How to Dismantle a Billiard Table

Billiards is believed to have been invented in France during the sixteenth century, according to the 1889 English Illustrated Magazine. Billiard tables have remained unchanged since at least the early eighteenth century, although some of the materials have changed. The side rails, for example, are no longer stuffed with cotton. Modern tables are made from several components that, with the right tools, can be dismantled for transportation or long-term storage. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Pull out the staples that attach the pocket netting to the table with a staple remover. Use pliers to remove any staples that break off. Remove the pockets using the Allen wrench to undo the Allen screws in the support brackets.

2

Remove the bolts from the side rails with the socket wrench. On older tables the bolts are accessed from the side; newer tables provide access from underneath. Lift off the side rails from the table, or slide them off if they are held in place by a carved groove.

3

Remove the staples securing the felt baize to the table top using the staple remover. The staples surround the entire table, and they are located along the bottom edge of the slate surface. Remove the baize from the slate surface once all the staples have been removed.

4

Unscrew the bolts securing the slate base to the table frame with the socket wrench. The three slate pieces may be screwed together. If they are, remove the screws with a flat-head screwdriver.

5

Slide one end of the slate base away from the center and lift it off the table. Remove the other end of the slate base, moving it in the opposite direction away from the center. Remove the center slab last by lifting it, then carry it to one end of the table. Store the center slab on its edge with the other slabs.

6

Turn the frame upside down and remove the legs using the socket wrench to undo the securing bolts. Unfasten the bolts holding the cross beams that support the slate surface and remove. Undo the bolts at each corner of the table frame to complete the job.