced. Pinball machines should never be laid on their side or back, as it risks playfield and glass damage.
Inside the vehicle:
- Strap the machine securely against a wall
- Avoid placing heavy objects on top
- Ensure minimal shifting during turns or braking
🏠 Step 7: Unloading and Reassembling
Once at the destination, reverse your steps:
- Carefully unload and unwrap
- Reattach legs (front first)
- Reconnect wiring and upright the backbox
- Plug in the machine and test before play
If something seems off, check wiring connections and verify the playfield is properly seated.
🧼 Bonus: Clean Before You Move (Or After)
If you’re buying or selling a pinball machine for sale, moving is the perfect time to:
- Clean the playfield and cabinet
- Check rubber rings and lights
- Replace flipper rubbers
- Update ROMs or software
A clean and working machine not only plays better—it holds more value.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Not removing the pinballs before moving
- ❌ Letting wiring dangle or snag
- ❌ Using improper straps or not securing the machine
- ❌ Laying the cabinet flat
- ❌ Skipping bubble wrap on the head corners
Avoiding these mistakes saves you from cracked displays, scratched cabinets, and broken glass—repairs that can cost hundreds.
🛠️ Should You Hire a Pro?
If your pinball machine is rare, vintage, or extremely valuable, or if you’re moving long-distance, it may be worth hiring a professional arcade mover.
At House of Pinball, we can help arrange trusted, insured movers who specialize in arcade and pinball transport. Contact us to learn more.
💡 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re moving your machine down the street or across the country, the key is preparation. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and some padding, you can avoid the common pitfalls that damage machines during transport.
🎯 Ready to Buy a Pinball Machine?
Now that you know how to move one, why not own one? At House of Pinball, we offer a carefully curated inventory of:
- 🕹️ New Stern & Jersey Jack models
- 🎯 Collector & Premium Editions
- 💰 Refurbished value picks under $5,000
- 🛠️ Fully tested and ready-to-play machines