Tips & Tricks for the Kiwi Crate Tabletop Hockey

Aug 11, 2026 / By KiwiCo

Tabletop Hockey runs entirely on air, so a lot comes down to a good seal between the balloon, the valve mounts, and the pump. If your puck isn't hovering the way you expect, the tips below should help!

Just starting your build?

The best place to start is the full video tutorial:



Balloon deflating before you can play?

We're here to help! Try these tips:

1.In Part A, Steps 5–6, check that all of the screws on the valve mounts are tight, but not squishing the panel. Snug, not squished. Stop when it feels firm. A loose screw lets air escape before you can lift the puck off the pump. Tighten too far and the gasket material squeezes out from the sides of the valve, which breaks the seal just as effectively.

 

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2. If the hover puck keeps falling off while you pump, check that the base is pressed all the way onto the balloon mount (Part B, Step 13). Press hard; it should sit flush with no gap. While you're there, check that the puck cover is centered on the base.

 

Tabletop_Part_B_Step_13.png

 

3. If your puck won't glide, there are two things to check. Play on a surface that's clean and totally smooth, like a hard table or floor; carpet, tablecloths, and crumbs will stop it. Then flip the puck over and make sure you peeled the blue protective layer off the bottom (Part B, Step 10). The bottom should feel smooth, not sticky or tacky.

 

Tabletop_Part_B_Step_10.png

 

Still not gliding? Email us a short video of your puck on the table, plus a close-up of the valve mounts, and we can help diagnose from there.

 

Tabletop_Valve_mount_CU_w_arrow3.png

 

Still having trouble?

Email us at customercare@kiwico.com and we'd love to help you out. Include a video of your build and we can figure it out together!


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