On a typical bar box table such as a Valley there is a clean-out door located at the end of the table but a key is needed to open it. If you can't reach the chalk you'll need to remove the 6 rails and the slate which then allows access to the inside of the table.
Friction. The movement of the rolling pool balls does no damage to the pool felt. However, the pool balls accumulate pool chalk that is very abrasive. The pool chalk accumulated on the balls and dropping on to the felt both result in tearing of the felt fibers as balls are struck or slide on the table. Occasionally balls bounce or are jumped on the table, resulting in even more damage. Damaged felt is a part of playing pool.
To play pool, you need a pool table, pool cues (sticks), and a set of pool balls. Optional equipment includes a rack for organizing the balls and chalk for cue tip maintenance.
What will make your game room awesome will depend a lot on your style. The must have accessories for a pool table are cues, chalk and a pool cue holder.
cue chalk
Leather is used for the cue tip, and pool chalk is used to provide more friction against the cue ball. Pool chalk is an abrasive using materials found in sandpaper. It is not a form of chalk.
It is called chalking the cue. The pool chalk is an abrasive, not chalk, and provides more frictin between the cue ball and the cue tip.
Pool chalk serves multiple purposes. The chalk allows the tip to become softer, so there is less chance of breaking the tip, and the most important thing chalk does is put English on your cue ball. If your not very good at pool and you go to the YMCA to play, you really don't need chalk, but to be good you need chalk to be able to put English on your ball to make easier shots.
Fixing a pool table ball return involves clearing obstructions (chalk, objects), checking/adjusting the magnetic cue ball separator (if coin-op), ensuring the pocket liners/rubber bumpers aren't worn out (replacing them with vinyl/felt), and sometimes DIY adjustments to levers/rods or installing simple baffles (like pool noodle pieces) for balls getting stuck in the rails, often requiring you to lift the slate or remove rails for full access. Clear Obstructions & Check Simple Fixes Look for foreign objects: Use a flashlight and a grabber tool to remove chalk, plastic markers, or other items dropped into pockets or the return path. Check the coin mechanism (if applicable): Remove the ball view door and check the ball catch tray and lever to see if it's jammed or stuck. Inspect for chalk buildup: Clear any chalk dust or buildup in the ball return channels. For Magnetic Cue Ball Separation Issues (Coin-Op) Verify the Cue Ball: Make sure you're using a magnetic cue ball; test it with a strong magnet. Check the Magnet: Open the ball return, locate the magnet holder, and test its strength with a metal object. Replace the magnet if weak. Adjust Magnet Position: Ensure the magnet holder is flush with the return path. If too far in, it can't catch the cue ball; too far out, and all balls might go to the trap. For Stuck Balls in Rails/Return Path Bumpers & Liners: Old rubber bumpers harden and cause balls to bounce out or get stuck. Replace them with new vinyl tubing or felt for smoother returns. DIY Baffles: String bungees across the top of the rail and drape fleece or felt strips over them to create soft baffles that catch stray balls. Adjust Rails/Skirts: On some tables, removing bolts to lift the skirts and adjust the rail angle can fix issues where balls ride up. toolgifs Reddit • Nov 1, 2025 Deeper Repairs (Requires Slate Removal) Access the Channels: For persistent blockages or significant wear, you might need to remove the pocket bolts, rails, and slate to fully access and repair the internal return channels, including the central wall. Replace Worn Parts: Replace damaged vinyl tubing, springs, or other small components within the return system. Pro-Tip: For older tables, worn rubber and plastic parts are common culprits. Replacing these with new material (like vinyl or felt) offers a significant improvement and noise reduction, according to this Reddit post. You can watch this video to see how to disassemble a pool table to access the ball return system:
It was not a pool table if it only had 4 pockets if it was made since about 1800. A 4 pocket table is most likely a bumper pool table.
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The sport of pool or pocket billiards uses chalk and pockets.
If there is no mark on the rails, the table is not marked. It is possible that there are markings or tags that can be found when you take the table apart, but this is not likely. Many pool tables are not marked by the manufacturer.