How to Install Pool Cue Tips

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When the tip of a pool cue becomes thin and worn down, you can replace and install the tip yourself to improve and maintain your billiards play. A pool cue tip can be installed using a few common household items.

Steps

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    [1] The cue tip is made entirely from leather, and is located at the end of your pool cue on top of the ferrule, which is the metal ring or cap located just under the tip.
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    [2]
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    Nail polish remover contains acetone, which is a solvent that will help remove and dissolve any remaining glue and leftover residue from the old tip.
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    Wipe any remaining residue from the cue tip and bottom shaft areas using the paper towel to prepare for the installation of a new pool cue tip.
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    [3]
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    [4]
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    The glue should be able to completely cover the tip at the time the cue tip is applied. [5]
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    [6]
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    Your pool cue will now be ready for use. [7]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What is the proper shape of a cue tip?
    Community Answer
    Round and chalky, with a slight convex to add to grip on the white ball. Cheaper tips are fatter and not as accurate. Pro tips are slim, accurate and allow cleaner striking of the cue ball.
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  • Question
    What kind of glue should I use?
    Community Answer
    A good quality regular super glue, or better yet, a gel glue like Loc-Tite. Tiger glue is also good quality.
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  • Question
    How do I remove the white ends on cues to replace them with new tips?
    Community Answer
    Well, if you have a fancy tool like a lathe, you can "turn it down" (to the underlying wood). I don't have a lathe, so what I've done (on several cues now) is to use a file and file one side of the ferrule (that's the white end you mentioned) flat until the wood just barely shows, and then I can start to wiggle the ferrule and get it off. (At least once I actually did this on two sides of the ferrule, which may be necessary on occasion.)
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      Things You’ll Need

      • Razor blade or sharp knife
      • Pliers
      • 60 to 80 grit sandpaper
      • 400 to 600 fine grit sandpaper
      • Nail polish remover
      • Paper towels
      • Cyanoacrylic glue in gel form

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX2pKoHe9Y0
      2. ↑ https://www.pooldawg.com/article/pooldawg-library/replacing-a-pool-cue-tip
      3. ↑ https://www.billiardsdigest.com/all_about_pool/cue_maintenance.php
      4. ↑ https://www.pooldawg.com/article/pooldawg-library/replacing-a-pool-cue-tip
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dALzTPQWJg
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dALzTPQWJg
      7. ↑ http://www.dkgameroomoutlet.com/blog/2013/09/25/how-to-change-a-billiards-cue-tip/

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