FAQs - Pachinko Balls, Trays and Lifters
These FAQ pages will be continuously updated with questions and answers. If you have any corrections or additions, please let us know. To purchase balls please visit our website store.
Pachinko Balls
How many Pachinko balls do I need for my machine? We recommend 500. The machine can operate with less but you need to continuously refill the feeder tray.
Are there different sizes of Pachinko balls? Yes but the vast majority of Pachinko balls we have seen are 11 mm (actually our digital caliper is reading 10.8 mm). The weight is 5.92 grams or .208 ounce. We have seen a very few balls that are larger, perhaps 10 balls out of 200,000 balls.
Why are some Pachinko balls colored? Colored balls are not authentic for these vintage Pachinko machines. They were made in the U.S. in various colors. A couple of folks have sold them on eBay.
Are colored balls the same as authentic Pachinko balls? The ones we have purchased are 10.9 mm which is slightly larger than normal pachinko balls (weight is 6.01 grams or .211 ounce) and we have seen on a few machines that the colored balls will occasionally have trouble opening the tulip pockets or tipping the payout see-saw.
Do the colors wear off the colored Pachinko balls? The gold balls are made of brass and the color doesn't wear off. We only sell these gold balls. We have purchased colored balls in the past that were stained or dyed and over time, the color can wear off.
Why do some Pachinko balls have writing and some don't? Authentic Pachinko balls will have writing on them. The writing identified the balls as belonging to a particular casino or Pachinko parlor. Some companies have manufactured balls without writing to be used in Pachinko machines.
How do I get the rust off the Pachinko balls? Surface rust can be removed with various rust remove products. You can also use a rock tumbler or vibration tumbler to remove the rust. We use a vibration tumbler and walnut shell media.
What if my Pachinko balls are pitted or have cracks in them? Throw them away. If the surface of the ball isn't smooth, get rid of it. If rust has eaten into the ball and made it rough or if there is a crack or gouge in the ball, it could scratch your playfield or cause other damage.
How do I store the Pachinko balls? Before storing your Pachinko balls, clean them as outlined above. Then seal them in a container and store them at room temperature. Put one of those package you get with electronics to absorb moisture and use an air-tight container if possible.
Pachinko Ball Lifters
What is a Pachinko ball lifter? It is a device with a motor that will automatically recycle the balls from the bottom-back of the machine to the top feeder tray.
Where can I buy a Pachinko ball lifter? Currently there isn't a supplier for ball lifters that we are aware of but Slots Direct used to sell ball lifters.
Can I make a Pachinko ball lifter? We have seen one person do this but are unable to locate their website anymore. If you have any information on custom-built Pachinko ball lifters, please let us know and we will post it here to share for everyone.