Disassembling Brunswick Crown 3: A Guide

The Brunswick Gold Crown III is a professional-model pool table, originally released in 1976. It's a heavy piece of equipment, so if you need to move it, it's best to disassemble it first. The process is relatively straightforward, but it requires the right tools and a fair amount of muscle. You'll need a socket wrench, a flat-head screwdriver, a drill, and a plastic bag to keep hardware components together. Start by removing the bolts attaching the rails to the pockets, slate, and levelling support. Then, remove the staples supporting the leather pockets, and lift the rails and pockets off the table. From there, you can remove the felt, slate, and wooden support grid, before turning the table over to remove the legs.

Detach pockets from the table

To detach the pockets from a Brunswick Crown 3 pool table, you will need to first locate the screws or staples that attach the pocket straps to the underside of the table. These may be hidden, but you should be able to feel their outline by hand. Put on a pair of protective goggles to guard your eyes against any falling staples.

If you can see staples, use a pair of pliers to remove them. If you don't have a staple remover, a flathead screwdriver can be used to pry them out. If there are screws, use a drill to remove them.

Once the staples or screws are removed, the pockets should be free to lift away from the table. There are six pockets in total, and they will come away in 12 pieces, attached to the rails.

If you are planning to reattach the pockets, it is possible to purchase a new set of six pockets for your table. Alternatively, you can sew new pockets based on the pattern of the old ones.

Remove rail bolts

To remove the rail bolts from a Brunswick Crown 3 pool table, you will need a socket wrench. Before you begin, ensure you are wearing protective goggles to safeguard your eyes from any falling debris.

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

If your pool table is old, it may have special bolts with two holes. In this case, you will need to order a forked tool from a pool table supply store to remove them effectively. Another option for removing stubborn bolts is to use a left-hand drill bit and tap an extractor to try to back the bolt out. You can also try using a lubricant like Liquid Wrench Penetrating Oil, or a product like PB or Kroil with Silicone, to help break the bolt loose.

Lift rails and pockets

Once you have removed the bolts attaching the rails to the pockets, slate, and levelling support, you can lift the rails and pockets off the tabletop. The Brunswick Crown 3's rails and pockets will come apart in 12 pieces—six pockets and six rails. Set these pieces aside carefully, taking care not to bash the side pockets.

The next step is to remove the felt from the slate bed. If the felt is stapled, carefully remove each staple with a pair of pliers. If it is glued, pull the edge of the felt backward gently, working your way around the table. Once the felt is removed, fold it carefully without pressing the fold lines to avoid wrinkles and creases.

Remove felt from slate bed

To remove the felt from the slate bed of a Brunswick Crown 3 pool table, you will need a flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers, and eye protection.

The first step is to determine how the felt is attached to the slate bed. The felt is usually either glued down or stapled to the wood backing of the slate. If the felt is stapled, carefully remove each staple with a flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers, being cautious to avoid tearing the felt. 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 when pulling the felt up around the pockets. Work your way around the table, gently pulling the felt off the slate bed. Once the felt is removed, fold it carefully, avoiding wrinkles and creases by not pressing the fold lines.

If the felt is worn out, you may want to consider installing new felt during reassembly.

Disassemble the frame

Disassembling a pool table is no easy feat. It requires the right tools and a fair amount of muscle power. The Brunswick Gold Crown III is a slate table, so you will need to be prepared for a heavy lift. Here is a step-by-step guide to disassembling the frame of your Brunswick Crown 3 pool table:

Step 1:

First, detach the pockets from the table. Remove any pocket liners and then take out the screws or staples that attach the pocket straps to the table. You can use a flat-head screwdriver to pry out the staples if you don't have a staple remover. Remember to do this step carefully to avoid damaging the table or injuring yourself.

Step 2:

Now, focus on the rails. There are usually three or four bolts under each rail. Remove these bolts with a socket wrench. If your table is an older model, it may have special bolts with two holes. In that case, you will need to order a forked tool from a pool table supply store to remove them.

Step 3:

Remove the rails and pockets by pulling apart any rail sections that detach easily. If two rails are connected at a corner, you will need assistance. Flip them over onto the table with the help of another person, then carefully pull the sections apart. Set the rails and pockets aside, being cautious not to bash the side pockets.

Step 4:

The next step is to detach the felt from the slate bed. The felt is usually glued down or stapled to the wood backing of the slate. If it is stapled, carefully remove each staple to avoid tearing the felt. If it is glued, gently pull the edge of the felt backward, working your way around the table. Once removed, carefully fold the felt without pressing the fold lines to avoid wrinkles and creases.

Step 5:

Now, it's time to remove the slate screws, usually located at the corners of the table but sometimes along the sides and centre beam as well. If you find beeswax or putty over the screws, carefully scrape it off with a screwdriver to access the screw head without damaging the slate.

Step 6:

With the slate screws removed, carefully lift and place each slate piece to the side. Most Brunswick Crown III tables have a playing surface made from three slate slabs, and each one is heavy, weighing around 250 lbs (110 kg). Get some help from friends or assistants to safely move these slabs and prevent scratches or chips.

Step 7:

Now that the slate is removed, it's time to flip the table over and focus on the legs. Unbolt the legs from the outer frame of the table. Be sure to have a helper with you to stabilise the table as you work.

Step 8:

Finally, take apart any remaining lightweight pieces, such as the side walls of the table support. Be cautious when handling these pieces to avoid damaging the finish on the wood.

And there you have it! The frame of your Brunswick Crown 3 pool table is now successfully disassembled. Remember to keep all the hardware components, such as bolts and screws, in a safe place for when it's time to reassemble the table.

Frequently asked questions