Easy Steps For Dismantling Standard & Non-Slate Pool Tables
A pool table is not an item that can be moved easily due to its size and weight. The user can disassemble or dismantle a pool table with the help of the right tools and with the helping hand. The pool table can be standard slated or can be non-slated, in order to disassemble both types of pool tables, go through the steps mentioned below:
Standard Slate Pool Table
- Detach The Pockets: The first step is to remove all the pocket liners if there are any. Take off the screws or the staples which attach the pocket straps to the pool table. If in case the user does not have a staple remover, that time pry all the staples out with the help of a flathead screwdriver.
- Remove The Rail Bolts: Usually there are three or four bolts under each of the rail. Remove the bolts using a socket wrench. Old pool tables have a special bolt having 2 holes. In order to remove these types, the user needs to order a forked tool from a supply store of the pool table.
- Remove The Rails And Pockets: Pull apart any of the rail sections that can be detached easily and then set them aside. If the 2 rails are attached at a corner, that time turn or flip them over on the table with helping hand, then carefully pull apart the 2 sections. Keep the pockets aside as well. When flipping them it is important to set the rails down carefully, and also avoid bashing of the side pockets.
- Detach The Felt: The felt can be either glued or stapled with the wood backing of the slate. If in case it is stapled, that time remove each of the staples carefully to avoid any tears. For glued one, pull up the edge of the felt in the backward direction gently, working the user's way all around the table. After removing the felt, fold it carefully.
- Remove The Slate Screws: The slate screws are usually placed at the corners of the pool table, but could also be on all along the sides as well as at the center beam. If there is beeswax or the putty over the screws, then carefully scrape it off with the help of a screwdriver as this will help to reveal the screw head and will not scratch the slate.
- Lift Each Slate: Most of the pool tables have a playing surface that is made from the three slate slabs, and each slab can weigh about 250 lbs. Get a helping hand and move them carefully. Even a single scratch or chip in one of the slates can ruin the table, which will require an expensive replacement for all the 3 slates.
- Disassemble The Frame: In this step the user needs to flip the pool table over and then unscrew the legs.
Non-Slate Pool Table
- Coin-Operated Mechanism : Remove all the rail bolts with the help of a socket wrench and then detach them from the pool table. If 2 lengths of the rail are connected at a corner, then flip it over before detaching them gently. Carefully flip the pool table over and then unscrew the legs. It is advisable not to attempt to dismantle the rest of the pool table without the help of the professional, this is because removing the coin-operated mechanism will make the reassembly difficult or simply impossible.
- Ball Return Systems: Most of the pool tables that has a ball return system also have coin-operated. In some of the models, removing the working mechanism without damaging the pool table is very difficult. Unless there is a manual of the model.