Most pool table pockets are made using leather straps formed in a basket shape. These baskets are sewn or riveted to leather surrounding the pocket irons. Over time, the leather can become dry and brittle causing the straps to snap. This breakage can leave your pool table’s balls on the floor.
Though you can purchase an entirely new set of six pockets, many customers choose to have their leather pockets re-netted. This process can be done with either fringed (shown below) or shield type covers. Repairing the pockets is a great way to keep the look of the table true to its original style, and can often be less expensive than buying a new set.
Installing New Nets
The old nets are removed from the main part of the pocket. Our example below had rivets that had to be popped out in order to detach the straps. Access is obviously easier with a pool table disassembled and pockets removed, but could possibly be done while still assembled. The new nets are attached using a combination of existing holes from rivets and newly punched ones. Sewn baskets must have their thread carefully cut, then new holes punched.
The new nets are secured to the old pocket body using zip-ties and nimble fingers. This set of pockets had faded fringe that had begun to unravel a bit. We carefully removed the old fringe and glued on replacement fringe. Shielded pockets would not require this step, nor would pockets with fringe that is in good condition.
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Old Pocket w Fringe -
Broken Leather Billiard Pocket -
Remove Baskets Nets -
New leather net -
New Leather Net -
New Pocket fringe with fancy Bullion
Re-pocketing a pool table typically occurs in conjunction with a major overhaul service including new cushion rubber and felt. An aging table can be brought back to life with some TLC. David will leave you to love looking at and playing on your old pool table again.
What type of thread did you use to sew the leather basket back onto the pocket shield?
zip ties can be used in place of rivets by punching holes in new baskets and flaps of leather on the pocket.
I need my pockets replaced are you able to do it?
Give us a call to determine what services we can offer. We need to figure out if you’re local. :)
We have a 1914 Wellington pool table and the pockets need to be replaced. The table is currently disassembled giving us a window to send the pockets out for replacement. We want the pockets reassembled as original. Can you do this and what would be the cost? Thanks for the information! Regards, Doyle Tinkey
Doyle, are you referring to the leather netted part of the pool table pocket?
If so you should be able to drop off the set of pockets to me to redo.
However if you’re referring to the entire pocket iron needs to be rewrapped then I would refer you to a company out of Albany, NY called Bankshot Antiques.
Best wishes, David Kay.