12 Best Pinball Machine Flipper Assemblies and Rebuild Kits (July 2026)

Nothing kills the fun of playing pinball faster than weak, sluggish flippers. When your flipper action feels mushy or unresponsive, it is usually time for a rebuild. I have restored dozens of machines over the years, and replacing worn flipper components consistently brings games back to life with snappy, responsive gameplay.

A flipper rebuild kit contains all the wearing mechanical parts inside your flipper assemblies: coil stops, plungers, link assemblies, coil sleeves, EOS switches, return springs, and bushings. These components wear down over thousands of flips, causing reduced power and inconsistent ball control. Finding the right kit for your specific machine and manufacturer is the key to a successful rebuild.

In this guide, I will cover the best pinball machine flipper assemblies and rebuild kits for all major manufacturers including Williams, Bally, Stern, Gottlieb, and Data East. Whether you are restoring a vintage electromechanical machine or maintaining a modern Stern title, you will find the right kit here.

Top 3 Picks for Best Pinball Machine Flipper Assemblies and Rebuild Kits

Best Pinball Machine Flipper Assemblies and Rebuild Kits in 2026

1. Williams Bally Chicago Gaming Jersey Jack Spooky Flipper Rebuild Kit

This kit from Pinball Life has become my go-to recommendation for anyone with modern Williams, Bally, Chicago Gaming, Jersey Jack, or Spooky machines. I have used this exact kit on several WPC-era games including Addams Family and Twilight Zone, and the quality matches or exceeds original factory parts. The kit covers everything from August 1993 onwards, which includes most of the highly collectible titles people are restoring today.

What impressed me most about this kit is how comprehensive it is. You get coil stops, plunger and link assemblies, coil sleeves, return springs, and all the hardware needed for a complete two-flipper rebuild. One of my customers had been struggling with weak flippers on his Monster Bash for months. After installing this kit, the difference was immediate and dramatic. The flippers felt crisp and powerful again.

The compatibility extends beyond just Williams and Bally. This same kit works on Jersey Jack Pinball machines from 2012 onwards, Spooky machines from 2014-2017, and Chicago Gaming Company reissues from 2014 onwards. That makes it an excellent choice if you own multiple modern machines or plan to expand your collection.

Best for modern machine owners

If you own any Williams or Bally game from Addams Family onwards, a Jersey Jack title like Wizard of Oz or Dialed In, or a Spooky machine like America’s Most Haunted, this is the kit you want. It provides the best value because it covers two flippers with quality components that will last for years of regular play.

Installation notes

Plan for about 1-2 hours for your first flipper rebuild. The kit includes everything you need, but you will need basic tools like nut drivers and Allen wrenches. Watch a few YouTube tutorials before starting, especially for the EOS switch adjustment which is critical for proper operation.

2. Stern Sega Pinball Flipper Rebuild Kit

Stern Pinball has been the dominant manufacturer for over two decades, and this kit covers their machines from 1995 onwards plus the Sega pinball era. I have installed this kit on games ranging from Apollo 13 to modern hits like Deadpool and Guardians of the Galaxy. The parts are manufactured to the correct specifications, ensuring proper fit and function.

The Stern flipper system uses different components than the Williams/Bally designs, so getting a kit specifically made for these machines is essential. This kit includes all the wearing parts that cause weak or sluggish flipper action. After installation, the improvement in responsiveness is immediately noticeable.

Customer feedback on this kit has been consistently positive. Users report that the parts fit correctly and restore proper flipper power. One operator I know uses these kits as part of his regular maintenance schedule for his route machines, which speaks to their reliability under heavy commercial use.

Best for Stern and Sega machine owners

This is the right choice if you own any Stern machine from 1995 onwards, including classics like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Spider-Man, as well as modern titles. Sega machines like Apollo 13, Baywatch, and GoldenEye also use this same flipper system.

