Pockets fall out of POS table

[iusedtoberich]

My apartment complex installed this table 1 year ago in the common area. Hardly anyone even plays on it other than me when I go to pick up my mail, and its already falling apart. Total POS. The installers were the general contractors, and they didn't know the first thing about pool or pool tables.

Main problem is the pockets fall out frequently. All 6 of them. The nails are insufficient to hold them. What advice do you have to secure the pockets. I'd like to go fix it at night when the office staff is not there. I'm not a mechanic, but I am very handy, and have many tools at my disposal, inclusion pneumatic nailers and staplers if that could be useful. Should I replace the nails with screws with a large head? Is there some sort of plastic grommet or washer I can put under the screw head... see next post for picture.

Thank you.

 

[iusedtoberich]

Here is the washer I was talking about. It might protect the ball from contacting the metal screw as much. Also attached is overall view of the table.

 

[SlateMate]

that table isn't worth wasting life or money on. get a bar table for $100.00 and put it in your living-room.

 

[iusedtoberich]

I’ll be the first to tell you it’s a piece of shit table. But I want to spend a few dollars and an hour to improve it within reason for what it is.

I actually have a gold crown 4 in my living room.

 

[Lawnboy77]

I agree with Slatemate, it's not worth the trouble, or expense to try and fix that table. I know it would make you feel better, but do they really want anyone playing on the table? Me thinks there might a reason they didn't sink any funds into that project.

 

[iusedtoberich]

They probably spent 400k remodeling the entire resident lounge, to include this shitty pool table. It was not a money issue, just the company they hired to do the design and remodel of the resident lounge knows zero about pool.

I appreciate the comments, but I'm simply looking to make a table playable for non-pool players. Right now, the pockets fall out every 5 shots.

I think I will just do what I was thinking with screws and a wide washer under the head.

 

[Lawnboy77]

They probably spent 400k remodeling the entire resident lounge, to include this shitty pool table. It was not a money issue, just the company they hired to do the design and remodel of the resident lounge knows zero about pool.

I appreciate the comments, but I'm simply looking to make a table playable for non-pool players. Right now, the pockets fall out every 5 shots.

I think I will just do what I was thinking with screws and a wide washer under the head.

I understand, FWIW I like what you are doing and I think you are spot on with the fix. I was thinking the same, but maybe something a bit more durable than hard plastic that may crumble with age. I think Lowe's sells some kitchen cabinet door bumpers that will completely enclose the screw head after installation and might take the beating a bit better.

 

[realkingcobra]

They probably spent 400k remodeling the entire resident lounge, to include this shitty pool table. It was not a money issue, just the company they hired to do the design and remodel of the resident lounge knows zero about pool.

I appreciate the comments, but I'm simply looking to make a table playable for non-pool players. Right now, the pockets fall out every 5 shots.

I think I will just do what I was thinking with screws and a wide washer under the head.

Use a 1/4" crown stapler with 3/4" long staples. Place one staple in the upper corners of each pocket, but just before doing that, take some black electrical tape, cut it in 1" lengths, stick it to the back of the pocket right where you're going to staple it at. If the staple don't seat all the way, you can seat it with a hammer and flat punch. Once seated, pull the electrical tape around and cover the staple head.

 

[SlateMate]

if you keep fixing it, they will never get rid of the pos. a much better use for your time would be to approach management and tell them that the table is not worth fixing and encourage them (with your help) to get a good used pool table like a gandy or olhausen or even a good bar table.

 

[iusedtoberich]

Use a 1/4" crown stapler with 3/4" long staples. Place one staple in the upper corners of each pocket, but just before doing that, take some black electrical tape, cut it in 1" lengths, stick it to the back of the pocket right where you're going to staple it at. If the staple don't seat all the way, you can seat it with a hammer and flat punch. Once seated, pull the electrical tape around and cover the staple head.

Thank you very much Glen. I’ll do this.

 

[iusedtoberich]

Done!

I worked on the table today, and fixed all 6 pockets. I decided to go with 3 staples per pocket. After doing all the pockets, I hit the balls at very high speed into each pocket to test. Harder than a banger could ever do in their lifetime. The pockets held up. I think this repair might hold up for a few years with normal banger play. Time will tell. Thank you to Glen for the advice on making the repair. I'm a happy camper


As stapled.


Used a punch to drive staples in further.


Folded over tape.