new leather pockets too stiff

[sausage]

i put some new leather pockets on my brunswick ventura II Pro table but they are stiffer than a West Point cadet. i wish i had slathered them in mink oil and worked them in a little before installation. i figured that they'd relax after a little play but that's not happening. what's the best way to soften the leather without having to remove them?

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

Maybe try rubbing some mitt oil into each pocket with a damp sponge then rapid fire 50-100 balls into each one hard from different angles.

 

[sausage]

all that will do is get my balls lubricated.

i rubbed down one of the stiffest pockets with mink oil then put a plastic bag inside it and stuffed it with balls. they really need to be soaked in motor oil for a couple of days. i wish i had thought to do that before i installed them.

 

[Donny Wessels]

what kind of pockets did you buy.

 

[sausage]

what kind of pockets did you buy.

i bought them on fleabay. the box said: "made in china". :angry: about the only thing good i can say about them is that they hold balls and look ok... oh, and i got my pool table working.

 

[Donny Wessels]

i bought them on fleabay. the box said: "made in china". :angry: about the only thing good i can say about them is that they hold balls and look ok... oh, and i got my pool table working.

is the pockets cutting your hands when reaching in???

 

[sausage]

is the pockets cutting your hands when reaching in???

they are abrasive but will rub my hand raw if i reach in fast to retrieve the balls. i'm considering putting a bucket of motor oil on a pedestal under each pocket and letting it sit over night.

 

[OTLB]

sometimes I take my rubber hammer and beat them

 

[sausage]

sometimes I take my rubber hammer and beat them

i wish i had thought of hammering them before i installation.

 

[sausage]

for anyone who's interested, i soaked them with a can of spray furniture polish. still waiting for it to soak in.....

 

[OTLB]

I have to know, ?? and I thought I had balls trying stuff

 

[Dartman]

The conventional wisdon says remove the pockets - then work on them.