Keeping Your Cue in Tip Top Condition

Added: (Wed Mar 26 2008)

Pressbox (Press Release) - 1. Buy a Cue Case
One thing you seriously must consider is buying a cue case, whether this be a budget soft case or a high-end alumunium case then they each have pro's and con's but at the end of the day all cases will offer some sort of protection.

2. The Five Do Not's
People often ask will a snooker cue stay straight, the answer is always yes if it is treated correctly, most of them are obvious but you would be surprised how many players still forget:
• Do not subject the cue to major temperature changes (Biggest cause of warping)
• Do not leave near a heat supply/radiator, even in a case
• Do not leave the cue in a car overnight or in a cold room
• Do not throw the cue around even in a case
• Do not leave against a wall or subject the wood to stresses by leaning on it
If you do anything of these things then it may void the warranty

3. Cleaning Your Cue
In the first instance to stop your snooker cue from getting particularly grimy use a slightly damp (not wet) lint free cloth and simply rub up and down the shaft. You may want to finish it off with a dry cloth.
If it has become really dirty and gritty then you may want to purchase one of a number of products to clean and maintain your cue. These products will give an excellent finish to the wood and will protect and seal from dirt and also help to clean away chalk residue.
On some cheaper cues you will find a layer of varnish, it is advised to get rid of this with a suitable grade of sandpaper - try not to use too harsh a grade though as you don't want to remove wood. Getting rid of the varnish will give a lovely smooth, gliding finish and stops the stickiness caused by the varnish.

4. Re-tipping your Cue
We often get asked either in store or via email what is the best way to tip a pool or snooker cue. Well in answer to this question we have created this small article. We hope it is of use.
Removing the old tip: to do this you need a sharp implement preferably a pen knife or Stanley knife. For best results clamp the cue so that it doesn't slip. Put electrical tape around the ferrule to prevent scratches and give a bit of protection. Place the knife between the top of the ferrule and the bottom of the tip and cut away from yourself (recommended that an adult does this). Most tips will come away fairly easily however some might require a bit of a sawing action.
Replacing the tip: Make sure that both surfaces are clean:
• Remove old glue residue
• Remove chalk residue
To do this use a light sand paper but try to keep the ferrule surface flat as if the top becomes rounded tips will be forever coming off.
Place glue onto both surfaces (a very small amount is all that is required). Billiards Boutique recommends a gel based substance like Tiger Glue or Loctite Super Glue Gel. These glues allow you to move the tip around until it is in the correct position. Apply firm pressure to the tip for around 5 minutes and then leave to dry for at least 2-3 hours (overnight for best results).
Make sure you clean up any residue glue protecting the ferrule with tape again is a good idea.