Disassembling Brunswick Table: Step-By-Step Guide

Disassembling a Brunswick pool table is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. It is important to note that these tables are extremely heavy, especially when fully assembled, due to their slate playing surface and solid wood structure. To ensure a successful disassembly, it is recommended to have at least two people involved in the process. Additionally, specific tools are required, such as a socket wrench, pliers, screwdrivers, and a drill. The process involves several steps, including removing the rails, pockets, felt, slate bed, and legs. One key aspect is to keep track of all hardware components, such as bolts and screws, by placing them in plastic bags for easier reassembly. Overall, disassembling a Brunswick pool table requires careful attention to detail, proper tools, and a good understanding of the steps involved.

Removing the staples that secure the pockets

Firstly, it is important to wear eye protection throughout this process, as staples can easily fall out and become dislodged. Lie on your back underneath the pool table and use a flathead screwdriver or a pair of needle-nose pliers to carefully remove the staples that hold the drop pockets in place. Place the staples in a safe location, such as a plastic bag, to ensure they are not lost.

Once all the staples are removed, the pockets can be taken off and placed in a packing box. It is important to be gentle and careful during this process to avoid damaging the pockets or the table. Set the pockets aside in a safe place.

If you are removing the felt from the slate bed, this will need to be done carefully to avoid tears. The felt is usually secured with staples or glue. If the felt is stapled, use a flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers to carefully remove each staple. If the felt is glued, start at one corner and gently pull the felt off the slate in a slow, backward motion, being extra careful around the pockets. Once removed, fold the felt neatly and set it aside.

The next step is to remove the slate bed, which can be heavy, so it is important to have an assistant to help with this. Use a drill with a screwdriver bit to remove the screws holding the slate in place. There is usually one screw in each corner, but there may be additional screws along the centre. Some screws may be covered in beeswax, which can be carefully scraped off with a flathead screwdriver. After removing the screws, lift the slate bed off the table and set it aside, being mindful of its weight.

Finally, bag up all the screws and bolts that have been removed and store them safely, as they will be needed again when reassembling the table.

Unscrewing the side rail bolts

To begin unscrewing the side rail bolts of your Brunswick pool table, you will need a socket wrench. If your table is an antique with T-rails, you will need a different bit to remove them. You can order a forked tool from a pool table supply store.

Position yourself underneath the pool table. You should be able to see the bolts attaching the rails to the pockets, the slate, and the levelling support. There are usually three or four bolts under each rail. Remove these bolts with your socket wrench.

Once you have removed all the bolts, carefully lift and set the rails aside. The rails and pockets will come apart in 12 pieces—six pockets and six rails. Set the rails down gently when flipping them, and be careful not to bash the side pockets.

Now that the rails are removed, you can detach the pockets from the table. Remove the pocket liners if your table has them. Unscrew or remove the staples that attach the pocket straps to the table. If you don't have a staple remover, you can use a flat-head screwdriver to pry out the staples.

Make sure to keep all the bolts and screws in a safe place, such as a plastic bag, so that you can easily find them when it's time to reassemble your table.

Detaching the rails and pockets

Step 1: Removing the Pockets

First, detach the pockets from the table. If there are any pocket liners, remove them. Then, take out the screws or staples that attach the pocket straps to the table. If you don't have a staple remover, a flat-head screwdriver can be used to pry out the staples. It is usually easier to do this step from under the table, and don't forget to wear eye protection to safeguard against falling staples. Leave the pockets in place for now.

Step 2: Removing the Rail Bolts

Now, move on to removing the rail bolts. These bolts are located underneath each rail and there are typically three or four bolts per rail. Use a socket wrench to remove them. If you come across special bolts with two holes, you will need to order a forked tool from a pool table supply store to remove them.

Step 3: Detaching the Rails and Pockets

With the rail bolts removed, carefully pull apart any rail sections that detach easily and set them aside. If two rails are attached at a corner, enlist the help of another person to flip them over onto the table, and then separate the sections. Be cautious and avoid bashing the side pockets during this process. Set the pockets aside as well.

Step 4: Bagging the Hardware

As you work, it is important to keep all the hardware components together. Place the bolts and screws in a plastic bag so that they are easily accessible when it's time to reassemble the table.

