Most of you enjoy playing air hockey, but it can be discouraging to discover that your puck no longer slides across the table gently.
This article will give you tips to fix air hockey pluck not sliding. This will help make your playing experience fun and excellent, leaving you yearning for more.
Stay with me!
Tips to Fix Air Hockey Pluck Not Sliding
1. Sand Your Puck
It isn’t worth taking this step if your puck is cheap. However, if you have an arcade-quality puck that has previously operated without issue, things might be slowing down due to wear and tear on the puck.
Even a small degree of unevenness on the puck’s sliding surface on the table can significantly increase friction and decrease glide.
To avoid sanding the surface of the table itself, it’s a fantastic idea to keep this adhesive sandpaper close to your table for routine maintenance on the puck and base of your mallets.
2. Clean Your Table Surface of Dust
Even if the table doesn’t seem to have any apparent symptoms of dust, you should still attempt cleaning it down first.
There probably is dust on your table if you don’t clean it frequently (at least once or twice every week).
The puck won’t slide across the table smoothly if there is even tiny dust. To clean your air hockey table, follow these simple steps: First, switch on the table so the fans operate.
By doing this, you can be sure that the liquids you use on the table will evaporate rapidly.
Then, using a soft cloth, apply some isopropyl alcohol or window cleaner (without ammonia).
Cleaning the table’s surface with fabric is a good idea, but leave some dust on the rails’ sides because it helps the table bounce.
3. Remove Blockages in the Holes
Cleaning the table’s top won’t fill the gaps. The holes in your tables are probably partially stopped if you’ve had them for a while and haven’t been cleaning them frequently.
Making sure you are not shoving the dust back in when cleaning your table’s holes is the key.
Because of this, reputable manufacturers advise using a 1/32″ drill bit, which collects dust while lifting dirt out of the rotation.
To begin with, you must obtain a drill bit that will fit in the table’s holes without damaging or enlarging them.
Put the revolving drill bit in the table after that. As you take the bit out, the dust and debris will become lodged in the grooves of the bit and come out. Do this for each of the holes.
4. Get a Lighter Puck
It may be too heavy if you have just replaced your pucks or are unsure of their origin. Blowers on less-than-commercial tables are frequently insufficient to withstand the heavier pucks in an arcade.
Fortunately, light replacement pucks are significantly less expensive than heavy ones, allowing you to purchase a large quantity just in case of breakage.
5. Check Your Warranty
If none of these techniques work, try to check your warranty.
Verify the current warranty on the table you own before spending your hard-earned money on a new one. You can contact the manufacturer and ask if they will help repair the blower.
Reasons Why Puck Is Not Sliding?
For several reasons, the puck may not have slid as smoothly as it once did. If the puck isn’t sliding correctly, you can have difficulties with your bank shoots or blocks.
Therefore it’s critical to get this repaired.
There may be an issue with the surface, air holes, fans, or the puck itself. To solve each of these issues, you will require various approaches. Fortunately, none of them are challenging.
#1. Surface
An air hockey table’s surface needs to have a smooth design. However, utilizing the strikers and pucks and touching the surface will cause a buildup of residue over time.
This could make the table move more slowly.
#2. Air Holes
The tiny air openings that enable the strikes and puck to float around the surface might clog up over time.
#3. Fans
If you don’t clean fans regularly, dust and grime can accumulate on the blades and cause them to slow down.
#4. Puck
After the extensive play, the once-smooth puck may develop dents and gouges, impairing its ability to slide across the table smoothly.
When can I tell that my air hockey puck slides better?
If you’re a fan of air hockey, there’s nothing more annoying than when your puck is not sliding on the table. Whether it’s because the table isn’t blowing, or something else, there are several possible causes. To help ensure that you can get back to playing air hockey as soon as possible, here are five tips to fix an air hockey puck not sliding.
1. Clean the Puck and Table
If your puck isn’t gliding properly, it could be that there is dirt and dust caught in between the frictionless surface of the table. Wipe down both the puck and the table with a microfiber cloth to remove any built-up debris.
2. Check the Table Blower
Your air hockey table should have a powerful blower underneath that blows air across the surface. If it isn’t blowing at its full speed, this could be making your puck not move properly. Make sure to turn up the power on the fan or replace any faulty parts if necessary.
3. Replace the Puck
If you’ve had your puck for a while, it may have become worn out and need to be replaced. A new puck can help to provide a smoother sliding surface than an old one, which will make it easier to play.
4. Check the Table Level
An unlevel air hockey table can cause your puck to stick in some areas and not glide properly. Use a spirit leveler to make sure the table is perfectly balanced so that your puck slides evenly across it.
5. Upgrade the Puck
If all else fails, you may want to consider upgrading your puck with a heavier version that has more weight and momentum when in motion. A heavier puck can offer more stability and make it easier for it to slide on the table with ease.
Following these five tips should help you fix your air hockey puck not sliding issue. With a bit of effort, you’ll be able to get back to enjoying games in no time!
