Leveling and setting the playfield angle
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| Guide details | |
|---|---|
| Topic | Maintenance |
| Applies to | Pinball |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| How often | After moving the machine, or when it plays oddly |
| Tools needed | Level or digital angle gauge (or a phone app) Wrench for leg levelers |
A machine that leans to one side sends the ball unfairly to one flipper. The front-to-back angle ("pitch") controls how fast the game plays.
Side to side
- With the glass removed, place a level across the playfield near the flippers.
- Adjust the leg levelers (the threaded feet on the legs) until the playfield is level side to side.
- Check again near the top of the playfield.
Front to back (pitch)
- Place an angle gauge or phone level app on the playfield pointing up and down the playfield (not on the glass or cabinet top, which may not match).
- Check the machine's manual for the recommended angle. Many machines are set somewhere around 6–7 degrees. Steeper plays faster and harder; flatter plays slower.
- Adjust by raising or lowering the rear legs (or front legs) evenly.
Finish
- Tighten the lock nuts on the leg levelers so they don't drift.
- Make sure all four feet are firmly on the floor and the machine doesn't rock.
- Recheck side-to-side level after changing the pitch.