How to Install Pool Cue Tips

Last Updated: October 9, 2019 References

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

1
Use a razor blade, sharp knife, or pliers to either cut or pull off the old tip from the end of the cue.^{[1]
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Research source} 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.
2
Scrape off any remaining old glue from the ferrule using your blade or knife.

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3
Use 60 to 80 grit sandpaper to sand down and smooth the end of the pool cue to make the surface as even as possible.^{[2]
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4
Apply a small amount of nail polish remover to a paper towel. 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.
5
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.
6
Place the new tip flat side down on a piece of 400 to 600 fine grit sandpaper.^{[3]
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7
Use slight, but even pressure to sand the tip using the sandpaper until the tip is smooth on the back side.
8
Place the tip on the end of the cue to verify that the tip lies flat across the top of the ferrule.^{[4]
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9
Apply a few drops of glue to the top of the pool shaft. The glue should be able to completely cover the tip at the time the cue tip is applied.^{[5]
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10
Place the cue tip flat side down on the shaft and make adjustments as necessary so that the tip lines up in the center.
11
Use a paper towel to wipe away any glue residue that escapes from the sides of the cue tip and shaft.
12
Allow the shaft to sit for at least one hour or until the glue dries.
13
Use the fine grit sandpaper to gently sand the edges of the tip to make it smooth for billiards play.^{[6]
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14
Use sandpaper or a tip shaper tool to shape the cue as desired. Your pool cue will now be ready for use.^{[7]
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Community Q&A

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.
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.
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.)