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Clean the Table | Over time, the playing surface of an air hockey table can become dirty or dusty, which can affect the puck’s ability to slide smoothly. To fix this issue, try cleaning the table with a soft cloth or sponge and a mild cleaning solution. |
| 2. Check the Blower Motor | If the blower motor that powers the airflow on your air hockey table is not working properly, the puck may not slide as well as it should. To fix this issue, check the blower motor for any visible damage or signs of wear and tear, and consider replacing it if necessary. |
| 3. Adjust the Table’s Leveling | If the air hockey table is not level, the puck may not slide smoothly across the playing surface. To fix this issue, adjust the leveling of the table by using the adjustable legs or feet to ensure that the playing surface is completely level. |
| 4. Check the Puck and Mallets | Over time, the puck and mallets used to play air hockey can become worn or damaged, which can affect the game’s performance. To fix this issue, consider replacing the puck and mallets with new ones to ensure that they are in good condition. |
| 5. Wax the Playing Surface | Another way to improve the puck’s sliding ability is to wax the playing surface of the air hockey table. To do this, apply a small amount of silicone spray or furniture polish to the surface and buff it in with a soft cloth. This will help to create a smooth, slippery surface for the puck to slide across. |
Note: These are just a few tips to fix the air hockey puck not sliding, and the effectiveness of each tip may vary depending on the specific issue with the table. It’s important to properly diagnose the issue before attempting any repairs and to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional assistance if necessary.
How do you fix an air hockey table not working?
If your air hockey table is not working properly, there are several steps you can take to try to fix the issue. The first thing to check is the power source – make sure that the table is properly plugged in and that the outlet is working. If the table is receiving power but still not working, check the blower motor to ensure that it is functioning properly.
If the blower motor is not working, try cleaning it or replacing it if necessary. You can also check the table’s wiring and circuit board to ensure that all connections are secure and that there are no damaged components.
If none of these steps fix the issue, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance or contact the manufacturer for further guidance. It’s important to avoid attempting any repairs or modifications that could damage the table or put you at risk of injury.
Why is my air hockey table not blowing?
Air hockey tables use a powerful blower motor to create a cushion of air that enables the puck to glide smoothly on the surface of the table. If your air hockey table is not blowing air, it could be due to a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is a malfunctioning blower motor.
This could be caused by a faulty switch or a problem with the motor itself. Another possible cause could be a blockage in the airflow path. Debris such as dust or dirt can accumulate in the air channels and restrict the flow of air. Additionally, a dirty or clogged filter can reduce the airflow, resulting in a slower or non-existent air current.
If you’re experiencing issues with your air hockey table not blowing, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem and determine the root cause before attempting any repairs. A qualified technician can assist in diagnosing and fixing the issue to ensure a smooth and exciting gameplay experience.
How do you unclog an air hockey table?
Air hockey tables use a powerful blower motor to create a cushion of air that enables the puck to glide smoothly on the surface of the table. If your air hockey table is not blowing air, it could be due to a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is a malfunctioning blower motor.
This could be caused by a faulty switch or a problem with the motor itself. Another possible cause could be a blockage in the airflow path. Debris such as dust or dirt can accumulate in the air channels and restrict the flow of air. Additionally, a dirty or clogged filter can reduce the airflow, resulting in a slower or non-existent air current.
If you’re experiencing issues with your air hockey table not blowing, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem and determine the root cause before attempting any repairs. A qualified technician can assist in diagnosing and fixing the issue to ensure a smooth and exciting gameplay experience.
Can you grab a puck in the air?
In air hockey, grabbing the puck with your hand is not allowed and is considered a foul. The objective of the game is to use the mallet to hit the puck into your opponent’s goal, and catching the puck with your hand disrupts the flow of the game. If a player catches the puck, the referee will stop the play and award a penalty to the opposing team.
This rule is in place to promote fair play and ensure that the game is played according to the rules. However, it’s important to note that accidental contact with the puck is allowed, and players may use their hands to protect their face or body from the puck during gameplay. Overall, grabbing the puck with your hand in air hockey is not allowed, and players must use the mallet to move the puck around the table to score points.
How do you dominate in air hockey?
Air hockey is a fast-paced and exciting game that requires skill, speed, and strategy to win. To dominate in air hockey, players must first master basic techniques such as controlling the puck, shooting accurately, and defending their own goal. A good player also knows how to anticipate their opponent’s moves and capitalize on their weaknesses.
Practice is essential to improve reaction time, speed, and accuracy, and developing a consistent playing style can help players gain an advantage over their opponents. It’s also important to stay focused and avoid distractions during gameplay. Keeping a positive mindset, staying relaxed, and maintaining good sportsmanship are key elements to dominating in air hockey. Overall, becoming a skilled and dominant player in air hockey requires a combination of practice, strategy, and mental fortitude.
Final Word
Now that you have the tips to fix the air hockey pluck not sliding, you’re good to go. However, if none of these solutions function and your warranty has expired, your only option might be to buy a new table.
There is a problem with your blower if your table is clean and the puck matter has been resolved.
Of course, you can attempt to fix the blower, but unless you’re incredibly handy or skilled as an electrician, it’s likely not worth your time.