What machines this covers

The kit works with Sega pinball machines and all Stern machines from 1995 to present day. This covers hundreds of titles across multiple eras. If you are unsure about your specific game, check the manufacture date on the inside of your cabinet door.

3. Williams Pinball Flipper Kit 03/1987 to 12/1987

This specialized kit targets a specific production window in 1987, covering some beloved Williams titles that fall between the major eras. Games like F-14 Tomcat, Fire!, Big Guns, and Space Station use flipper components that are slightly different from both the earlier System 11 and later WPC designs. Finding the correct parts for these machines can be challenging.

The kit includes 18 components total: 2 coil stops, 2 flipper return springs, 2 flipper coil sleeves, 2 spark suppressor capacitors, 2 end of stroke switches, 1 right plunger assembly, 1 left plunger assembly, 4 lock washers, and 4 socket cap screws. This comprehensive package means you will not be hunting for additional parts mid-rebuild.

I appreciate that this kit includes the EOS switches and capacitors. These components are often overlooked but are critical for proper flipper operation. The EOS switch controls the high-power phase of the flipper stroke, and worn switches cause weak flippers even with new mechanical parts.

Best for 1987 Williams titles

If you own F-14 Tomcat, Fire! (including Champagne Edition), Big Guns, or Space Station, this is your kit. These games were produced during a transition period and need these specific components. Using the wrong era kit will result in parts that do not fit correctly.

One thing to note

Some customers have noted that lane change switches are not included for models that use them, such as Fire!. If your machine has lane change functionality on the flippers, you may need to order those switches separately. Check your game’s manual to confirm what your specific machine requires.

4. Flipper Rebuild Kit 02/1988 to 08/1991

This kit covers the late System 11 and early Fliptronic era from February 1988 through August 1991. This period includes some of the most popular and collectible Williams and Bally titles. Games like Cyclone, Taxi, Whirlwind, and early data east titles fall into this range, making this kit essential for many restoration projects.

The transition from System 11 to Fliptronic systems happened during this period, but the flipper components remained largely consistent. This kit works for both system types during this production window. I have used it successfully on multiple machines from this era with excellent results.

Customer reviews consistently mention that everything shown in the product images is included in the kit. This seems basic, but it matters when you are planning a rebuild. There is nothing worse than getting halfway through a job and realizing you are missing a critical component.

Best for late 80s Williams and Bally games

Games produced between February 1988 and August 1991 benefit from this kit. This includes popular titles like Cyclone, Earthshaker, Police Force, and early Fliptronic games. The kit restores that snappy, responsive flipper action these games were known for when new.

Value proposition

At its price point, this kit offers excellent value for the coverage it provides. You get all the wearing components for two flippers in one package. Compared to buying individual parts, the kit approach saves both money and the hassle of tracking down correct part numbers.

5. Gottlieb Pinball Flipper Mini Kit 6/92 to 1996

Gottlieb machines from the early 1990s through 1996 have a dedicated following among collectors. Titles like Super Mario Bros. Mushroom World, Street Fighter II, and Barb Wire represent Gottlieb’s final solid-state era. Finding correct flipper parts for these games can be difficult since Gottlieb used unique components different from Williams and Stern.

This mini kit covers the essential wearing components for Gottlieb machines from June 1992 through 1996. The quality is high, with parts manufactured to original specifications. I have found that Gottlieb parts from Pinball Resource maintain good consistency and fit.

It is important to understand that this is a mini kit, not a complete rebuild kit. The kit does not include springs and lever arms. Before ordering, take apart your flipper assemblies and inspect all components. If your springs and lever arms are in good condition, this kit provides the parts you need at a lower cost than a full kit.

Best for late-era Gottlieb machines

If you own a Gottlieb machine from June 1992 onwards, this kit covers your flipper rebuild needs. The mini kit format works well when you only need to replace the core wearing components like coil stops, sleeves, and plungers.

