Before we dive deep into how to change pool cue tip, let’s learn what a pool cue tip is. A cue tip is a small leather tip glued on the top of the ferrule of the pool cue stick. These cue tips have varying hardness and curvature.
The normal curvature for cue tips is the radius of a dime and nickel. The tip end of the cue can have a variety of diameters, often ranging from 9 millimeters up to 14 millimeters, with pool cues having a diameter of 12-13 millimeters and snooker cues having a diameter of 9-10 millimeters.
Why Do We Need Cue Tips?
The cue tip is the essential part of the pool cue stick. When you make a shot, the object makes contact with the pool balls. The cue tip’s type, density, and size can make or break your game.
Let’s understand the types of cue tips:
Types of Cue tips
The hardness or the density of the cue tip plays a significant role in how your shot performs. There are basically four types of cue tips.
Soft Tip:
It takes in more energy during impact, which forces the tip to remain on the ball for more than a fraction of a second at a time. Consequently, the cue ball has more spins or “English.” However, softer tips tend to require more maintenance than the other types.
If you enjoy playing around the pool table with the cue ball, this is the option that will serve you best.
Medium Hard Tip:
This is the most prevalent sort of cue tip. The medium complex type of cue tip offers the player a combination of consistency and control over the cue ball. Also, these tips require less maintenance in comparison to the softer ones.
Hard Tip:
The cue ball has less spin because it is able to absorb less energy when it is struck. This results in more miscues. The hard cue tip requires low maintenance and lasts longer. It provides some consistency over the cue ball.
Phenolic Tip:
Phenolic tips are made of carbon fiber, and their abrasion resistance is comparable to that of the cue ball.This type is mainly used for breaking. It transfers the maximum energy on contact and requires almost no maintenance.
Therefore, selecting the appropriate type should be based on the manner in which you play.
The next query that arises is on the rationale for the necessity of switching the cue tip. The answer is very plain. A worn-out cue tip results in miscues that affect your gameplay. That is why cue stick and cue tip maintenance are required.
How to Change Pool Cue Tip: Ways to Change a Cue Tip
Well, there are three different ways to change the tip on a.
⮚ Seeking professional help:
Leaving it to the professional might be the best idea if you are not confident enough to replace the cue tip properly. Although the costs are high compared to the do-it-yourself method, it is a sure shot method to get the perfect cue stick before the game.
⮚ Using a cue repair toolkit:
Cue repair toolkits are readily available in markets. These are a great help for someone new to replace the cue tip. The instructions on these kits are easy to follow and can make the task much more accessible.
⮚ Do it yourself:
You can use this method when a game is approaching, and your cue repair person is unavailable. It may sound complicated for a newbie, but I got you. You can follow these steps and use YouTube as a reference for DIY by using a few household items.
How to change pool cue tip: A step-by-step
After playing for a considerably long time, the pool cue tip may wear out. Correctly replacing a pool cue tip is simple.
How to change a tip on a pool cue? Here are six steps to replace the cue tip easily.
1. Removing the old cue tip:
Remove the old tip from the cue end with a razor blade or a sharp knife. Get as close to the ferrule as possible without damaging it. Take your time and be careful not to cut yourself while removing the old tip.
2. Cleaning the ferrule:
To prepare the end of the ferrule, use a sharp knife or 80-grit sandpaper to scrape off any remaining glue on the top of the ferrule. Check that the ferrule is clean and flat.
Be careful Take cautious not to scrape off too much of the ferrule. l not to scrape too much of the ferrule. This may cause air pockets under the cue tip and might cause the tip to fall off. Use a damp paper towel to wipe of any dirt.
3. Preparing the cue tip:
Place the back of the new tip flat on 400 to 600 fine-grit sandpaper.Sand the cue tip with equal pressure to roughen it up so the adhesive has something to stick to. Also, score the tip end with a razor blade.
Apply a small amount of a strong adhesive or cue tip cement on the flat side of the tip.
4. Placing the tip:
It’s important to press down forcefully on the tip when it’s in the middle of the ferrule to get rid of any air bubbles that might occur. Use a paper towel to wipe off the excess glue that may get out of the side of the ferrule.
Allow the super glue to dry for a considerable amount of time.
5. Cutting the cue tip:
You must take great caution while performing this step. After the glue has dried, cut off any parts of the tip that stick out past the diameter of the ferrule. To do this, lay the cue stick on a flat surface with the tip down and use a sharp knife to cut off any parts of the tip that stick out.
Do not try to take too much leather off. Slice off small pieces of leather and use the ferrule as a guide to get it into the appropriate size.
6. Shaping the cue tip:
Your cue tip has been securely positioned, and its diameter is the same as that of the ferrule; nonetheless, it is most likely flat. Shape the tip using a tip shaper. Sand it until you get the desired shape. You can also shape the sides of the tip that are protruding.
Your desired pool cue tip is ready to use. Replacing the cue tip for the first time can be challenging.
Read our popular article How Much Does A Pool Table Cost In 2022?
How to change pool cue tip: The cost
If you want to get your pool cue tip replaced professionally, then the average charge lies between the $12 to $15 range. You can also replace it using a cue tip repair kit in the same price range.
However, replacing the cue tip yourself would be a much cheaper option. Most of the tools required, like a knife, razor blade, and sandpaper are household items and are easily accessible.
Takeaway
The task of changing the pool cue tip is easier than thought to be. Even though it takes some practice to get the perfect cue tip, it is well worth it. With the 6 steps above easily , you can replace the older cue tip withe with ease.
And once you become a pro at changing it, you might not need your local cue repair person at all. It is also the least expensive option compared to the other two. This concludes how to change pool cue tips.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How often should you change your pool cue tip?
Ans: There is no set time frame that can be used to determine how frequently you should change the tip of your cue. It depends on how worn out the cue tip is. If the thickness of the cue tip wears down to that of a dime, then you might want to replace it. Otherwise, it increases the chance of miscues.
For soft cue tips, frequent replacement is required as they wear out quite quickly. Unlike soft cue tips, medium and hard cue tips require less frequent replacement.
2. Which cue tip is the best?
Ans: The type of cue tip that suits you the best depends on your style of playing. If you like applying spin to the cue balls, then softer tips might be your best option. The medium tips offer control over the ball.
The best cue tip in durability is the phenolic cue tip as it requires almost no maintenance and also provides consistency and control over the pool balls.
3. How long does it take for the cue tip glue to dry?
Ans: The time taken for the glue on the cue tip to dry depends on how strong the adhesive is. Super glue or cue tip cement requires approximately 10 to 15 minutes to dry. But regular glue might take an hour or so to dry.
It is advised to use stronger adhesive so as to prevent the cue tip from falling off later.
4. Do pro players use soft tips?
Ans: Yes, pro players tend to use soft cue tips as applying spin to the cue ball is facilitated by softer tips. But they do wear out faster.
An alternative to that is using the medium cue tips. They are the most commonly used tips as they provide consistency and control over the cue ball and also do not wear out as quickly as compared to the soft tips.