Last Updated on September 17, 2022
Having trouble with your pool table’s rebound or spin? Maybe your bumpers are loose or sagging. In these cases, softening your pool table bumpers may be the answer. Let’s examine common issues with pool table bumpers and learn how to make your table’s rebound more consistent. We’ll also address problems with improper cushion installation and loose bolts. So, what should you do?
Inconsistent rebounds
If you’re constantly battling against inconsistent rebounds on your pool table, it’s time to address the problem. A poorly-installed cushion can lead to a poor rebound. It may also be the result of improper installation. It’s a good idea to seek out a certified pool table mechanic to help you resolve this issue. If your table is a secondhand model, you should check for damage and have the rails inspected. A damaged rail may cause the cushions to become loose or have a higher bounce than the original ones.
To make adjustments, you can roll the ball down the table or place a flat piece of table on the center of the table. The marble should be stationary on the flat piece of table. If you can’t reach the center, you can use the same method as above. But, you should try to stop before you reach the top part of the table. Otherwise, you might end up wasting time on the bottom half of the table.
Another thing you can try is to use a leveler. This will help to adjust the level of the table, but it is crucial that you test it on the corners. Try the leveler in the corner that’s leaning the most. If you find a weird reading, this means the floor is not level. In such cases, you can make adjustments, but you’ll have to spend more time troubleshooting.
Improper cushion installation
Although pool table bumpers are made of a hard material, improper installation can cause them to deteriorate faster. Cushions should be installed correctly to prevent the cushions from catching on the railings. The cushion’s angle should be 1 7/16 inches from the table bed. If you’re having problems with your cushions, contact a professional pool table service to have it fixed. If you’re unable to afford professional services, you can try to install them yourself with the help of YouTube.
Another major cause of a soft cushion is improper installation. A technician must properly install the cushion. Improper cushion installation can make the balls bounce less often and may even cause the balls to hop. Depending on the age and quality of your table, the cushion may not have a bounce meter. Inconsistent rebound is another problem. Cushions that are not installed properly can cause uneven ball rebound and can cause a game to stop.
It is important to check your pool table bumpers regularly. If you notice any buckling or softening in the bumpers, you should replace them. The best way to do this is to perform a Billiard Congress of America test. This test involves shooting a cue ball from a head spot to a foot spot, four times without jumping. If the bumpers are damaged, the ball may be harder to bounce and cause uneven edges. If you’re unsure how to do this, follow the video above.
Loose bolts
If you’re wondering how to loosen pool table bumpers, here’s what you need to know. When replacing your bumpers, the first step is to remove the old ones. Pull the felt bumper taut in the center of the rail. Next, use pliers to break any staples. Finally, remove the metal strip that rests on top of the rail. Remove the old felt covering from the rail. Measure the new foam bumper with a tape measure. Peel it off the wooden rail.
The good quality bumpers will last for about ten years. However, they can become loose if they are not used often. You can replace them with new ones for around $50 to $90. If you’re replacing the bumpers, you’ll need to replace the rail rubbers as well. A dozen rail rubbers will cost about $44 per piece. Bumper rubber rings are $10 to $12 per dozen.
If you don’t have a screwdriver, you can try to remove the bumpers by unscrewing the two screws that hold the table rail in place. Make sure to store the bolts safely. The railing is a complex structure, and some railings come in four parts. If it doesn’t break into four pieces, it’s better to have an assistant to help you. Additionally, some bumpers are bolted to the top frame separately, so you may need to remove them.
Sagging of the bumpers
A damaged pool table is unplayable. The sagging of pool table bumpers can be caused by a number of reasons. One of these reasons is that the table has been exposed to high temperatures. Damaged bumpers can lead to uneven edges of the table. You can test the condition of pool table bumpers by striking a ball with moderate topspin. If the ball does not jump more than one inch into the table, then the bumpers are probably in good condition.
To prevent sagging, choose a new pool table bumper. These bumpers come in different profiles. Choose one that matches the profile of your table. Typically, American pool tables use k66 profile bumpers, while snooker and billiard tables use k55 profiles. The u23 profile is thinner and smaller than k66 profile bumpers. It’s best to choose a brand that guarantees the rubber compound that it uses.
After removing the felt cover, clean and place it aside. Next, attach the bumper to the softer part of the rails. You’ll need to apply glue to the top and sides of the bumper. Make sure not to scrape the wood or it’ll fall off easily. Often, pool table bumpers are made of two materials, rubber and canvas. Make sure the rubber side is facing up, so it will be easily recognizable. Allow the cushion and bumper to set for at least 24 hours before playing.
Resiliency test
There are many ways to test the resiliency of pool table bumpers. These tests can be performed by a consumer or a professional. They include topspin tests and visual inspections. For a simple test, follow these tips:
The sound quality of a pool table cushion should be consistent throughout the table. The sound quality depends on the type of rails and frame used in the table. In general, the sound should bounce evenly and with equal force. Sound quality also varies based on the rebound speed. To eliminate any bias, the ball should be struck with the same force throughout. If the bounce is not consistent, the cushions are not resilient enough to keep the table in good condition.
Squeezing the rails
Before you begin gluing pool table bumpers on, you should decide what kind of adhesive you’ll use. 3M Super 77 adhesive is great for pool table bumpers because it’s waterproof and strong enough to stick to cloth or vinyl surfaces. This spray adheres to plastic, cloth, and metal surfaces without damaging the felt. It also dries quickly, so you don’t have to worry about leaving visible marks on the pool table.
After you have determined that the table bumpers you’ve purchased are sturdy, try hitting the ball with moderate topspin. If the ball makes a slow, unsteady stop, you’re looking for a bad bumper. Squeezing the rails of pool table bumpers will help determine if they’re in good shape or not. The bumpers should bounce the ball quickly and smoothly back onto the playing field after it hits them. If the ball comes to a stop before it bounces off, it’s probably faulty.
Squeezing the rails of a pool table is a simple process that can save you money on your new investment. Most bumpers attach to the rails with contact adhesive from 3M Scotch-Weld. To attach your bumpers, simply follow these steps. You can use a scraper or a pliers to remove the old rails. If you are not confident with this process, you can always ask a specialty retailer to do the job.
About The Author
Mindy Vu is a part time shoe model and professional mum. She loves to cook and has been proclaimed the best cook in the world by her friends and family. She adores her pet dog Twinkie, and is happily married to her books.