You have just settled in at the bar with your drink when an interesting game of pool between two teams who obviously don’t know each other very well begins. As they start to rack up, you notice that one team has a worn-out tip on their pool cue. Now you must ask yourself – should the opposing team call them out for it?
The answer is no – but before explaining why, here are some facts about cues and tips:
· A “tip” is another name for the piece of leather (or other material) attached to the end of a cue. If you want to get technical it is actually called “ferrule”.
· Cues need to be replaced, like any other piece of sporting equipment. The tips need to be replaced regardless of how often you play with your pool cue, because the tip will eventually become misshapen and lose its ability to hold chalk or withstand impact.
· You can extend the life of a worn-out tip by routinely replacing it, re-shaping it (if necessary), and applying “tip glue”. This is especially helpful when you are in the middle of a tournament or league game that does not allow time for routine maintenance. However, if your replacement process gets interrupted for too long – whether you are caught up at work, traveling for business etc., then there is nothing you can do but call it quits on that pokey little piece of leather.
· If you play with soft and/or worn out tips, the shaft and butt of your cues will wear down. So it is in your best interest to replace them when necessary – especially when playing for money or trophies. Replacing a worn-out tip on your cue might only cost $10-20; replacing the entire cue can cost much more (and there goes that trophy).
Conclusively, if you are caught up in the moment and don’t notice that a tip needs replacement, then by all means continue playing. Just make sure to replace it as soon as possible so that no further damage is done to the shaft or butt of your pool cue (which may lead to higher maintenance and replacement costs).
Do cue tips dry out?
In short, yes. A tip can dry out from being left alone for a prolonged period of time or from being accidentally knocked off the table and stepped on by a clumsy pool player. It is best to keep your cue in a protective case – but even then accidents do happen.
When should I replace my pool cue tip?
The truth is that you have already replaced it several times before reading this article. Well actually, that’s not true…but you should replace it as soon as possible! Depending on the level of wear, if you notice any dents or indentations on your tips (usually visible when viewed from above) then the chances are they will affect your playing experience and ultimately put an end to those “tight pockets”.
Are screw-on cue tips good?
Yes, screwing on a tip (or screwing it up) can make for fast and easy cue maintenance. However, there are several factors you need to consider before deciding to use this type of tip:
· The weight does not adjust easily – if your pool playing styles changes often or you like tinkering with your equipment;
· It is not as durable as other types of tips. Pool players who play frequently might want to invest in a quick-release “screw-less” tip which makes cue replacement easier. You have more options to choose from when replacing the entire shaft/butt assembly instead of just the worn out tip – see below for more information on how to do so.
How do I know when to replace the pool cue tip?
You can tell when it’s time to replace your tip by the sound of “clicking” which you hear while playing. If you want to get technical, this is known as “plop-and-sting”. It will definitely affect your game if you do not address it – especially if you play in a competition or care about winning money. You should probably take a look at the tips on the shaft and butt of your cue too…
How do I replace my pool cue tip?
There are several methods for removing worn-out tips: one popular method involves using an object with a dull blade (such as a butter knife) and rotating it around and underneath the ferrule. If you use a screwdriver to pry the tip-off, be very careful not to damage the shaft or ferrule.
When replacing your cue tips do so with care. Keep in mind that these things get used and abused! If it does get damaged during play (and you did not cause the damage), then it is time for a replacement. Some players like to keep an extra extension of their original cue tip on hand just in case one gets damaged while playing.
How do I re-shape my pool cue tip?
rn about proper maintenance by visiting this page: Care and Maintenance Tips for Pool Cues. We have written articles giving you valuable information on how often to replace your pool cues, what tools are best when maintaining them, and how to determine when it is time for a replacement.
Thanks for reading! LearningPoolFaqs.com offers tons of helpful information to players, whether they are just getting into the game or have decades of experience. We hope you read our FAQs before asking your question in a pool room or on a website – then again, you never know who may be able to help out…
