So arriving at TPF I decided to treat myself to a Pin Jacks from the Marco stand at $140 (£112)
Before shelling out I asked the helpful lady on the stand if I could try one on a nearby machine and the experience totally put me off.
Why?
Well first off I think 2 would be better as using just one twists the cabinet somewhat and secondly when you release it kinda slams to the floor. Money saved as I didn’t bother
Still undeterred I searched for a better solution similar to what I posted over a year ago here
I used a wood clamp which wasn’t great but did the job albeit unsteady and like the pin jack slams it back down.
I’d also spoke to our resident genius @stumblor a few mth ago and he pointed out a possible cheap Amazon solution which turned out to be a no go for every reason but mainly down to the cheap build. So it got dropped in the back burner yet again.
Roll on a couple of weeks ago I came across this watched a YT video so bought one this morning.
The thing is so well made and could lift any pin as it’s rated at 150kg but best of all has incremental lowering by a few mm each press of the yellow lever.
All I had to do was Mcguyver a simple solution and this is what I came up with.
My trusty wooden leg I’ve had for 20yr or more just make a shorter copy.
2 large screws inserted in a strategic place on one end then cut the heads off.
Next laser cut wooden plate to keep everything in place and lined up.
Put em all together and what have you got. Stanley’s Fat Pinlifter.
It’s an absolute game changer if you have a larger collection or work on pins most days.
I’m sure someone more skilled could machine something nicer looking but apart from the Fatmax itself it cost me nothing apart from 30mins of my time to knock the wood parts up.
Best of all my version takes about 5seconds to fit/remove and you have another tool for the home for hanging doors etc etc.
Proof is in the pudding as they say so here it is working and believe me it’s rock solid steady with zero chance of a nasty mishap like my crazy idea a year ago.
BTW I deliberately chose my heaviest pin TBL
The one negative is the price £120 but I honestly wish I had one of these when no entered the hobby with the amount of pin levelling I’ve done over the past 30yr+
Before shelling out I asked the helpful lady on the stand if I could try one on a nearby machine and the experience totally put me off.
Why?
Well first off I think 2 would be better as using just one twists the cabinet somewhat and secondly when you release it kinda slams to the floor. Money saved as I didn’t bother
Still undeterred I searched for a better solution similar to what I posted over a year ago here
The PinJack - a game changer
For those of us who move machines around alot - levelling can be a pain in the spine - but no more - this is a game changing product! Now with updated down :D
www.pinballinfo.com
I used a wood clamp which wasn’t great but did the job albeit unsteady and like the pin jack slams it back down.
I’d also spoke to our resident genius @stumblor a few mth ago and he pointed out a possible cheap Amazon solution which turned out to be a no go for every reason but mainly down to the cheap build. So it got dropped in the back burner yet again.
Roll on a couple of weeks ago I came across this watched a YT video so bought one this morning.
The thing is so well made and could lift any pin as it’s rated at 150kg but best of all has incremental lowering by a few mm each press of the yellow lever.
All I had to do was Mcguyver a simple solution and this is what I came up with.
My trusty wooden leg I’ve had for 20yr or more just make a shorter copy.
2 large screws inserted in a strategic place on one end then cut the heads off.
Next laser cut wooden plate to keep everything in place and lined up.
Put em all together and what have you got. Stanley’s Fat Pinlifter.
It’s an absolute game changer if you have a larger collection or work on pins most days.
I’m sure someone more skilled could machine something nicer looking but apart from the Fatmax itself it cost me nothing apart from 30mins of my time to knock the wood parts up.
Best of all my version takes about 5seconds to fit/remove and you have another tool for the home for hanging doors etc etc.
Proof is in the pudding as they say so here it is working and believe me it’s rock solid steady with zero chance of a nasty mishap like my crazy idea a year ago.
BTW I deliberately chose my heaviest pin TBL
The one negative is the price £120 but I honestly wish I had one of these when no entered the hobby with the amount of pin levelling I’ve done over the past 30yr+
even with the can the pics don’t give justice to how big and well made this thing is.
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and the fact my back has totally gave up and I’m currently suffering from broken ribs due to a Unicycle Accident (again) has me total incapacitated to even get in all fours and imitate a turtle never mind lift like one.
to 
