Disassembling a pool table can seem daunting, but by following some simple steps, you can do it yourself and get your pool table moved or stored without damaging it. First, you need to remove the cloth and cushions from the table. The cloth is held on by staples, which you can remove with a staple remover. The cushions are attached to the table with bolts, which you can remove with a wrench or socket set.
Once the cloth and cushions are removed, you can start to disassemble the frame. The frame is usually made up of several pieces, which are held together by bolts. Remove the bolts with a wrench or socket set and then carefully lift the pieces apart. Be careful not to damage the felt or the slate when you are lifting the pieces.
Once the frame is disassembled, you can remove the slate from the table. The slate is heavy, so you will need to have help lifting it. Be sure to protect the slate from being damaged when you are moving it. Once the slate is removed, you will have completely disassembled the pool table and you can now move or store it as needed.
Safety First
Disassembling a pool table can be a complex and potentially risky task. Before beginning any work, it is crucial to prioritize safety to avoid injury and protect yourself and others.
To ensure a safe disassembly process, it is essential to adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Preparation
Proper preparation is key to minimizing risks. Before starting, gather the necessary tools, including a wrench, socket sets, screwdrivers, and a marking pen. Wear appropriate clothing, such as gloves and safety glasses, to protect yourself from potential hazards.
Inspect the pool table thoroughly. Identify the type of fasteners used and ensure you have the correct tools to remove them. If any components appear damaged or loose, do not attempt to disassemble them. Contact a qualified technician for assistance.
Create a clear workspace around the table to provide ample room for movement and prevent tripping hazards. Ensure there are no obstructions or slippery surfaces that could cause falls.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Wrench | Tightening and loosening bolts |
| Socket sets | Removing and installing specific types of bolts |
| Screwdrivers | Removing and installing screws |
| Marking pen | Indicating disassembly steps and part identification |
Removing the Rails
Disassembling the rails is a crucial step in dismantling a pool table. Follow these steps for a safe and efficient process:
- Unscrew the bolts: Locate the bolts that secure the rails to the table’s frame. Use an appropriate wrench or socket set to unscrew them carefully.
- De-glue the rails: Most modern pool tables use glue in addition to bolts to hold the rails in place. Apply heat from a heat gun or hairdryer to soften the glue. Use a sharp chisel or putty knife to gently pry the rails loose, working your way around the entire perimeter of the table.
- Remove the rails: Once the bolts are removed and the glue is loosened, carefully lift the rails away from the table. Be cautious not to damage the rails or the table’s frame during this process.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Wrench or socket set | Unscrewing the bolts |
| Heat gun or hairdryer | Softening the glue |
| Sharp chisel or putty knife | Prying loose the rails |
Dismantling the Slate
The slate is the most delicate part of the pool table, so it is important to take precautions when dismantling it. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Remove the felt.
Using a staple remover or a flathead screwdriver, carefully pry up the staples or tacks that are holding the felt to the slate. Be careful not to tear the felt.
2. Remove the rails.
The rails are attached to the slate with bolts. Use a wrench or a socket to remove the bolts. Once the bolts are removed, the rails can be lifted off the slate.
3. Remove the slate.
The slate is heavy, so it is important to get help from someone when lifting it. Carefully lift the slate up and off the frame. Place the slate on a flat surface, such as a table or the floor. Do not drop the slate or let it fall on its side.
Take apart the slate
The slate is typically made up of three pieces that are bolted together. To take apart the slate, follow these steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Flip the slate upside down and set it on a level surface. |
| 2 | Locate the bolts that hold the slate pieces together. They are usually located near the edges of the slate. |
| 3 | Use a wrench to loosen the bolts. |
| 4 | Once the bolts are loosened, carefully lift the slate pieces apart. |
Once the slate is taken apart, it can be stored flat or on its side in a dry place.
Removing the Cushions
Step 1: Remove the pockets. Most pool tables have six pockets, two at each corner and one in the middle of each long side. To remove the pockets, simply unscrew the screws that hold them in place and then lift them off.
Step 2: Remove the rails. The rails are the long, padded pieces that run along the sides and ends of the table. To remove the rails, first remove the screws that hold them to the cushion supports. Then, carefully lift the rails off the table.
Step 3: Remove the cushion supports. The cushion supports are the wooden pieces that support the rails. To remove the cushion supports, first remove the screws that hold them to the table. Then, carefully lift the cushion supports off the table.
