Caring for Your Cue

You have spent a lot of money on a new pool or snooker cue so how do you keep it in top shape? Hopefully this short guide will help.

1. Buy a Cue Case
One thing you seriously must consider is buying a cue case, whether this is a budget soft case or a high-end aluminium case. They each have pros and cons, however all cases will offer some sort of protection. Read our Guide to Buying the Right Cue Case for more information.

2. The Five Do Nots
A common question people ask us iis if a cue will stay straight. The answer is always yes, it will, if it is treated correctly. Most of the 'five do nots' are obvious but you would be surprised how many players still do them.

- Do not subject the cue to major temperature changes (biggest cause of warping)
- Do not leave near a heat supply or radiator, even in a case
- Do not leave the cue in a car overnight or in a cold room
- Do not throw the cue around, even in a case
- Do not leave against a wall or subject the wood to stresses by leaning on it.

If you do any of these things it may void your cue's warranty.

3. Cleaning Your Cue
In the first instance to stop your cue from getting particularly grimy use a slightly damp (not wet) lint free cloth and simply rub up and down the shaft. You may want to finish it off with a dry cloth.

If your cue has become really dirty and gritty then you may want to purchase one of a number of products to clean and maintain your cue. These products will give an excellent finish to the wood and will protect and seal the cue from dirt and also help to clean away chalk residue.

On some cheaper cues you will find a layer of varnish. We advise you removee this with a suitable grade of sandpaper - try not to use too harsh a grade though as you don't want to remove any wood. Removing the varnish will give a lovely, smooth, gliding finish and stops the stickiness caused by the varnish.