Flipper shaft end play spacing gauge

Most people know that pinball machines usually came from the factory with a 'goodie bag' included. This was a plastic bag, usually stapled to the bottom of the cabinet, containing parts like extra slingshots, light bulbs, rubbers and the yellow metal part to close the interlock circuit.

Most Bally / Williams pinball machines also came with a second smaller plastic bag that also contained some extra parts.

Inside this bag are extra security screws for the backbox lock, but also a white, plastic thing.

Its name is longer than the piece itself. This is Williams part number 03-8194, the 'Flipper shaft end play spacing gauge'.

A small tool with a long, important sounding name.. this has to be important, right ?
You bet it is ! This is one of the most important tools required to adjust flippers. This small plastic thing will make sure Williams flippers 'feel' right to the pinball player !

The following picture shows how to use it:

Every time you work on the flippers, you slide the prongs of the tool around the shaft of the flipper bat. It goes in between the nylon flipper bushing and metal flipper crank assembly. There should be just enough space so the spacing gauge can move free around, without excessive looseness or binding.

Using this simple tool everyone who adjusts the flippers is able to set them correct. Too many people just don't know how to properly adjust flippers. Overtighten them and they loose power or feel sluggish. Too sloppy flippers also don't feel right to a pinball player.