Moving and lifting cabinets

⚠ Safety guide. This page covers hazards that can cause serious injury or death. Read it fully before you start, and if you're unsure, stop and ask someone experienced.

{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; clear:right; margin:0 0 1em 1em; width:280px;"

! colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | Guide details |- ! Topic | Safety |- ! Applies to | Both |- ! Difficulty | Medium |- ! How often | — |- ! Tools needed | Appliance dolly or hand truck
Moving straps
Moving blankets
Helper |} Arcade cabinets and pinball machines often weigh 200–300 pounds and are top-heavy. More people get hurt moving machines than fixing them.

General rules

• Get a helper. Don't move a machine alone.
• Lift with your legs, keep your back straight, and don't twist while carrying.
• Plan your path first: measure doorways, clear the floor, and check stairs.
• Unplug the machine and tuck the power cord inside so nobody trips on it.

Arcade cabinets

• Remove or secure anything loose inside, like the cash box, keys, and coin mechs.
• The monitor is the heaviest part and sits up high. Make sure it's firmly bolted in, or remove it for long or rough moves.
• Use an appliance dolly with a strap. Tip the cabinet back slowly with one person controlling the top.
• Never tip a cabinet face-down onto the monitor glass or control panel.

Pinball machines

• Remove the balls and the playfield glass before moving (store the glass flat and safely; it's heavy and can shatter).
• Lower the backbox (head) and lock it down, following the machine's manual. Protect it with a blanket.
• Remove the legs (one person supports the cabinet while the other unbolts), then move the cabinet on its side or on a dolly, protected by blankets.
• Never leave a cabinet balanced on two legs.

In a vehicle

• Strap machines securely so they can't slide or tip.
• Keep monitors and glass protected from bumps and temperature extremes.