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Make a "Plinko" prize board (or costume!)

Make a \"Plinko\" prize board (or costume!)
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In this instructable, I'll teach you how to create a "plinko" board for prize giveaways. Alternatively, you can use it as a tribute costume to the Price is Right, like I did! For those not in the know, Plinko is a game on the gameshow the Price is Right. A puck or chip is dropped into the top of a pegboard where it bounces around until finally coming to rest in a prize slot at the bottom of the board. Plinko is a play on the word pachinko.
 
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Step 1Test Spacing

Test Spacing
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To begin, I just started with a piece of cardboard and a large handful of drywall screws. I wanted to test out the spacing of pegs so that the disks I had chosen would work well. I was using the plastic disks/donuts that came from the inside of a large paper roll at my neighborhood drug store / photo counter. They would have been in the trash otherwise, so I was helping out! They were about 2.5 inches in diameter, so I initially guessed at making the triangle at 3.5 inches (to allow for plenty of room in case of a bounce). I pushed the screws through the cardboard from the back and then tried dropping my puck down the board. It worked great! You'll have to adjust your spacing (and test) depending on what you choose as your puck. I used the triangle piece of paper as a template and just kept moving it. You could be more precise and make sure your pegs were colinear, but I decided just eyeballing it was enough.
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31 comments
Dec 3, 2010. 1:52 PMsuperskid says:
I love this idea, have built one in the past but called it "Drinko"

I am looking to add touch sensitive led lights in the pegs though so they light up as the peg touches them. Anyone have any ideas on how to do this?
Oct 4, 2010. 7:12 AMdci says:
What did you use for the Plinko chips or coins or whatever they're called?
May 5, 2010. 10:37 AMputnamgardens says:
i have just a few days left to figure this out. first can i make a plinko game without a plexiglass? I dont want the game to be too heavy to transport. Not to mention if the game is tilted maybe plexiglass wont be needed. secondly i agree with the  pegboard to use instead of drilling holes but my  concern is will the pucks slide down smoothly to the slots below? Also where can i purchase real pucks for the game and  do u know the proper size of the puck?

i am asking this because iam in charge of games for a school carnival and the carpenter needs specific detailed instructions on how to make the game and is wondering should he hold off until we purchase the pucks?
Sep 24, 2009. 9:04 AMTonna says:
What was the final size of your plinko board?
Mar 31, 2009. 9:02 AMbob458684508 says:
i think that i like pickles to because they are tastey
Oct 21, 2008. 11:04 AMkrisfisch06 says:
Where did you get the Plinko logo and puck covers? Is there a file somewhere? And what is the "corner guard" material? Would I find it at Lowe's or Home Depot?
Sep 25, 2008. 8:05 AMsjava says:
You could also easily use peg board instead of the 1/4" plywood, it would alleviate having to drill holes throughout the plywood and would make it lighter.
Sep 25, 2008. 10:22 AMsjava says:
Agreed, but I think you could use the holes in the pegboard the same way. Since the holes in the pegboard are in a grid you could skip a row and still get the pyramid shape. ASCII art isn't my specialty, but if you look at the "image" below and follow the pattern where the "X" is the peg I think it might work. I've got some spare pegboard lying around so I'll have to give it a shot to see. ooooXoooXoooX ooooooooooooo ooXoooXoooXoo ooooooooooooo ooooXoooXoooX
Mar 25, 2008. 3:49 PMalinemarie says:
Hello! maybe I overlook but I couldn't find what kind of materials you use to make Plinko. we want to make one real soon! As for puck or chip, what kind? Thank you
Jun 8, 2008. 7:40 PMcaeleybug1 says:
I know, this is not well explained and if you know the easiest way to make a plinko board, TYPE TO ME! -Thanks
Nov 21, 2007. 2:03 PMzacksof says:
I'm glad I found this page. I've been tasked with building a plinko board for our company holiday party (2.5 weeks away!) and this looks perfect. I think I was able to determine a parts list, just looking at the site here, but I'd really like to know what size/length machine screws you used and what the dimension of the plexiglass was. This is a really great idea! Thanks!
Jun 18, 2009. 9:39 AMzacksof says:
Great thanks. I was a little long in my measurements then. I was assuming 3/8" ply. How flexible was the 1/4" ply? Did you use a 4x4 sheet of plywood? I am concerned about it "holding up". Did the final piece flex at all? I appreciate your comments on this. This will be a lot of fun for the employees!
Nov 12, 2007. 6:54 PMDoctor What says:
apparently your whole family went with the price is right theme, you must have spent a long time on those costumes. and if your dog could read, he probably would be very sad.
Nov 12, 2007. 7:19 PMDoctor What says:
i love your crazy ideas, just remember next time, parts list
Nov 12, 2007. 8:32 PMDoctor What says:
you go all out.
Nov 12, 2007. 6:56 PMDoctor What says:
u should add a parts list, and a cost list.
Nov 9, 2007. 2:00 PMDoctor What says:
i've always wanted a plinko board. still want to know how to make the wheel. you should pickle make an instructable on that too.
Nov 11, 2007. 1:47 PMDoctor What says:
yay. please excuse the pickle comments, i had a couple of people who took over.
Nov 9, 2007. 2:02 PMDoctor What says:
I like pickles....Do you like pickles? I like pickles.

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