Quoted from Cash_Riprock:A little late to the game, but in the future if that happens(and it really shouldn't w/new)you can 'rough up' the flipper bat shaft for better grip....little marks in shaft w/file etc.
I have had to do that a few times.
I have also had a couple of bats that were crappy, and could NEVER get the pawl to tighten down on them. It happens.