Air hockey has been around for a very long time. It was first created back in the 1930s, and it’s been a part of many families’ games ever since. Unfortunately, not all air hockey tables are built equal, and sometimes they can develop problems that need professional repair. Here are some of the most common issues that plague air hockey tables and how you can have them fixed professionally.
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Sticky Surface
Just like with sports equipment in general, not all air hockey tables are made equal. Some are just slightly more expensive than others, but there’s a huge difference in the quality of the materials and workmanship that goes into each game. When you play on a well-made table, the puck almost feels like it has a mind of its own and won’t stick to the surface as much as it does on cheaper models. This can make a huge difference in how much enjoyment you get out of the game, especially since it also leads to more frustrating gameplay. When this issue arises, there are usually two options. The first is to replace the entire table, which, although is a pain, does solve the problem completely. The second is to clean the surface with soap and water regularly, which, although it’s a temporary fix, can help a great deal.
Scratched Surface
Even if your air hockey table is in good condition, it’s still prone to scratches and other forms of surface damage. For some reason, certain types of hockey equipment just seem to attract the most severe scratches when hit with a puck or other types of ball. If the surface gets too scratched up, it starts looking a little bit like junk food – it doesn’t really seem to matter what you put on it, the junk will just keep on coming! When this happens, you can either replace the table or try to fix it yourself. The most convenient and cost-effective option is to replace the entire table since it’s fairly easy to do. You just need to be careful when selecting a brand and style that can handle the extra weight and make sure that you get the tools that you need to properly service it.
Ring Around
Another issue that can arise with an air hockey table is when the rings around the edges start wearing out or becoming unresponsive. It’s fairly common for hockey players to get their fingers caught in the wheels as they’re trying to shoot the puck, resulting in painful injuries. If this happens to you, you’re going to have to replace the rings or the entire edge of the table. It’s fairly easy to do as well, but it does require some basic hand tools and maybe an extra pair of hands.
Fading Lumes
Back in the day, when oil paints were all the rage, designers would use them to decorate their furniture and other household items. After years of use, the oils would start fading and, in some cases, completely disappear, leaving only stains on the surface of the item. This can be a real pain when trying to play on a table whose lumes have washed out. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution for this as well. Just rub the item with a bit of detergent and warm water, and the oil will start coming back, making the item look as good as new.
As you can see, not all air hockey tables are made equal. Sometimes, they can develop problems that need professional repair. If you’re looking for a new table, make sure that you get one that’s been designed for heavy use and that the materials are of good quality. Most importantly, make sure that the maker is a licensed and insured contractor in your state. This way, if anything happens and you have a professional repair service call, you know that they will stand behind their work.