How does a claw machine work? A part-by-part guide

It looks simple: move the joystick, press the button and the claw drops. But inside a claw machine there is a small system of motors, sensors and electronics that decides how long each go lasts, how hard the claw grips and when it lets go of the prize. Here is how a claw machine works, part by part, and what changes when we use one at an event.

The main parts

A claw machine has five parts that work together:

• The cabinet. A metal frame with glass sides and a mirror at the back, which makes the pile of prizes look bigger. The electronics sit underneath.
• The gantry. At the top of the cabinet there are two crossed rails. Two small motors move the carriage: one forwards and backwards, the other left and right.
• The claw. It hangs from the carriage on a cable wound by a third motor. It opens and closes thanks to an electromagnet: when current flows, the prongs close.
• The controls. A joystick to steer the claw and a button to start or drop.
• The control board. The brain. It decides how long a go lasts, how strong the claw is and when it releases.

One game, step by step

1. The game starts. In an arcade you insert a coin. On our event machines you just press the button, because play is free.
2. You steer the claw. With the joystick you move it over the prize you want. There is a time limit, so you cannot think forever.
3. The claw drops. You press the button or time runs out. The motor unwinds the cable and the open claw descends.
4. It closes. When it touches the prize or reaches the bottom, the electromagnet kicks in and the prongs close.
5. It rises and returns. The cable winds up, the claw rises and the carriage heads back to the chute by itself.
6. It drops the prize. Above the chute, the claw opens. If the prize has survived the trip, it falls out and it is yours.

Claw strength: the machine’s secret

This is the part that intrigues people most. On most claw machines, the strength of the grip can be adjusted on the control board. A weak claw brushes the toy but does not lift it. A firm claw grabs it and carries it all the way to the chute.

In arcades, the operator decides that setting. At an event, the goal is different: we want your merchandise to end up with your guests. That is why our machines leave the warehouse on the easiest setting. It is still a game of skill, but with a claw that really grips. If the client asks, for example for a draw with expensive prizes, we raise the difficulty.

Why the prize matters so much

The same claw can seem very easy or impossible depending on what is inside. Three things matter:

• Weight. On our claw machine, each prize must weigh no more than 150 g.
• Size and shape. Plush toys of 10 to 15 cm are ideal: soft, with a head and arms to grab. 9 cm balls also work really well.
• How they are arranged. A loose prize on top of the pile is far easier than one wedged between others.

When a client wants to use a different item, we ask for a sample and test it in the machine. If the claw cannot grip it well, we attach a small ring or put it inside a ball. More ideas in prize and merchandise ideas for claw machines.

Coins, tokens or free play

The machine has a coin mechanism, but at events it is usually set to free play: press a button and the game starts. If a brand wants to control how many times each person plays, for example one go per purchase in a shop, we switch to metal tokens. The tokens can carry the client’s logo on one or both sides.

What a claw machine needs to run at an event

Less than you might think. Our claw machine needs:

• A standard socket. It draws 75 W, about the same as a large light bulb.
• Access 2 m high. It fits lifts and goods lifts 2 m high and 150 cm deep.
• A floor to roll on. It weighs 130 kg, but it is on wheels.
• Space in front for the player and the queue. The machine has a 64.5 × 70 cm footprint and stands 188 cm tall.

Our technician sets it up, checks it works and shows you how to restock prizes in a few minutes. No staff are needed during the event: if anything comes up, we sort it by phone or video call. For the whole hire process, see how hiring works.

What about the LED version?

The LED prize claw machine works the same way, but adds coloured lighting set to your brand, a tempered glass cabinet and a large claw. It looks its best at evening events and in dimly lit exhibition halls.

Frequently asked questions

Are claw machines rigged?

Claw strength can be adjusted, which makes a machine easier or harder. Ours leave on the easiest setting so guests win.

How long does a game last?

A few seconds. There is a time limit to steer the claw, and when it runs out the claw drops by itself.

What if a prize gets stuck?

The machine is opened and the prize repositioned. We show you how during set-up.