How Do I Size My Cue for Replacement Tips?

Finding the right cue tip is imperative to help control the speed, angle and consistency of the billiard balls that you strike. There are many brands out there that offer quality cue tips. Whether you choose single- or multiple-layered leather, phenolic (resin) or glass epoxy, it is vital that you find the right size replacement tip. You can have a professional re-tip your cue, or you can find the right size and do it yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • Utility knife
  • Ruler
  • 100-, 300-, 400-, 500- and 600-grit sandpaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a utility knife to cut off the old tip. Make the cut where the tip meets the ferrule (the end of the cue stick).

    • 2

      Smooth the end of the ferrule, using a rough grade of sandpaper. Make sure that you sand this area perfectly flat; otherwise, when you put the replacement tip on, it will not stay on, and you will have an uneven tip.

    • 3

      Use a ruler to measure the diameter of the ferrule in millimeters. This diameter will determine the size of your replacement tip. You should purchase a tip as close to this size as possible, without being too small. The standard replacement tip is 13 millimeters, but they can also be found from 11-½ to 14 mm in diameter. If you have to, buy a size bigger and cut it down with a utility knife once you have glued it onto the ferrule.

    • 4

      Shape the tip as needed. Use 300-grit sandpaper for rough edges (if you cut the cue to make it the right size), then progress through 400- 500- and 600-grit sandpaper to make it smooth. If you are just shaping the tip, use 100-grit to get the curvature that you desire.