DIY Pool Cue Tip Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide + Tips!

Brennon O'Hara 18 May 2025

Ever wondered if you could fine-tune your pool game beyond just practice? You absolutely can, and it starts with mastering the art of replacing your own pool cue tip, a skill that not only saves you money but also unlocks a new level of customization and control over your equipment.

Let's face it: a trip to the repair shop for a simple cue tip replacement can easily set you back upwards of $20, and that doesn't even factor in the potential for ongoing maintenance. The reality is, with the right know-how and a few essential tools, you can take charge of your cue's performance and tailor it to your exact preferences. Imagine the satisfaction of knowing your cue is perfectly suited to your playing style, all thanks to a skill you've honed yourself.

Category	Details
Skill	Pool Cue Tip Replacement
Benefits	Cost savings, customization, improved cue performance
Essential Tools	Razor blade or sharp knife, cue tip cement, cue tip shaper, cue tip trimmer
Tip Brands	Kamui, Ultraskin, Elk Master, Blue Diamond, Talisman Pro, Taom Pro
Additional Services	Cue refinishing, wrap replacement
Reference	Seybert's Billiard Supply

Before diving in, it's crucial to understand the anatomy of a well-fitted cue tip. For optimal performance, ensure that the replacement tip you choose has the same diameter as your cue's ferrule. This precise match is key to achieving a seamless connection and consistent play.

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. The first step involves carefully removing the old, worn-out tip. For this, you'll need a razor blade or a sharp knife. Exercise extreme caution during this process to avoid any accidental cuts. The goal is to remove the old tip cleanly, along with any residual glue that may be clinging to the ferrule.

Once the old tip is gone and the ferrule is clean, it's time to attach the new pool cue tip. This is where precision and attention to detail truly matter. Applying the new tip correctly can significantly impact your game, so it's worth taking the time to do it right. Here's how the pros do it:

Begin by applying a small amount of cue tip cement to the ferrule. Spread the cement evenly to ensure full coverage, but be careful not to use too much, as excess spillage can create a messy and uneven bond. The aim is to create a thin, consistent layer that will securely hold the new tip in place.

Replacing a cue tip for the first time can seem daunting, but don't let that discourage you. Like any skill, it takes practice to master. The more you do it, the more comfortable and confident you'll become. Eventually, you'll find that you no longer need to rely on a cue repair specialist every time your tip wears out.

Speaking of choosing the right equipment, remember those "5 essential tips to choose the right pool cue" and "5 tips to keep pool cues in good condition"? These resources can provide valuable insights into maintaining your cue and optimizing its performance.

While I don't keep a massive inventory of tips on hand, I'm always happy to order whatever specific tip you might be looking for. As a Kamui authorized tip installer, I highly recommend this brand for its exceptional quality and consistency. However, I also keep a selection of Ultraskin brand tips, which are Japanese 8-layer tips that I've found to be a reliable and reasonably priced option.

Cue repairs are an unavoidable part of playing pool. From refinishing butts to addressing various other issues, repairs are simply a fact of life. That's why having the knowledge and skills to perform basic maintenance, like replacing a tip, can save you time and money in the long run.

To help you maintain your cue tip's shape, texture, and chalk-adhering properties, there are a variety of specialized pool cue tip tools and maintenance accessories available. These tools are designed to make the process of changing your pool cue tips easier and more efficient.

Seybert's Billiard Supply, for example, carries top brands like Joe Porper Products, Willard Products, and Tip Pik, among many others. These brands offer a wide range of tools and accessories to help you keep your cue in top condition.

In terms of tip options, you might find Elk Master tips for around 10, Blue Diamond tips for 12, Talisman Pro tips for 15, Elk Master Pro tips for 20, Kamui tips for 20, and Taom Pro (10mm) tips for 25. Keep in mind that the availability of Talisman Pro, Elk Master Pro, Taom Pro, and Kamui tips may vary.

There are also convenient 15-pack cue stick tip repair kits available, which typically include 6 pool cue tips, 6 pool cue repairers, 1 billiard cue clamp, 1 cue tip glue, and 1 billiards shaper. These kits offer a comprehensive solution for tip replacement and maintenance.

And the best part? No special tools are necessarily required. All you really need is a block to provide a stable surface while you work.

For more extensive repairs, such as refinishing, you can expect to pay around $225 to refinish a wrapless or no-wrap cue with one shaft, $250 to refinish a cue with Irish linen and one shaft, or $250 to refinish and maintain the original wrap with one shaft.

The Willard Tipper/Trimmer is an excellent all-in-one product for sharpening and scuffing pool cue tips. It's particularly valuable for commercial businesses that want to provide their customers with professional tipping results, as it's the only tipping machine on the market that can handle laminated tips.

This machine is designed to face off the tip and the top of the ferrule, creating the perfect surface for application. It even holds the tip in place during the gluing process, ensuring a secure and precise bond.

Using the right glue is paramount when replacing a pool cue tip. It not only prevents the tip from falling off but also maintains accuracy and consistency in your shots. The glue creates a strong bond between the tip and the ferrule, ensuring that they remain securely in place, even after countless shots.

To give you an idea of when it's time for a replacement, here's what a worn-out pool cue tip typically looks like. If your tip resembles this (or is even in worse condition), it's definitely time to replace it!

The first step in the replacement process is, of course, to remove the old pool cue tip. As mentioned earlier, you'll need a nice sharp razor blade for this task. Remember to exercise extreme caution to avoid any accidental injuries.

Don't rush when purchasing your replacement items. Take your time to research and choose the best options for your needs and playing style.

Replacing your pool cue tip might seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right approach, it's an art form that you can master right at home. By following the proper techniques and using the appropriate tools, you can achieve professional-quality results and elevate your game.

To further enhance your knowledge and skills, consider exploring resources like FCI Billiards, which offers guidance on replacing pool cue tips using the right tools and techniques.

While it's always a good idea to have a professional replace your pool cue tip, there may be times when you need to do it yourself. In such cases, following the steps outlined above will help you achieve a successful outcome.

For those with lingering questions, here are some FAQs about pool cue tip replacement:

How long does it typically take to replace a pool cue tip?

Once the new tip is firmly attached to the ferrule, the next step is to cut off any parts of the tip that are out of place with the ferrule.

Position the cue stick on a flat surface with the tip facing down, and use a sharp knife to carefully slice off any parts that are protruding from the ferrule.

At this point, the cue tip should be firmly in place on the ferrule. However, it's likely that the tip is still flat and needs to be shaped to your desired profile.

How To Replace A Pool Cue Tip? 6 Steps To Change The Pool Cue Tip For

How To Replace A Pool Cue Tip? 6 Steps To Change The Pool Cue Tip

How To Replace A Pool Cue Tip? 6 Steps To Change The Pool Cue Tip For

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DIY Pool Cue Tip Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide + Tips!

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