How to Repair Air Hockey Tables

Air hockey tables can be a fun way to spend your time, but they can also be a pain in the neck when they break down. Chances are, if you've had yours for a year or two, you've had something break down: maybe the scoreboard, the blower, or motor. You hate to throw it away--so don't! Instead, try to fix it yourself!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Air hockey table
• Internet access
• Needle
• Screwdriver
• Drill

Fix your hockey table

1. Diagnose the problem, checking the air, plug, motor and scoreboard.
2. Check with the store where you bought it and the manufacturer's website. Often there are warranties that apply or recalls that have been issued.
3. Plug the table in to see if you can hear the motor running. Check to see if the blower is blowing.
4. Check the holes across the table to make sure they are not plugged--if the motor is running and no air is coming out. This happens often when the table has been stored and rarely used. Unplug any holes that are plugged by poking a small needle into each hole.
5. Take the engine out of its plastic covering. If your engine has a belt, check to see the belt is in one piece. If it is not, purchase a replacement belt.
6. Double check your motor's condition. Take it to any car supplies store (like a Les Schwaab) and they will test it to see how much power it is putting out--compared to how much it should be. Like batteries and alternators, these motors will die from time to time.
7. Go to the manufacturer's website and order any parts you need. They will come with instructions on how to install them.
8. Fix the scoreboard by making sure it has fresh batteries and by checking the wires. Often wires will get torn out of their board or cut. Again, you will need to replace the wire by ordering it, but it can easily be re-inserted into the scoreboard and goal.
9. Check the hockey "floor" to make sure it is level. If it has been exposed to water it may have warped. In that case, you can order a new board, or go to a home and lumber store and purchase an equivalent vinyl poly-plastic board. Simply measure it to fit and drill a minimum of 100 equally spaced pencil sized holes on each side to allow for air flow.

Tips & Warnings

• Search online for an air hockey mechanic. Chances are you can find someone who has fixed one before or who knows where to get inexpensive replacement parts.
• When dealing with the motor, make sure it is unplugged to avoid electrical shock.

Who Can Help: