Is a Shaker Motor Worth Adding to Pinball?
A shaker motor is worth adding when a game uses it selectively and supports an approved, reversible installation. Check compatibility, noise, wiring and warranty implications before buying.
Chris Johnson
Pinball Coil Overheating: What Is Normal and What Deserves Troubleshooting
A warm coil is not automatically defective, but a locked-on mechanism, burning smell, smoke or visible heat damage requires immediate attention. This guide explains the safest first steps and the symptom patterns a technician will need.
When Is a Pinball Machine Too Loud for a House?
A pinball machine makes speaker sound, sharp mechanical impacts and sometimes floor-transmitted vibration. Learn what can be adjusted safely and when noise may indicate a repair problem.
When Does a Pinball Flipper Need a Rebuild Kit?
A weak or sticky flipper does not automatically need a rebuild. Learn how to inspect it safely, verify the correct assembly-specific kit, and recognize electrical problems that require qualified service.
Does a Pinball Machine Need a Surge Protector?
A surge protector can be a sensible layer of protection for a home pinball machine, but it cannot compensate for a damaged cord, overloaded circuit, poor grounding, or an internal fault.
How to Store a Pinball Machine Long Term Without Creating New Problems
A practical homeowner guide to choosing a safe location, preparing for inactive storage, preserving service access, and avoiding moisture or moving damage.
Pinball Room Lighting: How to Reduce Glass Glare
A practical homeowner’s guide to diagnosing playfield glass reflections, adjusting room lighting, managing daylight, and preserving access for play and service.
Does a Pinball Playfield Need Wax? What Depends on the Machine
A playfield may benefit from waxing, but the correct answer depends on the machine, finish, condition, and manufacturer guidance. Inspect first, check the balls, and do not treat wax, polish, and cleaner-wax as interchangeable products.
How to Level a Pinball Machine and Why Pitch Changes the Game
A practical guide to setting side-to-side level without flattening the intended playfield pitch, followed by room, access, noise, and power checks for home owners.
Stern Insider Connected at Home: Setup, Updates, Achievements, and Privacy Questions
A homeowner-first guide to setting up Stern Insider Connected, registering a machine, using player QR codes and Home Team, and troubleshooting common connection issues.
How Often Should You Clean a Home Pinball Machine?
A practical, condition-led cleaning schedule for home pinball machines, including glass, playfield, ball, cabinet, and deeper maintenance guidance.
Reversible Pinball Mods: The Best Upgrades If You Might Sell the Machine Later
A practical guide to removable pinball toppers, lighting, protectors, art blades, shooter rods, speakers, and cosmetic upgrades—with resale and serviceability in mind.
The Concretehardt Drama on Pinside
A transferred Pokémon Limited Edition preorder led to a major Pinside dispute over who was responsible for repaying the buyer after the dealer reportedly canceled the order. Here is what the participants alleged, what the public record supports, and how the dispute ended.
Pinball Code Updates Explained: What New Software Can and Cannot Change
Modern pinball software can add rules, rebalance scoring, change callouts, refine shows, fix bugs, and support connected features. It cannot repair a bad switch, weak flipper, blocked trough, damaged wiring, or other physical fault.
Pinball Mod Wiring: Reversible Installation and Service Access Basics
Plan pinball mod wiring around the exact machine, reversible connections, protected routing, service access, and complete installation records.