Change the pockets

[TomBa]

Hello friends, I would like to replace the baskets from the pictures with some higher quality baskets that attach to the table differently because the screws of these baskets are damaging the balls I have currently removed the screws to prevent further damage to the balls. I am sending pictures and dimensions so you can recommend any replacement baskets.

 

[Cameron Smith]

I put electrical tape over the screws and that solved the issue. It also helps
protect the balls if you miss more.

 

[bpeacock]

I don't know about other baskets but you might try some VHB tape on the back side of the the baskets and eliminate the screws

 

[tomatoshooter]

It also helps
protect the balls if you miss more

My balls are pristine.

Is gluing a piece of leather inside the pocket after you screw it in an option?

 

[Lawnboy77]

Just get you some screw head covers. This idea comes courtesy of the guys over in the “Ask a Mechanic” forum. I think RKC recommended this for one of the guys having the same issue with his table a few years ago. See Amazon link below.

Amazon.com

 

[iusedtoberich]

Not helping the original poster, but why are tables even made this way anymore? Everyone knows exposed metal in the pockets chips balls. Its been known for at least 50 years, and probably 200 years.

 

[gregcantrall]

Instead of a metallic fastener I was able to anchor my plastic pockets with hot melt glue. My first attempt with contact cement was not successful. By placing a big dollop where the fasteners would hold the pocket and then holding it fast until it cools, then going around the perimeter with a line of the hot melt where the pocket meets the rail. I now have pocket liners that are secure and nail free. Obviously not original equipment but....not bad for a free table. It ain't beautiful but I have found that black glue sticks are available and on my next trip to town I will aquire some and clean up the weld where the pocket meets the rail.1

Since this is a reclaimed free Fisher table, function outweighs beauty. A good clean bead with the black glue stick should make it look a little better. We shall see.

 

[measureman]

That is a very deep pocket shelf on that table.
Bet a lot of balls rattle.

 

[TomBa]

I put electrical tape over the screws and that solved the issue. It also helps
protect the balls if you miss more.

I don't think taping electrical tape over the screws would solve the problem. I think the tape would wear out quickly due to the impact of the ball. And I bought new Aramith balls and I wouldn't like the same thing to happen to them as the balls in the picture.

 

[TomBa]

I don't know about other baskets but you might try some VHB tape on the back side of the the baskets and eliminate the screws

For now, this seems to me to be the best solution!

 

[TomBa]

Just get you some screw head covers. This idea comes courtesy of the guys over in the “Ask a Mechanic” forum. I think RKC recommended this for one of the guys having the same issue with his table a few years ago. See Amazon link below.

Amazon.com

Thanks for the reply, but I think the screw head caps are more for decoration than to protect the balls. Ball impacts are extremely powerful and I don't think the bolt head covers would last long. In any case, I would like to find some different baskets that are attached differently, and until then I could use VHB tape, which seems to me to be the best solution for now.

 

[GoldCrown]

I use small round self stick felt pads on the screw/nail heads

 

[TomBa]

That is a very deep pocket shelf on that table.
Bet a lot of balls rattle.

I posted a photo of the basket with a measuring tape so that you can see that it is not that deep, the total depth is 16 cm, which means that the depth is approximately 12 cm in line with the billiard table.

 

[gregcantrall]

I use small round felt pads on the screw/nail heads

Sounds like the pads that are used on cabinet doors. I have seen them in felt and rubber with good adhesive on the pads.

 

[gregcantrall]

$6 and change at home depot

 

[Cameron Smith]

I don't think taping electrical tape over the screws would solve the problem. I think the tape would wear out quickly due to the impact of the ball. And I bought new Aramith balls and I wouldn't like the same thing to happen to them as the balls in the picture.

Unless it’s not the head of the nail, you’d be surprised. I have duramith balls and havent had another scratch in years.

 

[GoldCrown]

View attachment 752072$6 and change at home depot

Or

 

[Twocylndr]

Unless it’s not the head of the nail, you’d be surprised. I have duramith balls and havent had another scratch in years.

I have visible nails, no chipping on my Aramith balls

 

[GoldCrown]

I killed a good set of Aramith ...small nicks...just enough to annoy me.

 

[Texas Carom Club]

get quality aramith balls that will hold up better