How to set up (and break down) a Pinball Machine by yourself (pmWolf Basics)

Here is a really basic video showing how to set up a pinball machine by yourself. You don't need anything outside of a socket wrench, legs and bolts.
Breaking down a machine is just as easy...just reverse the steps.
Filmed in the Mathis Arcade. See my other vids for a tour..

[@johnbatton11]

Same exact procedure, except I use an old 2 foot tall stool with a cushion and save your thigh that uncomfortable weight is what I have found to be easier, personally.

[@wernerfries174]

Very clever and impressive.

[@taiwantimes]

Can you make a video where you break down a pin for transport, move it into and then out of the transport vehicle, and then set up at the new location? It would be great to have a step-by-step all-in-one video like that.

[@RobKnapp1]

Awesome . Nice game room !! Rob

[@Sudz28]

Trying this method with my 275 lbs. "High Speed 2: The Getaway" pinball machine now! It's HEAVY!

[@pmwolf3]

I hope it works out for you! Wait until you try it with a Shadow or STTNG..man, those are tanks, too. (Just get it up on your hip, and try not to take too long and you'll be fine)

[@Sudz28]

@@pmwolf3 Thanks! In the end, I couldn't do it. I could lift it up enough to try and slide something under it (my plan was to slowly 'step it up' this way), but I had already put those carpet slider disks on the front legs so every time I got it off the ground it would start to slide forward and I couldn't use my feet to then kick the holding object (a bucket) underneath it. After several failed attempts, I was forced to call down my wife to put the holder object under it as I lifted the back end. It wasn't pretty, but it's up now. Thanks for the awesome video, I'm sure with MOST pins this works just fine. If only I hadn't put those darn sliders on the front legs first...

[@pmwolf3]

@@Sudz28 oh yeah, sliders increased the degree of difficulty by a LOT. : ) Merry Christmas! Hope you are all having a great day! Glad the machine made it onto 4 legs!

[@shmupstick]

Thanks! This really helped me. :)

[@KarlLind]

I use a garbage can or stool as fulcrum to set the back of the game onto after I have the front legs on, far less stress on your back.

[@milesdyson5211]

1:00 A real do it yourselfer, Love it ! LOL

[@pinballshenanigans]

Cool video and collection. Use a stool instead of your leg. Much easier!!!

[@MrJimmyRivers]

Thanks

[@khmam]

it is a funhouse

[@DNA2000-8bit]

Step 1, already do it.

[@michaelhughes4862]

I need to move a pinball machine across the basement to accommodate carpet install. Is it a matter of folding the back down (with padding on the glass)?

[@pmwolf3]

Yes, I'd put padding on the glass (blanket and/or cardboard), fold the head down....and then, do you have furniture sliders or castors to put under the pinball legs? If so, it should slide/roll pretty well.

[@mikefitzee8189]

Hi there. Just wondering if you remove the glass and take out the balls first?

[@pmwolf3]

Mike fitzee: Most of the time, yes. I do forget...and generally it isn't a problem. (However, once the game is completely vertical, the balls set loose, and there is the possibility of having one smash a plastic. I've never had it happen, but that doesn't mean it isn't possible. Basically...take them out if you remember, but if you forget, it probably isn't the end of the world).

[@sanfranciscobay]

I am looking for a Pinball Machine which I thought was called Baseball, but it's definitely Baseball themed. It is a Pinball Machine that also has a ramp that when you Flip the ball, it can go to a second level. I remember playing it in the early 1970's era. Do you know the name of the machine which I'm referring to? I remember being a Pinball Machine, not a Pitch and Bat machine.

[@pmwolf3]

Did it have an animated backglass, where the players ran around the bases? Your best bet is to try ipdb.org, or Pinside, and see what baseball-themed games you can dig up. If it isn't a pitch-and-bat, then that definitely will narrow things down...

[@vegaspunkrock]

How far do you recommend screwing the height adjusters on the bottom??

[@pmwolf3]

Leg levelers: I always put the front legs all the way down (that way all my machines match). Back levelers, I adjust based on gameplay preference. I generally have a high angle for faster play, but you may prefer a different feel. There's really no wrong way to do it, unless you have all four legs set the same (ie: game is completely flat), or unlevel.

[@scottsyoutubevideos]

doing it the hard way

[@pmwolf3]

It's actually really light once you get it into position. I've never had an issue. There are, of course, many ways to do it. For me, this is absolutely the easy way...and I've done hundreds like this.

[@RonByg]

Try that with a STTNG lol

[@pmwolf3]

Oh gosh, yes....STTNG is a heavy beast. But, for the record...I've set up and torn down at least a dozen STTNG's using this exact same method. It does work.

[@salvabuggira9274]

Montas la maquina encima de un caballete o potro y le atornillas con mas comodidad y seguridad las patas creo yo.

[@TheJonOsborne]

Whyyy is Jack*bot so damn heavy? 😿

[@brucesmith6511]

Didn't have any information about the head, not very informative. The other stuff was common sense.