How to Change a Snooker Cue Tip
You can change the tip of a snooker cue to improve performance when the old one gets worn. The tips of snooker cues are made by laminating several thin pieces of leather. Snooker cue tips can be easily modified to complement the technique and playing style of the user. Rounder tips convey more spin action to the cue ball when struck. Replace an overused snooker cue tip with a new leather tip that has been properly attached and broken in.
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Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Box cutter
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Super glue
- Snooker cue tip (10 to 11 mm)
- Tip clamp (optional)
- Billiard chalk
- Snooker table and balls
Instructions
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1
Lay down a thick towel over the work surface to protect the snooker cue during the tip change.
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2
Set the snooker cue on the towel and pinch the ferrule just behind the worn cue tip. The ferrule is the metal or plastic cap at the narrow end of the snooker cue.
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3
Wedge the blade of the box cutter between the ferrule and the tip as you slowly spin the snooker cue between your fingers until the old tip comes off.
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4
Sand the end of the snooker cue to remove residual adhesive residue and flatten the surface for the next cue tip.
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5
Hold the superglue upright and squeeze the container until a small bead of glue that is slightly smaller than a bb, approximately 5 mm wide, is perched on the tip.
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6
Smear the small amount of superglue from the container onto the center of the smoothly sanded snooker cue tip.
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7
Press the replacement snooker cue tip, glue side down, gently onto the superglue until it is evenly aligned with the sides of the ferrule. Many tips have "Glue Side" printed on them to avoid a mix-up.
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8
Hold the tip onto the snooker cue with your finger for the first two minutes after attachment to let the superglue begin to set up. You can also attach a tip clamp to the end of the cue to avoid having to hold your finger in place.
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9
Allow the glue to set overnight so the tip is securely attached to the end of the snooker cue.
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10
Round the tip with the box cutter blade to give the cue better spin control if desired.
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11
Scratch the surface of the cue tip to give it better traction by lightly rubbing it with sandpaper and liberally applying billiard chalk.
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12
Strike balls gently on the snooker table for the first 20 to 30 uses of the new cue tip to properly seat it on the cue for optimum accuracy.
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Tips & Warnings
Read the markings on the side of the snooker cue or bring it with you to the store to make sure that you purchase the correct size tips.
Do not dry the superglue on the tip of a snooker cue by placing it in the sun. Exposure to high temperatures and humidity may cause a snooker cue to warp and lose its precision.
References
- Photo Credit snooker image by pershing from Fotolia.com
