How do I protect my pool table while letting my 3 year old grandson use the pool stick?

Question

My grandson is 3 years old, turning 4 later this year. He just loves my pool table, so I try to allow him to play. He does a pretty good job, but still scratches across the felt sometimes. He has not torn or damaged it yet, but it would be just a matter of time if I left him continue like he does. Years ago I had seen a sleeve (I believe it was foam wrapped in vinyl) that slipped onto the end of the stick. It allowed kids to still ht the ball, but prevented the table felt from damage. Does anyone know where I might be able to get one of these sleeves or have any other ideas to protect my table and still allow my grandson to have a good time. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi Bob,

   I think it is great and very brave of you letting your grandson play on your pool table...I really don't know to much about this ...if you can't find the sleeve you are looking for .....have your thought about getting him a pool table of his own...little tikes use to make a wonderful little pool table...the cue sticks and balls are just their size....and with your grandson being so young he could use the table for many years ..by the time he grows out of it...he should be old enough to play on your table without damaging it....and who knows...you might end up with a pool shark on your hands = )

a lot of times if you watch your local paper you can end up getting a used one pretty cheap...

best of luck to you and your future pool shark.....

Answer 2

Leftfield 360 does have a pretty good idea...but if you don't wanna spend that much money...as a suggestion,(and yea, it's a funny, but useful one)..cut the finger tip off a glove and tape it to the cue stick...if you don't have one of those kiddy gloves, then just get one of those plastic ones used to prepare food..and tape it on securely...but don't use that tape that'll leave a residue when you take it off...scotch tape should work :) :)...........haha...just a suggestion :P Dre O

Answer 3

When I was very young my dad bought an old coin-op for me.

He set it up for direct ball return and took the legs off so it was just the right height for a small child. It was such a good idea I did the same for my daughter years later.

PS these tables are cheap and easy to recover with an inexpensive cloth.

Luck

K

Answer 4

I have never seen a cloth getting damaged with the tip of a cue before it was due. If your cloth is getting really thin and so loose that you can make wrinkles by rubbing with the hand back and forth you should replace it anyway. Just let the little guy play if he is enjoying it so much. He'll be a force to reckon with :-)

Do you have an extra short cue for him? How can he reach the table? Standing on a chair?

Answer 5

Foam pipe ???

Sorry folks Think I will sit this one out Man O Man

Answer 6

put a mat or blanket over the pool table and let him play on top of the blanket..it really isn't worth getting ur pool table destroyed or scratched up bc he wants to play with the stick.. just put a blanket over it

Answer 7

It sounds like you could make one with some foam pipe sleeves at Home Depot.

Answer 8

hay am in new jerseyif u can call qball billards in vineland nj its a pool room there maybe he can help dont know what too tell u hes a pro jose 609-6918789 used too be not sure

Answer 9

Leftfield360 is on the ball. Buy him a small one that he can reach and you can both play with out any worries. Check around, small tables are around. Good Luck

Answer 10

put some saran wrap over it :)