Step 5: Removing the Felt

The felt is usually either glued or stapled to the wood backing of the slate. If it is stapled, carefully remove each staple to avoid tears. If the felt is glued, gently pull it off the slate by pulling it backward, never up or forward. Work your way around the table as you remove the felt, and then fold it carefully, avoiding pressing any fold lines to prevent wrinkles and creases.

Step 6: Optional - Replacing the Felt

If the felt is worn out, consider replacing it during reassembly. This is a good opportunity to give your table a fresh new look.

By following these steps, you will have successfully detached the rails and pockets of your Brunswick pool table, making it ready for further disassembly or transportation. Remember to keep all the hardware components organized and safely stored for easy reassembly.

Removing the slate bed

• Gather the Necessary Tools: You will need a flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers, a drill with a screwdriver bit, and eye protection for safety.
• Remove the Pockets: Lie on your back and use your screwdriver or pliers to carefully remove the staples that hold the drop pockets in place. Wear eye protection to shield your eyes from falling staples. Place the pockets in a box and set them aside.
• Unscrew and Bag the Side Rail Bolts: Use a wrench to remove the bolts holding the side rails in place. There are typically three bolts per rail. Be gentle when removing the last bolt to avoid dropping the rail. Bag the screws for safekeeping.
• Remove the Felt: This step can be time-intensive, but it is necessary to access the slate bed. The felt is either glued or stapled to the wood backing of the slate. If it is glued, start at one corner and gently pull the felt backward. If it is stapled, use your screwdriver or pliers to carefully remove the staples. Fold the felt neatly and set it aside.
• Remove the Slate Screws: Using your drill with a screwdriver bit, take out the screws holding the slate in place. Typically, there is one screw in each corner, but there may be additional screws along the slate's centre. Some screws may be covered in beeswax, so scrape it off with your screwdriver before removing them.
• Lift and Set Aside the Slate: The slate can be heavy and fragile, so ask a helper to assist you. Lift each slate piece carefully and set them aside. Bag the screws for later use.

The slate bed is now successfully removed from your Brunswick pool table. Remember to label and bag all screws and bolts, and always put your safety first when handling heavy objects.

Disassembling the frame

Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Tools

Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools on hand. You will need a flathead screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, a drill with a screwdriver bit, eye protection, and a socket wrench. It is also recommended to have some cardboard, blankets, and plastic bags for protecting and storing the table components.

Step 2: Remove the Pockets and Rails

Lie underneath the table and use your flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers to carefully remove the staples or screws that secure the pockets in place. Be cautious as these staples can fall once dislodged. After removing all the staples, detach the pockets and set them aside in a safe place.

Next, remove the side rails. Use your wrench to unscrew the bolts holding the rails in place. There are typically three bolts per rail. Once all the bolts are removed, carefully lift and remove the side rails, being mindful not to damage the table. Place the rails aside safely and bag the screws for easy access during reassembly.

Step 3: Remove the Felt

The felt surface of the table is usually secured with glue or staples. 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 around the pockets. If the felt is stapled, use your flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers to carefully remove the staples. Once removed, fold the felt neatly and set it aside.

Step 4: Lift and Set Aside the Slate

The slate bed of the table can be quite heavy, so it is recommended to have an assistant to help with this step. Using your drill, remove the screws holding the slate in place. These screws are typically located at the corners of the slate, but there may be additional screws along the centre. Some manufacturers cover these screws with beeswax, so use your flathead screwdriver to carefully scrape off the wax before removing the screws. After removing all the screws, carefully lift and set aside the slate, being mindful not to drop or damage it.

Step 5: Unbolt the Legs

With the slate removed, you can now access the bolts that hold the table legs to the outer frame. Turn the table over so that the legs are in the air. Use your socket wrench to remove these bolts and then set the legs aside.

Step 6: Disassemble the Frame

Finally, you can disassemble the remaining lightweight pieces of the frame. Remove the screws holding the blocks inside the corners of the table, being careful to prevent the sidewalls from falling and damaging the finish of the wood. Once the sidewalls are unscrewed, your table is fully disassembled and ready to be moved or stored.

Remember to mark the pieces as you disassemble them to make reassembly easier. You can also draw a diagram to help you keep track of where each piece goes.

Frequently asked questions