Information on how to choose and replace pool table pockets, including pocket styles and mounting iron types. Leather pool table pockets are available with either #3 or #6 irons.
How do you tell which pool table pocket style you need?
#6 pocket irons are the most common irons today. They have a round post on each end of the iron that fits into the wood rail and a bolt screws into it from the bottom.
Also available are #3 irons, which have a rectangle flange that sits on top of the rail and two bolts hold them down from the bottom. Pool tables that use these styles of pocket irons are “furniture” style tables. Most newer pool tables use #6 iron pockets. Older or antique pool tables use #3 pocket irons requiring top mount pockets. These are very high-quality pockets featuring a beautiful antique brass or chrome plating on the irons.
Ball return billiard tables that return the ball to either end of the table use a modern bucket pocket. Also referred to as “modern” style tables, these tables can actually be either antique or modern style tables. These antique-style, ball return billiard tables need a gully boot attached to the bottom of the pocket. Also, the inside trim, where the ball strikes, is generally deeper into the pocket to hide the fasteners used to attach the boot. If you have the modern style ball return table, you will only need a top liner; because the gully boot is built into the table. These pocket liners are available in plastic or leather.
How do you replace pool table pockets? Replace all styles of pockets easily by removing and replacing the pocket mounting iron bolts. You either stapled or use brad nails to secure each end of pocket nets to the table frame. Also, secure pocket liners and buckets with brad nails on each side of the wood frame of the pool table. Use your old pocket as an example of how to reattach your new pockets and pocket accessories.
Please note: If your pool table is a really old table; older than 35-40 years old, these pockets will not fit your table. This is because of inconsistencies in manufacturing pocket irons during these early years.
