Dismantling Brunswick Contender: Step-By-Step Guide

Tearing apart a Brunswick Contender pool table is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. While it may seem daunting, with the right tools, manpower, and transportation, it is definitely achievable. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Start by gathering the necessary tools, including a socket set with an extension, screwdrivers, pliers, a razor knife, and some visegrips.

2. Remove the staples or screws that attach the pocket straps to the table.

3. Take out the rail bolts underneath each rail using a socket wrench.

4. Carefully lift and set aside the rails and pockets, being careful not to bash the side pockets.

5. Detach the felt from the slate bed by either removing staples or gently pulling it off if it's glued down.

6. Remove the slate screws with a drill, being careful not to scratch the slate.

7. With the help of a few strong people, lift and carefully move each slate piece to the side.

8. Flip the table over and unbolt the legs.

9. Disassemble the final lightweight pieces, such as the frame.

10. Transport the slate pieces carefully, as they are both heavy and fragile.

Detach the pockets

To detach the pockets of a Brunswick pool table, you will need a flathead screwdriver or a pair of needle-nose pliers. It is recommended that you wear eye protection during this process as staples can easily fall once dislodged.

First, lie on your back underneath the pool table. You should be able to see the bolts that attach the rails to the pockets, slate, and levelling support. Use your flathead screwdriver or pliers to carefully remove the staples that hold the pockets in place. Once all the staples are removed, place the pockets in a packing box and set them aside.

Next, remove the bolts underneath the rails with a socket wrench. There are usually three bolts per rail, and removing them will allow you to gently lift and remove the rails from the table. Place the bolts in a plastic bag so that you can easily locate them when reassembling the table.

Finally, carefully flip the table over so that the legs are sticking up in the air. This will expose the bolts that hold the table legs to the outer frame. Remove these bolts with a socket wrench and place them in the plastic bag.

Remove the rails

Removing the Rails from a Brunswick Pool Table

Brunswick pool tables are extremely heavy, so it's best to disassemble the table before moving it. To remove the rails, follow these steps:

First, sit beneath the pool table and locate the bolts attaching the rails to the pockets, slate, and levelling support. Use a socket wrench to remove these bolts from the perimeter underside of the table. There are usually three bolts per rail, and their removal will allow you to lift off the rails and pockets.

Place the bolts in a plastic bag to keep all hardware components together. The rails and pockets will come apart in 12 pieces, with six pockets and six rails to be removed. Set these pieces aside carefully, taking care not to bash the side pockets.

If your rails are in multiple pieces, you may need to flip them over onto the table with the help of an assistant before you can pull the sections apart.

Some older pool tables may have special bolts with two holes. To remove these, you'll need to order a forked tool from a pool table supply store.

Detach the felt

Detaching the felt from a pool table is a time-intensive process, but it is necessary to do so in order to reach the slate bed underneath. The first step is to determine how the felt is attached to the table. Felt is typically secured to the slate bed using either glue or staples.

If the felt is glued on, start at one corner and gently pull the felt off the slate in a slow, backward motion. Take extra care when pulling the felt up around the pockets. If the felt is stapled on, use a flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers to carefully remove the staples. Work slowly to ensure that nothing tears, unless the felt is worn out and you plan on replacing it.

Once the felt has been removed, fold it neatly and set it aside. It is important to note that the slate bed can be very heavy, so it is recommended to have a helper when removing the felt and slate.

Lift the slate

Lifting the slate is one of the most important steps in disassembling a pool table. The slate is extremely heavy, so it is important to proceed with caution. Slate pieces can weigh anywhere from 150 to 450 pounds each, and even more if it is all in one piece. Therefore, it is recommended to have multiple people to help lift and move the slate.

Before lifting the slate, you need to remove the screws holding it in place. Generally, you will find one screw in each corner of the slate, though there may be additional screws running down its centre. Some manufacturers cover these screws with a beeswax coating, so you may need to scrape off the beeswax with a flat-head screwdriver before removing them. Once all the screws are out, carefully lift the slate and place it to the side. Remember to bag the screws so that you can easily locate them when it is time to reassemble the table.

The slate is fragile and can be easily damaged, so it is important to handle it with care. When moving the slate, be sure to have enough people to support its weight. Do not try to lift the slate by yourself, as you could hurt yourself.

After the slate has been removed, the table can be safely moved to your desired location. It is also a good idea to wrap the slate securely to protect it during transport or storage.

Disassemble the frame

Disassembling a Brunswick pool table requires the right tools and a fair amount of muscle. The first step is to detach the pockets from the table by removing the screws or staples that attach the pocket straps to the table. Then, remove the rail bolts underneath each rail using a socket wrench and lift the rails off the table.

Next, carefully remove the felt from the slate bed. The felt is usually stapled or glued to the wood backing of the slate. If it is stapled, use a flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers to remove the staples. If the felt is glued, gently pull the edge of the felt backward, being careful not to tear it. Once the felt is removed, carefully fold it and set it aside.

After removing the felt, it's time to remove the slate screws with a drill. These screws are typically located at the corners of the table but may also be along the sides and centre beam. If you find beeswax or putty over the screws, carefully scrape it off with a screwdriver before unscrewing.

Now, it's important to lift and move the slate pieces with extreme care. The slate slabs are heavy and fragile, so enlist the help of a few strong people to carefully lift and place them to the side.

Finally, it's time to disassemble the frame. Flip the table over and unbolt the legs. Take apart any remaining lightweight pieces, and your Brunswick Contender pool table will be successfully disassembled!

Frequently asked questions