ive shot in bars that didnt allow that combo even on an open table. lots of stupid house rules out there.
i even played at a joint once where a scratch on the break was a loss, even if you didn't make the 8 ball.
actually it was pretty easy. i just heated it up with a torch, then held the pin with channel locks and turned the stick. came right out.
the reason i removed it was because it had somehow got bent. no idea how, but was definetly bent. now i just have to find one to put back in it.
any metal that ends with UM will burn. these metals burn at approx. 6,000 degrees F.
Pouring water on it, will flare it up to around 12,000 degrees F. Basically, water really pisses it off.