Disassembling A Brunswick Pool Table: Step-By-Step Guide

Disassembling a Brunswick pool table is a complex process that requires a variety of tools and a fair amount of muscle power. It is important to note that Brunswick pool tables are extremely heavy, with a slate playing surface and a solid wood structure. Therefore, it is recommended to completely disassemble the table before attempting to move it. The first step is to remove the bolts attaching the rails to the pockets, slate and levelling support. This is followed by detaching the staples that support the leather pockets. The rails and pockets can then be lifted off the table top and set aside. The felt can be removed by pulling out the staples or peeling it off if glued. Any bolts or screws in the slate surface should also be removed. The table can then be turned over to access the bolts holding the legs, which can be removed using a socket wrench. Finally, the screws holding the blocks inside the corners of the table can be removed, allowing the side walls to be carefully separated.

Detach the pockets

Detaching the pockets is the first step in disassembling a Brunswick pool table. This is best done from underneath the table, so sit or lie down beneath the table and look up. You should be able to see the bolts that attach the rails to the pockets, the slate, and the levelling support.

Wear eye protection, as removing the staples can cause them to go flying. Using a flathead screwdriver or a pair of needle-nose pliers, carefully remove the staples that hold the drop pockets in place. If you have a staple remover, you can use this instead. Once all the staples are removed, place the pockets in a packing box and set aside.

Next, you need to remove the screws that attach the pocket straps to the table. If you don't have a screwdriver, you can pry the screws out with a flathead screwdriver. Leave the pockets in place for now.

Now, you can remove the rails. Flip the rails over onto the table with the help of another person. Pull apart any rail sections that detach easily and set them aside. If two rails are attached at a corner, flip them over, then pull the two sections apart. Set the pockets aside.

Remove the rails

To remove the rails of a Brunswick pool table, you will need to gather a few tools. These include a flathead screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, a wrench, and a drill with a screwdriver bit. It is also important to wear eye protection during this process.

Once you have gathered your tools, follow these steps:

• Sit beneath the pool table and locate the bolts that attach the rails to the pockets, the slate, and the leveling support.
• Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts on the perimeter underside of the table.
• Next, remove the staples that secure the leather pockets using a pair of pliers.
• After removing the bolts and staples, carefully lift the rails and pockets off the tabletop.
• Place the bolts in a plastic bag to keep all the hardware components together.
• The rails and pockets will come apart in 12 pieces—six pockets and six rails.

It is important to be careful during this process to avoid damaging the table or losing any hardware components.

Detach the felt

Detaching the felt from a Brunswick pool table is a delicate process that requires care and precision. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to detach the felt:

Prepare the Work Area:

Clear the playing surface by removing all balls, racks, and other objects. This will provide easier access and more space to work with during the detachment process.

Remove the Rails:

Use a wrench or socket set to loosen and remove the bolts that attach the rails to the table frame. Be cautious when lifting off the rails to avoid damaging the table surface.

Detach the Pockets:

After removing the rails, detach the pockets from the table. Most pocket assemblies are secured with screws or brackets. Remove these attachments to free the pockets.

Identify the Attachment Method:

The felt on a pool table is usually attached either with staples or glue. Inspect the felt to determine if it is stapled or glued to the slate bed.

Remove Staples (if applicable):

If the felt is stapled, use a staple remover, flathead screwdriver, or needle-nose pliers to carefully remove the staples. Work slowly and gently to avoid tearing the felt. Place the removed staples in a bag for safekeeping.

Pull Back the Felt (if glued):

If the felt is glued, start at one corner and gently pull the felt off the slate in a slow, backward motion. Be extra careful when pulling the felt up and around the pockets to avoid tearing.

Fold and Store the Felt:

Once the felt is completely removed, carefully fold it to avoid wrinkles and creases. Place the folded felt in a safe location where it won't get damaged during the rest of the disassembly process.

Remember to wear eye protection during the detachment process, as staples can easily fall and cause injury. Additionally, having an assistant to help with the felt removal process is highly recommended, especially if the felt is glued, as it can be challenging to remove without assistance.

Lift the slate

Lifting the slate is one of the most crucial steps when disassembling a Brunswick pool table. The slate is extremely heavy and can weigh anywhere from 250 lbs (110 kg) to 800 lbs (360 kg). Therefore, it is essential to proceed with caution and have a few strong friends assist you in this process.

Before lifting the slate, make sure to remove any screws or bolts holding it in place. Use a power drill to remove the screws carefully. If you find beeswax or putty over the screws, gently scrape it off with a screwdriver without scratching the slate.

Once the screws are removed, it's time to lift the slate. Get a couple of friends to help and move the slate carefully and slowly. Be extremely cautious as any scratch, chip, or dent in the slate can ruin the table and require an expensive replacement. Place the slate against a wall or on the floor, away from the rest of the table.

If your slate is in three pieces, remember that they are matched to each other and need to be levelled individually. Even if you only break one piece, you'll need to replace them all as the slate should come from the same piece to line up perfectly.

Always handle the slate with care and make sure it is securely wrapped and labelled before moving it to a new location.

Disassemble the frame

Disassembling a Brunswick pool table is no easy feat. It's a heavy piece of equipment, so it's best to have a friend or assistant to help you with the process. Here is a step-by-step guide to disassembling the frame of your pool table:

• Flip the table over: With the help of an assistant, carefully turn the table over so that its legs are pointing up in the air. This will expose the bolts that attach the legs to the outer frame.
• Remove the table legs: Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the table legs to the outer frame. Place the bolts in a plastic bag and set the legs aside.
• Remove the corner blocks: Unscrew the blocks from the inside corners of the table and place them in the bag. As you remove the screws, the side walls of the table support will come apart, so be careful to prevent them from falling and damaging the finish of the wood.
• Take out the side walls: Once all the screws are removed, carefully separate the side walls of the table support. Your table is now ready to be moved to your desired location.

Remember to keep all the hardware components, such as bolts and screws, in a safe place so that you can easily reassemble the table when needed.

Frequently asked questions