Pool Table Repair Supplies

With the average cost of a new pool table running between $1,000 and $5,000 these days, proper maintenance of your investment should be top of mind. But that doesn’t just mean brushing felt, polishing rails and chalking cues. Conscious of the wear and tear their tables endure between breaks (so to speak), savvy owners keep the proper repair supplies handy. Here are nine of the basics you’ll need to ensure endless hours of smooth, worry-free play.

  1. Replacement Pockets

    • The more vigorous the action, the most likely your pockets are to rip, crack or otherwise fall into disrepair. On most tables, these pieces, which typically come in sets of six and are made of leather or plastic, can quickly be snapped, screwed or nailed in place.

    Spots

    • Believe it or not, pool-table spots, which mark where to rack ’em up at each end of the table, can also rip, tear or even come unglued. So best to have a supply of these 1 and 1/4 inch regulation indicators close by. Sold in quantities of anywhere from a dozen to 100, most brands are made with “wet-and-stick” or “peel-and-stick” backs.

    Slate Patch

    • Slate, too—which can cost upwards of $800 to replace—is at constant risk of chipping or cracking. But if that happens, patch products can help. Many are made of stone, and mixed cement-like, while others are a mixture of beeswax and resin.

    Table Cleaners

    • Spills happen even among the most meticulous players. Fortunately, there are dry-foam cleaners on the market that work within minutes to remove most all stains and spots. And be sure to pick up some static-free felt-cleaning towels, too.

    Cushions

    • The cushions (or bumpers) that line your table’s rails can lose their bounce over time, causing ricochets to go limp. But they can easily be replaced and reupholstered, usually within a few hours. Typically made of 100-percent gum rubber, they come in sets of six, fitted for standard seven-, eight- or nine-foot tables.

    Feather Stripping

    • When recovering rail cushions, you’ll also need what’s known as feather stripping to secure the top edges. Most stripping comes in sets that fit standard-size tables.

    Felt

    • Arguably the most damage-prone of all billiard-table parts, it takes just one misaimed shot to rip the cloth that covers your table’s entire playing area. That’s why replacement felts (actually made of wool or a wool/nylon blend called baize) come in bolts cut to resurface standard-size tables, as well as the cushions. Better yet, many are treated with Teflon, making cleaning spills a snap.

    Adhesives

    • These you’ll need to glue down your new felt as well as affix cushions to the rails. Most adhesives, which bond in as fast as 30 minutes, come in spray cans or bottles. The latter products can be applied with a “push-on” nozzle or paint roller.

    Cue Repair Kits

    • Don’t forget: it’s not just your table that’s at risk. Pool cues, which typically cost between $35 and $100, can also bust during play. So it’s smart to have a cue-repair kit on hand. Among the items they contain are cue tips, trimmers, clamps, sanders and cement.