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You are busy enjoying your game of pool, and accidentally your cue shaft breaks. Or maybe you are in the market searching for an extra cue shaft. In any case, if you own a cue stick, it is only wise that you keep extra or spare cue shafts. They may come in handy in an event that you break one.
So, are cue shafts interchangeable? Yes, you can interchange cue shafts. However, there is no one size fits for all because most cues come in different sizes. Additionally, the screws joining them may be of different thread size. Thus, if you have to interchange shafts, you must find one that fits.
This article looks at pool cue shafts interchange, maintenance, and other related question. Keep reading for deeper insight.
Is It Necessary to Own a Pool Cue?
Some people love to play pool regularly. Some even have a pool table at home. Now, if you fall under this category, then it goes without say that you will own one or more cue sticks. In fact, it is better to have an extra cue so that if you are having friends over, you do not have to share the same cue.
Components of a Pool Cue
A pool cue has three parts: the bottom handle, the tip, and the shaft. All the three are important, and one cannot be without the other. The handle holds the stick. The shaft ensures a precise shot. The tip targets, hits and directs the ball.
Understanding Shafts and Cue Joints
Before we get to the issue of interchanging pool shafts, let us first see how the shaft connects to the rest of the cue stick parts and the pin used. Now the size of pin is what determines if a certain shaft can be interchanged with the other.
There are many kinds of pins that can be used to attach the butt to the shaft. The size of these pins is determined by measuring threads per inch and the diameter. Speed-Loc, Uni-Loc and Radial are brands of certain pin types; however, they do not meet the standard measurements.
The commonly used collars are Phenolic, stainless steel, and other synthetic plastics. Nevertheless, the wood-to-wood joints don’t have collars. For aesthetics, the collar may have some decorative rings with intricate designs.
When buying a shaft, it is advisable to find out whether it has flat joint, whether the place where the shaft and butt meet is piloted or flat, and whether there is a nub.
All the above factors are critical in knowing what shaft is interchangeable with yours. All you have to do is place your cue stick’s rear shaft on the bottom handle. If you see the screw turning without much force or difficulty, then you are in luck. The two different cue parts can be interchanged.
How Do You Interchange Pool Cue Parts?
As already said, a cue shaft may break by accident. You do not want to be caught unaware. Thus, when buying a cue stick, you may go ahead and buy extra shafts.
Since pool cues are not the same size, for interchangeability purposes, examine your cue stick at the joining section. This way you will purchase a shaft that will fit properly.
One thing to note is that interchange can only be done on 2-piece cue sticks. 1-piece cue sticks remain like that. If it breaks, you can only buy a new one.
When interchanging, simply separate the two pieces. Take the one with a bottom handle and connect it to the shaft that you wish to replace with.
Although the tip and handle may come later, the shaft comes first in determining the quality of a cue stick. Thus replacing a bad quality one with a superior one will definitely make a difference in the game.
Note that after the interchange, there may be some issues such as bottom handle vibration. However, this will stop with time as you get used to your new stick.
Tips for Cue Shaft Interchangeability
You want to ensure that you are doing the interchange right. The following tips will be helpful.
- You can buy a cheaper cue as an add-on to the table, which you can always switch shafts to enhance playability.
- When purchasing, it makes sense buying a 2-piece cue stick in case you feel the need of interchanging whenever you want. A 1-piece stick cannot be interchanged, and in this case, it will be an inconvenience to you.
Given that most people love to use a certain specific pool cue, owning one would be a convenience. In any case, if the shaft breaks, then you can interchange and still have your handle intact. Moreover, your game will still be top-notch.
Pool Cue Shaft Maintenance
For a pool owner or player, the cue is a very important investment, thus proper maintenance is necessary. The following tips will ensure proper shaft maintenance.
- For ash cues, use linseed oil to clean them. Then wipe down the oil using a non-abrasive piece of cloth.
- For cues with varnished shafts, start the cleaning with a 240-grade sandpaper then swiftly switch to 600-grade one and finish off with a 120-grade. After sanding, do not forget to oil the cue.
- Inspect all joints thoroughly to ensure you don’t leave any dirt behind. Any remaining dirt can be removed with a 1200 and 600-grade sandpaper.
- Pores on a wooden shaft allow for debris and oil to be trapped in the cue, making it sticky. Burnishing will close the pores, thus preventing stickiness. Burnishing involves rubbing the cue using a cue slicker. This rubbing causes friction, which in turn heats and expands the shaft. Consequently, the pores will close.
- The same process above can be applied smoothen any mushrooming tips and harden the outer surface.
- Any dents on the shaft should be repaired before the commencement of any game. One way of dent elimination is rubbing a glass or plastic rod over the dent. Then proceed to sand it to the level of the rest of the shaft parts.
Overall Pool Cue Maintenance
The shaft is not the only part of the cue that needs maintenance. The whole cue stick must be maintained because neglecting one part equals zero work. The tips below will come in handy in general pool cue maintenance.
- Storage– whenever the cue is not in use, dismantle the pieces and store them in the cue case. This will protect the cue from getting scratches, dents, and nicks. Additionally, keeping your cue in its case like this mitigates the probability of warping. Good cases are even lined with some foam to absorb excess moisture, thus protecting your cue. Avoid putting your cue against any hard surface such as the wall. With time, the cue will bend. Also, keep the stick away from heat.
- Chalking– chalking is a sure way of keeping the cue shaft new and at the same time improving your game. There is proper way of chalking the cue. Put the chalk in an angle such that you have a flat surface. For new chalk, do not let the tip dig deep. Rub the cue tip slightly on the chalk. Avoid grinding or spinning onto the tip.
Related Questions
What do you do if your pool cue does not have the same connector as the other?
Sometimes you may want to interchange shafts, only to realize that the connectors do not match. The best thing to do is buy an adapter. With an adapter, you can connect two parts of different cues that do not match.
Do we have different types of pool cues?
Today, there are many different types of cue sticks available in the market. They come in many classifications, the major one being fiberglass pool cues and wooden pool cues. If you are in the market searching for a pool cue, then you may be lost for choice, especially if you are a beginner.
See Also: Fiberglass vs. Wood Pool Cue: Which Is Better
How do you make a warped cue straight?
It is possible to straighten a warped cue by yourself. The first method is hanging it vertically from the ceiling and leaving it for some time. The curves will straighten naturally thanks to the force of gravity.
The second way is dealing with the problem directly. Hold the cue straight with the tip touching the ground at an angle of 60 degrees. Touch the shaft and identify any bumps. Suppress them by pressing gently using your hands. If you press with a lot of force, you may break the cue stick. With this method, if you are not sure, you may as well leave the cue stick as it is because a little mistake and the stick will warp more or worse still break.
Why is it advisable to use pool cue chalk?
When you use chalk, it increases the friction between the ball and the cue tip. This friction mitigates slipping and missing of shots. Cue ball grip is enhanced.
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