Dead Rail?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Control
  • Start date Start date
C

Control

Guest
On the main table at the place I play, I've noticed one of the rails showing strange behaviour lately. I've heard about 'dead rails', and am wondering if thats what I'm seeing.

When I try to bank a ball from the rail, the angle only comes out reasonable when I play with average power. Harder, and the ball comes out MUCH to steep. Softer, and the ball comes out very much flatter. I know that to a reasonable amount this is also the case on a good rail, but here I'm talking about changes in angle of around 10-15 degrees, much more than expected. I can actually provoke a double kiss 20cm out from the rail on an angled (~5 - 10 degrees) shot if I play it hard enough. It also seems as if the balls are losing a good amount of speed on the rail (again, more than is to be expected on a normal rail).

Does this sound like a 'dead' rail? and if so, what causes this, and what can be done about it?
 
I am not sure, but it sounds dead to me. For example, if you have a ball on or near the rail and you want to bank it in the side pocket, and it double-kisses at an angle that it normally wouldn't, this is a sign that you have bad quality rails or they are dead.

I hear the best rails for all types of tables can be found in Germany. I am not sure of the name, but they are supposed to last a very long time.
 
its not dead...its alive...:D
seriously though...i think its dead.
try and hit the rail with the cue ball very hard, and try it on each and every single rail, compare their sounds, if that particular dead rail you are talking about has a different sound, then most probably, its alive...i mean dead. ;)
 
locki said:
its not dead...its alive...:D
seriously though...i think its dead.
try and hit the rail with the cue ball very hard, and try it on each and every single rail, compare their sounds, if that particular dead rail you are talking about has a different sound, then most probably, its alive...i mean dead. ;)
Click to expand...

I agree. If your rail is dead, a decent burial can be costly. Cremation costs less, but stay away from the fumes.
 
Control,

It sounds like the glue between the rubber and table facing has broken loose. It usually doesn't happen the full length of the cushion, but it is possible. Push up and down on the rubber in the bad area to see if it is broken loose. When you shoot a ball into a cushion like that it has a flat/slapping sound and the rebound is much slower. That can happen to cushions when someone sits their fat butt on the rail. It breaks the glue loose.

If that is the problem the cushion needs to be taken off, cleaned up and reglued. I'd just tell the owner, I've seen it happen many times.

Rodd
 
Also check the rubber if is already crumbling. Sometimes they shred into small pieces like the soles of sneakers that are stored for long periods.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top