Step 4: Remove the cushions. The cushions are the rubber or leather pieces that provide the bounce for the balls. To remove the cushions, first remove the screws that hold them to the cushion supports. Then, carefully lift the cushions off the table.
| Cushion Type | Removal Method |
|---|---|
| Rubber | Unscrew the screws that hold the cushions to the cushion supports and lift them off the table. |
| Leather | Use a hammer and chisel to carefully loosen the leather from the cushion supports. Then, lift the cushions off the table. |
Detaching the Legs
The legs are the most significant part of a pool table, so you must detach them correctly. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts that connect the legs to the frame.
Once the bolts are loose, carefully lift each leg and set it aside. It’s essential to be cautious, as the legs can be heavy and bulky.
If you have a pool table with casters, you will need to remove them before detaching the legs. Use your wrench to loosen the nuts that secure the casters to the legs, then carefully pull the casters off.
Once the legs are detached, you can move on to disassemble the rest of the pool table.
Steps to Detach the Legs:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Use a wrench to loosen the bolts that connect the legs to the frame. |
| 2 | Carefully lift each leg and set it aside. |
| 3 | If necessary, remove the casters by loosening the nuts that secure them to the legs and pulling them off. |
Storing the Components
Once the table has been disassembled, the components should be stored in a dry, climate-controlled environment. This will help to prevent warping, cracking, and other damage. The following are some tips for storing the components:
- Slate: The slate should be stored on a flat surface, such as a pallet or a piece of plywood. It should be covered with a tarp or plastic to protect it from dust and moisture.
- Rails: The rails should be stored in a vertical position, such as against a wall or in a rack. They should be protected from moisture and extreme temperatures.
- Legs: The legs should be stored in a horizontal position, such as on a shelf or in a box. They should be protected from moisture and extreme temperatures.
- Cushions: The cushions should be stored in a cool, dry place. They should be protected from sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Cloth: The cloth should be stored in a cool, dry place. It should be rolled up or folded and placed in a box or bag.
- Accessories: The accessories, such as the balls, cue sticks, and chalk, should be stored in a cool, dry place. They should be protected from moisture and extreme temperatures.
- Pool table cover: If you have a pool table cover, it should be stored in a cool, dry place. It should be folded or rolled up and placed in a box or bag.
| Component | Storage Conditions |
|---|---|
| Slate | Flat surface, covered with tarp or plastic |
| Rails | Vertical position, protected from moisture and extreme temperatures |
| Legs | Horizontal position, protected from moisture and extreme temperatures |
| Cushions | Cool, dry place, protected from sunlight and extreme temperatures |
| Cloth | Cool, dry place, rolled up or folded and placed in a box or bag |
| Accessories | Cool, dry place, protected from moisture and extreme temperatures |
| Pool table cover | Cool, dry place, folded or rolled up and placed in a box or bag |
Preparing for Transport
8. Disassembling the Rails
Disassembling the rails of a pool table requires careful attention to avoid damage. Begin by removing the screws holding the rails in place, using a screwdriver or power drill. Once the screws are out, gently lift the rails and set them aside. Note that the corner rails may have additional brackets or bolts securing them; be sure to remove these as well.
Separate the cushions from the rails by unscrewing the bolts that connect them. Place the cushions on a flat surface to protect them from damage during transport. Inspect the rails for any loose or damaged parts, and make any necessary repairs before packing.
To facilitate transportation, consider wrapping each rail individually with bubble wrap or protective padding. This will help prevent scratches or dents during transit. Label each rail clearly, indicating its specific location on the pool table (e.g., “Head Rail,” “Left Side Rail”) for easy reassembly.
Pack the rails securely in a box or crate, ensuring there is adequate padding or cushioning to prevent movement and damage. Label the box clearly as “Pool Table Rails” for easy identification during transport and reassembly.
Reassembly Considerations
Before reassembling your pool table, it’s crucial to ensure you have all the necessary components and that they are in good condition. Here are some key considerations for successful reassembly:
1. Inspect Components
Carefully examine all table parts, including the frame, legs, rails, and slate, for any damage or warping. Ensure all hardware, such as bolts, nuts, and washers, are present and in working order.
2. Prepare the Room
Choose a spacious and well-lit area for reassembly. Ensure there is ample space to maneuver the table and its components safely.
3. Gather Tools
Have the appropriate tools readily available, such as a level, measuring tape, hammer, wrench, and screwdriver. A mallet can also be useful for gently tapping components into place.
4. Lubricate Bolts
Applying a small amount of lubricant to the bolts can help prevent them from seizing during reassembly and ensure smooth operation.