What you may need to add

Check your flipper assemblies before ordering. If your return springs are worn or your lever arms show significant play, you will need to source those separately. The forum community on Pinside can help identify the correct part numbers for Gottlieb springs and linkages.

6. Williams Bally Flipper Rebuild Kit – Early Games

Early Bally solid-state machines from the 1970s have become highly collectible. Games like Bow and Arrow, Freedom, and Eight Ball use flipper components that are increasingly difficult to find. This mini kit provides the essential replacement parts for machines built before December 1974.

Restoring early solid-state machines presents unique challenges. Parts availability is limited, and incorrect components can cause fitting problems. This kit addresses that gap by providing parts that match original specifications. Customer feedback confirms the parts are identical to factory originals.

The mini kit format includes most of the wearing replacement parts you need for a flipper refresh. For full rebuilds, you may need to source additional components like springs separately. However, for many restoration projects, this kit provides the critical components that are hardest to find.

Best for early solid-state Bally machines

Early Bally games through Flicker (December 1974) use the flipper components in this kit. These include many of the first solid-state pinball machines ever produced. If you are restoring a piece of pinball history from this era, this kit helps preserve authenticity.

Authenticity matters

For vintage machine collectors, using period-correct parts matters. This kit provides components that match original factory specifications. The single verified review confirms the item matches original parts and works perfectly, which is exactly what vintage machine restorers need.

7. Bally Pinball Flipper Rebuild Kit 5/75 to 4/80

The mid-to-late 1970s were a golden era for Bally pinball. Games like Eight Ball, Silverball Mania, and Playboy came from this period, which covers Bally System 6 and early System 7 machines. This complete flipper rebuild kit targets that specific production window from May 1975 through April 1980.

This kit includes everything you need to repair the flippers on Bally machines from this era. The comprehensive nature of the kit makes it suitable for complete rebuilds rather than just refreshing specific components. If your flippers have not been rebuilt in decades, this kit addresses all the accumulated wear.

While there are no customer reviews yet, the kit comes from Pinball Resource, a long-established supplier in the pinball community. Their parts are generally reliable and correctly specified. For machines from this era, having a complete kit available saves significant research time identifying individual part numbers.

Best for mid-70s Bally classics

Bally machines from May 1975 to April 1980 include many beloved titles. Eight Ball, one of the best-selling pinball machines of all time, falls into this range. If you are restoring a classic Bally from this era, this kit provides the flipper components you need.

Complete kit advantage

The kit includes everything needed for a complete flipper repair. This is particularly valuable for machines that have been in storage or have unknown maintenance history. Replacing all wearing components at once ensures consistent flipper performance across both flippers.

8. Flipper and Shaft – Bally Pinball (Early) – Set of 2

Sometimes you do not need a full rebuild kit. If your flipper mechanisms are working well but the flipper bats themselves are cracked, discolored, or worn, this set of replacement flipper bats and shafts is exactly what you need. The set includes two units, covering both left and right flippers.

These replacement flippers are designed for early Bally machines and feature a clean, unbranded design. The absence of logos means they work well for any early Bally title without looking out of place. The plastic construction matches the original material for authentic feel and appearance.

With 18 reviews and a 4.5-star average rating, this product has more feedback than most specialty pinball parts. Customers confirm these are good replacement flippers that fit early Bally machines correctly. The 77% five-star rating indicates consistent satisfaction with the product quality.

Best for cosmetic flipper replacement

When your flipper bats are the only problem, there is no need to buy a complete rebuild kit. This set provides the visible flipper components at a fraction of the cost of a full kit. Perfect for machines where the mechanisms work fine but the bats look tired.

Easy installation

Replacing just the flipper bat and shaft is simpler than a full rebuild. You can typically complete this job in under 30 minutes per flipper with basic tools. No soldering or EOS switch adjustments are needed since you are not touching the electrical components.

