Nishijn Models A/B Ball Size

[QM2-BB63]

I recently purchased both a Model A (single shot) and Model B Sophia.
The machines came with balls that are 10.xMM 5.6g, rather than the standard 11mm 5.75g and most are dark in color (not chrome plated). All are etched with various logos from letters, numbers, or pictures.

1. Everything I have read says that ALL TRUE Pachinko balls are 11mm…if so what are these smaller balls for? Might the 10mm be for the earlier Model A’s’?

2. Will playing with lighter balls or mixing them with standard 11s impact play?

3. Will the uncoated balls damage the face, races, or pins (they are pretty smooth especially after a vinegar bath and buff)

Thanks.

IMG_9781.jpgIMG_9782.jpgIMG_9780.jpg

[QM2-BB63]

In case it matters, the Model A is a single shot.

[MrGneiss]

WELCOME!!!

Thats weird..

Odd sized balls could probably cause jams and payout problems.. I know most people don't use worn or rusty balls just in case they might harm the playfield etc..

[Moparformances]

I know most people don't use worn or rusty balls just in case they might harm the playfield etc..

do yourself a favor and toss them



Welcome to Pachitalk

[takethecastle57]

and biscuits

[sparky kilowatt]

Welcome to the forums!

[QM2-BB63]

Thanks. I do think that they are a little light. I have 1000 on order from Japan.

Now, I’m just curious why these smaller balls exist. If they were smooth, I would assume that they are just bearings, but given their stamps, I assume that they were used for something, even if not the machine I got them with (especially since I have some chrome of the exact same size and weight as well.

thanks again for the info and welcome.

[QM2-BB63]

OK…so, I ordered 1000 balls from Japan, which were supposed to be mixed stamps from lots through Japan (as opposed to some vendors that sell a mix of stamped and unstamped). The package arrived with 80% stamped (some engraved, so appear to be a laser etch rather than a precise stamp). Are the ANY parlors that use unstamped balls (seems unlikely..unless balls are physically worth more than they are symbolically in the parlor. The other alternatives may be that a laser-etch (post-chrome) wore off due to pall, so the balls were retired, or that the 20% are just bearings.

of note: pachinko balls are supposed to be 5.75g…these are 5.54g on average.

could these be counterfeit or is there more variation than I thought?

[badger]

Thanks. I do think that they are a little light. I have 1000 on order from Japan.

Now, I’m just curious why these smaller balls exist. If they were smooth, I would assume that they are just bearings, but given their stamps, I assume that they were used for something, even if not the machine I got them with (especially since I have some chrome of the exact same size and weight as well.

thanks again for the info and welcome.

So I'm brand new here but as I was going down the rabbit hole that got me to this insane new hobby, I know I watched a Dan Welch Youtube video where he had some fancy Japanese tool set that had a pachinko ball welded to each end so you could check the spacing between pins. He mentioned that the tool set had different ball sizes so I assume that different companies/eras must have had different ball sizes at some point. Tried to find the video but failed.

[MrGneiss]

The different sized balls on the gauges are just so you can quickly check that the nail spacing is the size you want while adjusting nails...like narrower/harder, wider/easier..

There are flat width gauges too, but balls on sticks is probably just faster without risk of harming the playfield!!

[QM2-BB63]

FYI…you can buy fairly cheaply on Amazon or Temu (listed as embossing pens or acupressure probes).
I’ll attach a screen shot from AliExpress, 299 for a set that has 11mm (minimum) and 13mm (typical over bonus as well as a 6 other sizes. IMG_9927.jpeg

[HalfastII]

of note: pachinko balls are supposed to be 5.75g…these are 5.54g on average.

could these be counterfeit or is there more variation than I thought?

Actually the standard for pachinko balls is well defined at 10.9 to 11mm and 5.4 +- .02 grams per ball if you have balls that are larger than 11 or smaller than 10.9 they are out of spec and the 5.4g is what is common for all vintage machines. ( i wont speak to the modern machines)

I have around 10k balls hear at the house both new and used and all fall in those specs. i took a look around on the web before i finnished typing this and i see a few refrances to the sizes you refer too, but i will not agree with those as they may be re posting incorect information.. Im basing my info based on a few resellers mesurments and verification of those that i have on hand while researching this a few years ago.




your milage may vary..

[HalfastII]

for the balls on the sticks ( ball gadges) they are like go no go feeler gadges a 11mm ball should pass freely aby a 12mm should have friction those are the only 2 that are really needed to fine tune the nail bed but it is an art form.. one that i am still learning after 4 years.. i made mine from a few ball bearings of the right sizes and a fibeglass rod and just CA glued the balls to the rod it works great for home use, and i cut town a screw driver and ground a catch on the end to bend the nails with and a small jewlers hammer to reseat and ding the nails as needed.. all in all about 10 bucks and 8 of it was the hammer :0

[bjab]

Get out your slingshot and have target practice with them ????

[HalfastII]

Get out your slingshot and have target practice with them ????

That and ball machines, the grandkids get all the 7/16 balls i bought off amazon..

[Drunkenclam]

[HalfastII]

Here are my home made tools.20250111_141244.jpg

Not much to look at but they get the job done