5. Level the Table
Once the table is assembled, it’s essential to level it using a level. This will ensure the table is stable and provides a fair playing surface.
6. Adjust Cushions
The cushions should be properly adjusted to provide consistent ball bounce. Use a measuring tape to ensure the cushions are at the correct height and distance from the rails.
7. Tension the Cloth
The cloth covering the table needs to be properly tensioned to provide a taut and responsive playing surface. Use a cloth stretcher or clamps to achieve the desired tension.
8. Install Accessories
Once the table is fully assembled, install the necessary accessories, such as pockets, lights, and ball returns, to complete the setup.
9. Break in the Table
It’s recommended to allow the table to “break in” before playing regularly. This involves playing several games to settle the cloth and components. It helps ensure optimal playability and longevity.
| Reassembly Consideration | Description |
|---|---|
| Inspect Components | Ensure all parts are present and undamaged. |
| Prepare the Room | Create a spacious and well-lit work area. |
| Gather Tools | Assemble the necessary tools for assembly. |
| Lubricate Bolts | Apply lubricant to prevent seizing during assembly. |
| Level the Table | Use a level to ensure stability and a fair playing surface. |
| Adjust Cushions | Check cushion height and distance from rails. |
| Tension the Cloth | Use a cloth stretcher to achieve proper tautness. |
| Install Accessories | Attach pockets, lights, and ball returns. |
| Break in the Table | Allow the table to settle by playing several games. |
Troubleshooting Tips
1. Difficulty separating the rails from the frame: Ensure all bolts and screws are completely loosened. If the rails are still stuck, gently tap them with a rubber mallet.
2. Loose or missing hardware: Check all bolts, screws, and nuts to ensure they are properly tightened and accounted for. Missing hardware can be replaced at hardware stores or from the pool table manufacturer.
3. Damaged or warped components: Inspect all components for any visible damage or warping. Replace damaged parts to prevent further issues.
4. Difficulty aligning the legs: Ensure the legs are securely attached to the frame and are adjusted to the correct height. Use a level to check for levelness.
5. Uneven playing surface: Check the slate or playing surface for any unevenness or warping. If necessary, have it professionally leveled or replaced.
6. Sticking or dragging balls: Clean the billiard balls and table cloth with a soft brush. If the balls are still sticking, consider replacing the cloth or having the balls professionally cleaned.
7. Difficult to insert or remove pockets: Ensure the pockets are properly aligned and the retaining rings are securely fastened. If the pockets are still difficult to handle, adjust the retaining rings or contact the pool table manufacturer.
8. Squeaking or rattling noises: Identify the source of the noise and tighten any loose bolts or screws. Apply lubricant to moving parts as needed.
9. Torn or damaged cloth: Inspect the table cloth for any tears or damage. Replace the cloth if necessary to maintain a smooth playing surface.
10. **Inability to reassemble the table correctly:** Follow the disassembly instructions carefully and double-check all connections. If you encounter any difficulties, consult the pool table manual or contact a professional.
How To Disassemble A Pool Table
Disassembling a pool table can be a daunting task, but it is definitely possible to do it yourself with a little planning and preparation. Here is a step by step guide on how to disassemble a pool table:
- Remove the legs. The legs are usually attached to the table with bolts. Remove the bolts and carefully lift the legs off the table.
- Remove the rails. The rails are the sides of the table that hold the slate. They are usually attached to the table with screws. Remove the screws and carefully lift the rails off the table.
- Remove the slate. The slate is the playing surface of the table. It is usually very heavy, so you will need to be careful when lifting it. Carefully lift the slate off the table and place it on a flat surface.
- Remove the felt. The felt is the green cloth that covers the slate. It is usually attached to the table with staples. Carefully remove the staples and peel the felt off the table.
- Disassemble the frame. The frame is the wooden structure that supports the table. It is usually attached to the table with screws. Remove the screws and carefully disassemble the frame.
Once you have disassembled the table, you can store the pieces in a safe place until you are ready to reassemble it.
People Also Ask
How much does it cost to disassemble a pool table?
The cost of disassembling a pool table will vary depending on the size of the table and the complexity of the disassembly. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for a professional to disassemble your table.
How long does it take to disassemble a pool table?
The time it takes to disassemble a pool table will vary depending on the size of the table and the number of people helping you. However, you can expect it to take between 2 and 4 hours to disassemble a pool table.
Is it difficult to disassemble a pool table?
Disassembling a pool table is not difficult, but it is important to be careful and to follow the instructions carefully. If you are not comfortable disassembling the table yourself, you can hire a professional to do it for you.
