How are under rail nut plates for rail bolts supposed to be replaced if they strip out.

[ghlenz]

Under Rail Nut Plate for Rail Bolts

Under rail "nut plate" for rail bolts, used on most Brunswick tables in the 1960's - 1990's (including Gold Crown models).

www.classicbilliards.net

How are these supposed to be replaced?

I have a Brunswick Brookstone furniture style table that i bought used. One of the nut plates is striping out. I have it holding right now, but not able to get the torque where I want it and would like to replace the nut plate. However these things are buried in the rail from factory. Is there a secret to getting to them out and replaced or is simply a matter of drilling holes and creating a mortise from the side that is big enough to slide the plate out and then just cover that hole up with the apron?

Apologies if this has been asked before, but i did a search and did not find any results.

 

[BadBeef67]

I recently reclothed a Brunswick with the same issue, however our problem was worse as the bolt had broken off and we just couldn't get the darn thing out. I suspected the only access to the "t-nut" is to remove the rubber on the rail.

 

[Baby Huey]

There are ways to get at the T-Nut sideways on GCs. That involves removing the cushion which leaves the opening to the T-Nut available for removal. You can also drill the stripped bolt out and retap the T-Nut. Also, there are ways to route out the rail around the frozen bolt and remove it but I don't recommend that as its too draconian unless no other options are available.