How To Replace A Pool Cue Tip? 6 Steps To Change The Pool Cue Tip

If you’ve ever been playing pool and noticed that your shots aren’t quite perfect or that they don’t feel quite right, you might start seeking explanations for your pool cue. The difficulty with pool cues is that cue tips can become thinner and worn down with time, resulting in miscuing. If you discover that your cue tip has the same problem, it’s time to get the pool cue tip replacement. This article will show you how to replace a pool cue tip as well as six fundamental steps for doing so on your own.

What is A Pool Cue Tip?

The pool cue tip, also known as the ferrule, is a small, circular piece of leather glued to the end of the shaft. It’s the cue part that makes contact with the cue ball.

The tip is crucial for 3 following reasons:

• Transfers energy. The tip will transfer the energy from the stroke to the cue ball. Hence,  a good tip will help you transmit that energy efficiently, which is essential for accurate shots and powerful breaks.
• Provides grip. The leather surface of the tip is naturally a bit slick, so pool cue chalk is used to increase friction and prevent the cue from slipping off the cue ball.
• Allows for spin. Applying English (twist) to the cue ball as you strike it can make it spin in different directions. The texture and hardness of the tip can affect how many spins you can impart on the ball.

Read more: best pool cue tips

6 Steps To Replace A Pool Cue Tip

Knowing how to replace a pool cue tip is not as complicated as you imagine. Let’s see the instructions below for more information:

6 Tools you’ll likely need:

• Pool cue tips replacement kit (includes sanding tools and tip shaper)
• Replacement cue tip (leather is most common)
• Sharp knife or razor blade
• Sandpaper (various grits)
• Cue tip glue
• Clamp (optional, but helpful for applying pressure)

Step 1: Remove the old cue tip

Before understanding how to replace pool cue tip:

1. Make sure you have a sharp razor blade.
2. Be careful when handling it since it can be dangerous.
3. Try to get as close to the ferrule as possible to remove the old tip.

Removing the excess glue and leather may take a few passes with the razor blade. Take your time and work slowly to avoid accidents. The sequence below will help guide you through the process.

Step 2: Clean the ferrule

Before sanding the top of the ferrule, it’s important to ensure it’s clean and level. You can use the rapid top sander with the repair kit for this. Simply place the shaft against the guide and rotate until any leftover dirt or glue is removed. Be sure to keep the sander level while doing so.

On the other hand, you can use the moisture products to clean. The glue must be on a clean, flat, ferrule surface.

Step 3: Prepare the cue tip

Before you apply the tip, it’s important to prepare it first. To do this:

1. Take your favorite tip and use sandpaper to rough up the leather glue side.
2. Lay the sandpaper on a flat surface and sand the tip until rough. This will help the glue to adhere better.
3. Once you’ve roughed up the tip, apply the supplied tip cement or your preferred adhesive (gel superglue is a great option) to the cue tip.

Step 4: Place the tip on the ferrule

This is the crucial step in how to replace tip on pool cue. You need to

1. Place the tip onto the ferrule and center it.
2. Press firmly to remove air pockets and wipe off excess glue.
3. Assemble the tip clamp and use the rubber band to hold the tip in place.
4. Use the slider to secure the clamp.
5. Wait for glue to dry for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 5: Fit the cue tip with the ferrule

The tip you buy does not always fit with the current ferrule. So you have to cut the tip to fit the diameter of your ferrule. This step will need a little patience and practice.

It is suggested to set the shaft on a firm surface with the tip down. Then, shave the sides of the tip away using your razor blade. It is easier to remove a small amount of leather at a time rather than a large amount at once. You can use your ferrule as a guide as you get closer.

Make sure you cut as straight a line as possible downward towards the table. You can polish it up even more and remove any flat spots from the razor blade using sandpaper after the tip is the same diameter as the ferrule. Make sure you don’t sand your ferrule too much.

Step 6: Shape the cue tip

Now you have a tip that is solidly glued on and has the same diameter as your ferrule, but it is most likely flat. It’s time to get it in shape. Use the tip shaper that comes with the kit or your favorite tip shaper. Sand the tip until it is the desired shape, such as a dime or nickel. In addition, you can use a piece of leather to burnish the sides of your tip to get a smooth finish.

See more: How To Fix A Broken Pool Cue Shaft In 9 Steps: In-depth Guide

FAQs

How often should a cue tip be replaced?

On average, most cue tips will last between 6 months and a year. However, some players may stick to the same tips for a year or more. It depends on the hardness, style/time of play, preference, tip care, maintenance, and tip quality. As a result, the lifespan of a cue tip is frequently a matter of player preference and habits.

Therefore, you should visually examine your pool cue tips a few times a year. From the side, have a look at your cue tip. Spin it around to get a full view of the tip. It’s time to go through the pool cue tip replacement if any part of it is worn down to within 1mm of the ferrule.

How do I know what size of tip for my cue?

The tip you choose must be at least as wide as the shaft. Standard shafts typically have a 13mm diameter at the tip end. Unless a different size is requested, most major cue manufacturers will supply these as standard. They may be able to have the shaft “turned down” to a smaller diameter in most circumstances.

The sizes available will vary from one to the next, however, they will most likely be between 11.5mm and 13mm. Tips are often available in sizes ranging from 12mm to 14mm in diameter. To match the diameter of the shaft, a broader tip must be turned down.

How much does it cost to do the pool cue tip replacement?

It will cost you around $12 to $15 of labor charge to have a cue repaired, not including the new cue tip cost. Therefore, if you can learn how to change the pool cue tip by yourself, you can save an amount of money that may be spent several times a year. Besides, you can choose the cue tip type you want and manage to install it in the way you expect.

Are Glue-On Or Screw-On Pool Cue Tips Better?

When it comes to cues, there are two types of tips you can get: screw-on tips and glue-on tips. Screw-on tips are easier to replace, making them great for communal cues in pubs or clubs. However, we recommend a glue-on tip if you buy a cue for your own use.

Conclusion

In general, learning how to replace a pool cue tip is not difficult. All you need is to follow the suggested steps and the guide. It will be costly to buy and change the cue tip frequently so try to take care of your pool cue to maintain it in good condition. When you feel your shot is not right, check the cue tip carefully to see if it needs to be replaced.

As you might be interested: What cue tip do the pros use?