Home > Information > 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 to 1,000. The machine can operate with less but you need to continuously refill the feeder tray.
Are there different sizes of Pachinko balls? The vast majority (I would say 99%) of Pachinko balls are 11 mm chrome plated balls that weight approximately 5.75 grams. These are what we sell. We have heard of 10mm balls but haven't seen any machines that use them.
Why are some balls gold/brass? These balls were made as a substitute for authentic chrome pachinko balls. Some people like to have only gold balls in their machine but most people prefer only a few gold balls mixed in with the authentic chrome balls.
Are gold/brass balls the same as authentic Pachinko balls? The ones we have purchased are approximately the same size and weight as authentic pachinko balls, 11 mm and 5.75 grams.
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 Trays
What should I use for a Pachinko ball tray? Just about anything will work. We do have some of the original pachinko ball trays/buckets that came with the machines in the 60s and 70s. Otherwise any plastic/cardboard/wood container will suffice to catch the balls as they fall out of the back of your machine.
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.
