Vintage imported pachinko balls

[Tazo]

I have a few questions regarding pachinko balls...

1. Are they all steel? Or are there some stainless steel versions?

2. Are the vintage imported balls chromed or plated for corrosion resistance? Are the new ones?

3. If not chromed or plated, what is done to prevent corrosion? I imagine just the oils from being handled multiple times a day in the parlors was enough, but now that these machines are in private hands and played a lot less frequently, is rusting a concern?

4. I was thinking of buying some vintage engraved balls on-line. Are there any tips on what to look for or stay away from in the ads?

5. If any of the balls have corrosion, should they be thrown away or just cleaned?

FYI, I purchased a vibrating tumbler in anticipation of cleaning up the parts on my machine, as well as the balls.

Thanks for any help. I was not able to find a thread that had all the info in one place, just piecemeal info in posts. If there is a post that already has all this info, please point it out.

[Moparformances]

I have a few questions regarding pachinko balls...

thats why we are hear

1. Are they all steel? Or are there some stainless steel versions?

all steel i have seen some color coated and some brass coated.. but the ones i buy are always chrome

2. Are the vintage imported balls chromed or plated for corrosion resistance? Are the new ones?

yes vintage balls are chrome.. new balls are as well but the chrome seems thinner

3. If not chromed or plated, what is done to prevent corrosion? I imagine just the oils from being handled multiple times a day in the parlors was enough, but now that these machines are in private hands and played a lot less frequently, is rusting a concern?

yes the oils from your hands will start rusting.. balls that sit seem prone to rust..

4. I was thinking of buying some vintage engraved balls on-line. Are there any tips on what to look for or stay away from in the ads?

I only buy engraved balls there are a few people that have tried bearing that are close in size,, they claim that they work.. but why risk it.. it seems that colored balls are plated and the color coat wears away quickly..

5. If any of the balls have corrosion, should they be thrown away or just cleaned?

clean them if the corrosion stays pitch them in the trash.. dirty rusty rough balls will dirty and damage your machine

FYI, I purchased a vibrating tumbler in anticipation of cleaning up the parts on my machine, as well as the balls.

i run 500 or a so at a time.. a few hrs (2-3) and they look great... walnut shells and some polish

Thanks for any help. I was not able to find a thread that had all the info in one place, just piecemeal info in posts. If there is a post that already has all this info, please point it out.

get the vintage balls why bother with something that may not work

[Tazo]

yes the oils from your hands will start rusting.. balls that sit seem prone to rust..

So the oils from your hands are more corrosive than protective... That makes sense. I read in some older posts that you should never use oil or wd40 or anything on the balls, as it will get all over the workings of the machine and muck it up; just clean them throughly and keep them dry.

[Spyder138]

So the oils from your hands are more corrosive than protective... That makes sense. I read in some older posts that you should never use oil or wd40 or anything on the balls, as it will get all over the workings of the machine and muck it up; just clean them throughly and keep them dry.

Yup. Run them through your tumbler, rinse in really hot water, towel dry and then store in plastic containers with lids.

[Tazo]

I really just plan on buying enough balls to stock the machine (500-1000), so I won't be storing them.

The sellers on eBay seem to have a mixture of plain/engraved balls, but I'm looking for engraved only. Any recommendations on sellers?

[Moparformances]

no wd40 on anyting.. ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you machine will hold a thousand balls..

there are lots o balls on D-bay.. try and always stick with engraved...

[Bubba_II]

I know this is an old post, but I wanted to provide a tip for taking care of your pachinko balls. I also store balls that are not in use in a plastic container with a lid and throw in a silica pack you get with electronics or shoes. These absorb any excess moisture. This is especially important if you live in an area with high humidity or near salt water.

[Peteybob]

Hello Bubba II and welcome to the group!

Thanks for the tip of adding the silica pack.

[xxjardinexx]

Can anyone supply a link to some of the better places to buy extra balls please.

[Peteybob]

Can anyone supply a link to some of the better places to buy extra balls please.

I have used Pachinko Pagoda many times for both balls and tokens and have always been please. I don’t know about shipping or others cost’s to other countries. I imagine it would add up but buying more in bulk can be cheaper per piece. The link shows both new and good used balls.

I emailed them prior to my last order for a large mixed lot and they worked with me for an even better price. It never hurts to ask

http://stores.ebay.com/pachinkopagoda/

[newworldsamuraix]

I have used Pachinko Pagoda many times for both balls and tokens and have always been please. I don’t know about shipping or others cost’s to other countries. I imagine it would add up but buying more in bulk can be cheaper per piece. The link shows both new and good used balls.

I emailed them prior to my last order for a large mixed lot and they worked with me for an even better price. It never hurts to ask

http://stores.ebay.com/pachinkopagoda/

That's where I bought my first set of balls from and also pachislo coin from. Top seller never had a prob with him. But there is currently a seller on ebay that is from guam and the balls were a little rusty. Would stay away from him. Also any suggestions how to remove the little rust that there is on the balls?

[Moparformances]

That's where I bought my first set of balls from and also pachislo coin from. Top seller never had a prob with him. But there is currently a seller on ebay that is from guam and the balls were a little rusty. Would stay away from him. Also any suggestions how to remove the little rust that there is on the balls?

first off


Welcome to Pachitalk

i use a vibrating tumbler with walnut media..

others have posted hot hot water with some CLR added in

[newworldsamuraix]

Thanks much

[Peteybob]

Hi newworldsamuraix and welcome to posting

I also use a tumbler with fine grit walnut media for both balls and tokens.