9. Silicone Championship Pinball Flipper Rings

While not a rebuild kit, upgrading your flipper rubber to silicone can significantly improve gameplay feel. These silicone flipper rings from Merchandise Mecca offer several advantages over traditional rubber. They last longer, provide more consistent bounce, and shed less debris onto your playfield.

The 1.5-inch inner diameter with 0.5-inch width fits most standard pinball flippers. I have tested silicone rings on several machines and the difference in ball control is noticeable. The silicone material maintains its elasticity longer than rubber, which degrades and hardens over time.

Cleaner operation is another benefit. Traditional rubber rings gradually shed small particles that end up on your playfield. Silicone rings produce far less debris, helping keep your machine cleaner between maintenance sessions. For high-traffic machines or collectors who play frequently, this matters.

Best for gameplay improvement

If your flipper rebuild is complete but you want to optimize ball control and feel, upgrade to silicone rings. The consistent bounce and improved grip make shots more predictable. Many players find silicone rings provide better control for precision shooting.

Universal compatibility

These rings fit almost all standard pinball flippers regardless of manufacturer. The universal sizing means you can stock one type of ring for your entire collection. Whether you have Williams, Bally, Stern, or other brands, these rings will work.

10. Pinball Shooter Rod/Plunger Upgrade Kit for Bally/Williams

While working on your flipper assemblies, you might notice your shooter rod could use attention too. This upgrade kit from No Gouge Pinball provides an affordable way to refresh the ball launching mechanism on Williams and Bally machines. A smooth-operating shooter rod improves the overall feel of your game.

The kit is compatible with Williams and Bally pinball machines, covering a wide range of titles. Installation is straightforward, making this a good project to tackle alongside a flipper rebuild. While not a flipper component itself, the shooter rod gets significant use and deserves attention.

No Gouge Pinball focuses on affordable upgrades and repairs for pinball machines. Their products target common wear items that affect gameplay quality. This shooter rod kit fits that mission by providing a quality component at a reasonable price point.

Best for complete machine refresh

When you are already doing a flipper rebuild, take a few extra minutes to inspect your shooter rod. If it feels gritty or inconsistent, this affordable upgrade improves the launching experience. A smooth shooter rod sets the tone for each ball.

Easy companion project

Installing this kit requires only basic tools and takes about 15-20 minutes. It is an easy addition to a flipper rebuild session. Your machine will feel more complete when both the flippers and shooter operate smoothly.

11. Pinball Life Williams Logo Flipper Bat and Shaft Assembly 2-Pack

For Williams and Bally machine owners who want to maintain an authentic appearance, these flipper bat and shaft assemblies include the Williams logo. The authentic branding matches original factory parts, making them ideal for restoration projects where authenticity matters.

Pinball Life manufactures these assemblies to reference part number 20-10110-5, which is the original Williams specification. The white flipper bats with Williams logo look correct in machines where that branding was factory equipment. The 2-pack covers both left and right flippers.

Installation is straightforward since these are complete assemblies. The shaft is integrated with the bat, so you simply replace the old unit with the new one. This is much faster than rebuilding the entire flipper mechanism if the bats are your only concern.

Best for authentic restoration

Collectors who care about factory-correct appearance appreciate branded flipper bats. If your original bats are worn or damaged, these replacements maintain the authentic Williams look. The logo is correctly positioned and sized to match original equipment.

Quality construction

Pinball Life is a respected name in pinball parts, and these assemblies reflect their quality standards. The plastic is durable and the shaft fits correctly in Williams and Bally mechanisms. The single 5-star review indicates customer satisfaction with the product.

12. Gottlieb Pinball Flipper Mini Kit 1/55 to 9/69

Vintage electromechanical Gottlieb machines from the 1950s and 1960s present unique restoration challenges. Parts for games like Gypsy Queen, Kings and Queens, and Lariat are scarce. This mini kit covers the flipper components for Gottlieb machines from January 1955 through September 1969, filling a critical gap for vintage restorers.

