Dividing a Pool Table without Damaging Components

Taking apart a pool table can seem like an intimidating task, but with the right preparation and tools, it can be done safely without damaging the components. There are several reasons you may need to disassemble your pool table, such as moving it to a new location, making repairs, recovering the playing surface, or disposing of an old table.

We will cover removing the playing surface, rails, slate bed, leg frame, and internal parts. We'll also provide tips on properly transporting and storing the components once dismantled.

Necessary Tools and Safety Equipment

Before starting any deconstruction, make sure you have the proper tools and gear to safely take apart a pool table without injury or damage:

• Safety glasses
• Flathead screwdriver
• Power drill with driver bits
• Box wrench set
• Moving blankets
• Storage bags and boxes

It's also wise to have an extra set of hands help with lifting slate and awkward pieces during disassembly.

Removing the Playing Surface

The playing surface on a pool table is made up of either a thin sheet of vinyl or felt fabric. On some older antique tables, the fabric may be glued directly to the slate top. But modern pool tables secure a separate top layer with staples and screws along the outer wood frame.

Locating Fasteners Under the Rail

pool table rail removal unscrew bolts slate bed legs Start by using a flathead screwdriver or needlenose pliers to remove any staples located underneath the outer rail wood. Carefully lift up the fabric edge to locate screws or bolts. Unfasten these first before attempting to peel off the playing surface.

Peeling Back the Fabric

Once all visible fasteners are removed, slowly peel back the fabric at the corners. For glued surfaces, carefully pry up the material using a plastic putty knife to avoid tearing. Gradually work the playing surface free from the corners inward.

Rolling Up the Old Felt or Vinyl

As you disconnect the playing layer, gently roll up the freed fabric or vinyl. This prevents creases and wrinkles from forming while in storage. place rolled up fabric in plastic bags to prevent dust and dirt accumulation.

Removing the Outer Rails and Aprons

The wooden outer rails surround the playing surface, bolted to inner wood aprons that form the table's walls. Removing both rails and aprons is key for access to the slate.

Locating the Rail Bolts

The outer rails connect flush to the inner apron walls beneath the playing surface. Use a power drill with driver bit to remove the lag bolts, washers and nuts.

Take care when backing bolts out fully to avoid stripping threads or crossthreading hardware. Bag and label pieces for later reinstallation.

Separating Rails from Aprons

With bolts removed gradualy separate rails from aprons starting in corners. Take care not to bend or splinter connecting points. Have an extra set of hands help with safe removal and stacking.

Avoid letting apron joints hit floor when disconnecting rails. Sudden drops risk joint integrity needed for reassembly.

Extracting the Heavy Slate Sections

The slate provides a perfectly flat playing surface essential for smooth ball rolls and accurate bank shots. Pool table slate weighs several hundred pounds, requiring safe lifting methods.

Identifying Slate Configuration

Most standard 8 foot residential tables feature three individual slate pieces making up the bed. Larger slate on professional tables may instead be solid single slabs.

Inspect whether you have sectional slate before attempting removal. This affects lifting approach.

Unfastening the Slate

Small lag bolts spaced evenly across the frame secure slate pieces to the wood support system beneath. Use a power drill to back screws fully out of slate bottom side.

For three section slates, remove border screws first before center pieces. Have a partner help slide sections out evenly once detached.

Carefully Removing slate Sections

As slate detaches, gently slide pieces outward from playing area onto ground. Avoid dropping edges suddenly. Use moving blankets beneath extraction points for slate protection.

Single person slate removal risks injury under extremely heavy weight. Recruit help sliding off sections.

Taking Apart the Leg Frame

With slate removed, access leg system bolts for full breakdown. Number legs before removal to ensure proper reinstallation positioning.

Locating Frame Connection Points

The leg support frame attaches in exact spots marked on the table's underside. Inspect for corner blocks and center beam rail that pieces bolt into.

Backing Out Frame Bolts

Use a wrench set to loosen leg segment bolts gradually alternating between both ends. Forcibly loosening one end risks cracking wood.

Have bags ready beneath joint points to receive hardware pieces including washers, nuts and bolts.

Separating Leg Sections

With bolts removed, carefully detach leg segments from the frame ends. Note exact positioning including joint angles to ensure realignment.

Set aside legs and components grouped by their numbers for simplified reinstallation.

Extracting Internal Mechanisms

With the frame and legs detached, removing internal components like ball return systems simplifies transport without damage.

Disconnecting Ball Return

The ball return commonly mounts beneath the slate tied to corner pocket openings. Unscrew connecting lag bolts first before attempting to slide components out.

Avoid forcing mechanisms without fully removing mounting hardware. This risks internal component damage.

Removing Support Braces and Cushions

Supplementary braces under slate along with rubber rail cushions unscrew easily once external pieces separate. Bag hardware for reinstallation.

Take care not to bend or warp brace pieces during removal. Proper realignment helps level playing surface.

Transporting and Storing Components

With full deconstruction complete, focus shifts to protecting pieces for safe storage and transport without damage.

Shielding Parts Against Damage

Use thick moving blankets to wrap slate bed segments, preventing cracks or chips during handling. Similarly, cushion rails and braces with soft materials.

Additionally, bag hardware like bolts, brackets and ball return gears to avoid losing pieces.

Labeling and Organizing Parts

Clearly tag removed components indicating which sections they reconnect to for simplified reassembly. Number pool table legs and frame segments specifying exact former positions.

Store parts systematically in boxes, keeping associated groups together by section. Avoid misplacing important components.

Our complete guide breaks down deconstructing a pool table for stress-free moving or long term storage without component damage. Ensure you follow key safety steps like removing weighty slate properly. And keep all hardware and parts clearly labeled for accurate reinstallation.

You can safely divide your pool table into two parts with attention to detail.