How To Replace A Pool Cue Tip in 6 Steps (The Ultimate Guide In 2024)

Does your pool cue feel a little off? Missing shots or experiencing diminished control? A worn-out cue tip might be your enemy in the game! Therefore, you need to know how to install pool cue tips. Replacing your cue tip is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your game. 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from gathering the tools to shaping the perfect tip for your playing style. With a fresh tip and a little know-how, you’ll know how to replace a pool cue tip like a pro in no time!

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.

Image via Poison Cues

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.

How To Replace A Pool Cue Tip With 6 Basic Steps

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: Take Out the Old Pool 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.

Image via PoolDawg

Pro tip: Be extremely careful removing your old pool cue tip so you don’t gash the ferrule or your finger’s sides.

Step 2: Clean the Pool Cue 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 below to clean:

Image via Amazon

The glue must be on a clean, flat, ferrule surface. The Tweeten Repair Kit’s rapid top sander performs this step perfectly.

Step 3: Prepare The Pool 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: Put the Pool Cue 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.

Image via PoolDawg

Step 5: Cut and Sand the Cue Tip to the Ferrule

Cutting the tip of your shaft to fit the diameter of your ferrule may require some patience and practice. To do this, place the shaft on a hard surface with the tip down and use a razor blade to slowly shave away the sides of the tip. 

It’s best to move slowly and not remove too much leather simultaneously. You can use your ferrule as a guide when you get closer. Remember to cut straight downward towards the table. Doing this on your kitchen or dining room table is not recommended to avoid any damage. 

Image via Youtube

Once you have the tip the same diameter as the ferrule, clean it up by removing any flat spots on the razor blade using a piece of 800-grit sandpaper. However, don’t sand too much on your ferrule.

Again, be extremely careful with this step to prevent damage to your pool. Use high-grit sandpaper to perfect the final piece of the tip.

Step 6: Shape The Pool Cue Tip

If you’ve affixed your tip onto your ferrule, it’s time to shape it. You can use a tip shaper or the one provided in the kit. Sand the tip until it’s the desired shape, such as dime or nickel. Once you’ve got the desired shape, dampen one side of the tip with a little water, but not too much. Burnish the sides of the tip with a piece of leather.

Image via Billiards and Pool Principle

You now have a completed cue tip. If you don’t have access to a cue repair specialist or a lathe to install the tip, there’s no need to worry. You can do it yourself by following these steps. Your first attempts may not be perfect, but you’ll develop your techniques and improve your tip installations with practice.

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

Conclusion

And there you have it! With a fresh cue tip properly glued, shaped, and ready to go, you’ve taken a big step toward elevating your pool game. Remember to take your time during each step, particularly when shaping the tip, for optimal results. 

Hopefully, after reading his article, you will understand how to replace a pool cue tip. Now get out there, rack them up, and showcase that improved stroke and control!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Hard To Replace A Pool Cue Tip? 

No. Knowing how to fix pool stick tip is easy with some basic DIY skills and the right tools. If you take your time and follow the instructions above carefully, you should be able to do it successfully.  

However, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable, especially with the sharp tools, most pool halls or billiard supply stores offer cue tip replacement services for a fee.

How Often Do You Change The Tip On A Pool Cue? 

The hardness of the tip, frequency of play, type of chalk, and atmospheric conditions affect the tip’s performance. Typically, I replace mine once a year. I play a soft tip but will play only 20 – 30 games per week in a dry environment.

How Do You Prepare A New Pool Cue Tip? 

Before attaching the new tip, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Lightly sand the bottom of the tip to create a rough surface for better adhesion. Remove any dust or debris from the tip and ferrule using a clean cloth.

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.