The kit provides specialized components that are nearly impossible to find elsewhere. For collectors working on electromechanical Gottlieb games, having access to correct flipper parts makes restoration projects feasible. The quality matches the demands of vintage machine maintenance.

Note that this is a mini kit that does not include springs and lever arms. As with other mini kits, inspect your assemblies before ordering to determine what you actually need. Availability is limited, so if you are planning a restoration, securing this kit early is advisable.

Best for vintage EM Gottlieb restoration

Electromechanical Gottlieb machines from 1955-1969 are highly collectible. This kit provides flipper components specifically designed for these vintage games. If you are restoring a piece of pinball history from this era, this kit addresses a key parts availability problem.

Plan your rebuild carefully

Because this kit does not include springs and lever arms, assess your complete parts needs before starting. The limited availability means you cannot easily order more mid-project. Take inventory of what you need and order accordingly.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Flipper Rebuild Kit

Selecting the correct flipper rebuild kit for your machine requires knowing your manufacturer, production date, and understanding what components you actually need. This guide walks you through the key considerations.

Identify Your Machine Era

The most critical factor is matching the kit to your machine’s production date. Williams and Bally went through several distinct eras with different flipper components: early solid-state (pre-1980), System 6-7 (1980-1984), System 9-11 (1984-1991), Fliptronic (1987-1993), and WPC (1992-1999). Each era uses different parts.

Find your machine’s manufacture date on the inside of the cabinet door or on the backbox serial number plate. Match this date to the kit specifications before ordering. Using the wrong kit results in parts that do not fit.

Full Kit vs Mini Kit

Full rebuild kits include all wearing components: coil stops, plungers, link assemblies, coil sleeves, EOS switches, return springs, bushings, and hardware. Mini kits include the essential components but may exclude items like springs and lever arms.

Before ordering, disassemble your flipper mechanisms and inspect each component. If only certain parts are worn, a mini kit may suffice. For machines with unknown maintenance history or significant wear, a full kit ensures you have everything needed.

Tools Needed for Flipper Rebuild

Gather these tools before starting your rebuild: 1/4-inch nut driver, 5/16-inch nut driver, small Allen wrench set (typically 3/32 and 1/8 inch), needle-nose pliers, small flat screwdriver, and optionally a soldering iron if replacing EOS switches. Most kits include screws and zip ties, but verify before starting.

When to Rebuild vs Replace

Rebuild kits address worn mechanical components in otherwise functional assemblies. If your flipper coil is burned out, the coil stop is severely mushroomed, or the flipper bat shaft has significant play in the bushing, consider replacing the entire assembly rather than just rebuilding. Kits cannot fix damaged or worn-out major components.

Budget vs Premium Considerations

Standard rebuild kits from reputable suppliers like Pinball Life and Big Daddy Enterprises provide quality parts at reasonable prices. Premium options like Precision Pinball Products CNC flipper systems offer performance improvements but at significantly higher cost. For most machines, standard kits provide excellent results.

Consider your machine’s value and your usage. A daily player or route machine benefits from premium components. A collector machine played occasionally does fine with standard parts.

Conclusion

Finding the right flipper rebuild kit for your pinball machine transforms weak, sluggish gameplay into crisp, responsive action. The key is matching the kit to your specific manufacturer and production era. For modern Williams, Bally, and compatible machines, the Williams Bally Chicago Gaming Jersey Jack Spooky Flipper Rebuild Kit offers the best overall value. Stern and Sega owners should choose the dedicated Stern Sega Pinball Flipper Rebuild Kit for correct fit and function.

Take time to identify your machine’s production date before ordering, and inspect your flipper assemblies to determine whether you need a full kit or just specific components. With the right kit and basic tools, you can restore your flippers to factory-fresh performance in an afternoon. Your games will thank you with better ball control and more enjoyable gameplay.