skip to content

SNOOKER & BILLIARD MAINTENANCE

HOW TO FIT A NEW TIP

Requirements:

Hint: Because it takes a few frames to bed in a new tip you can hasten this process by placing the tip in a vice overnight before fitting to your cue.

Hint: In the case of a 2 piece cue, it is easier to work with the whole cue rather than just with the shaft

Hint: always use a slightly oversize tip, this makes it easier to work with and ensures true centring onto the ferrule

Place the tip onto the cue and press down, at the same time centring the tip so there is equal amount of tip overhanging the ferrule. Once centred hold in place for five minutes until superglue has taken hold.

Hint: in colder weather, before use, place tube of Superglue in warm water for a few minutes.

Turn the cue upside down with the tip placed firmly on a coaster or wooden block. Using a very sharp Stanley knife start to shave a small piece off the new tip

Hint: do not take too big a piece or the tip will go out of shape.

Take a strip (approx. 25mm wide x 250mm long) of fine sandpaper fold it at one end, place it around the tip only and gently turn the cue, this will remove the shave marks off the side of the tip leaving a good finish and more flush with the ferrule

Hint: to avoid sanding the ferrule place a piece of insulation tape around the ferrule

If any glue residue is still on the ferrule use a very fine grade of steel wool to polish the ferrule

Hint if you wish to have a softer tip after achieving the required dome shape, simply sand in a gentle upward motion a few times

Hint: Don't be frightened to use screw or strike the ball hard as this is when you want to know if the tip will stay on. You don't want it coming off during a vital comp match.

BILLIARD TABLE MAINTENANCE

Billiard Tables should be covered when not in use. This is to prevent dust settling on the playing surface which in turn will be picked up on the balls causing kicks.
The table should be brushed regularly, especially in clubs where there are lots of playing hours taking place.
During the competition season the tables should be brushed, wet blocked and ironed before each comp night.
NEVER wet the cloth too excess as this can cause the slate to soften and crumble it also causes the chalk residue which builds up under and around the spots to harden causing the balls to roll off the spots.
It is advisable not to vacuum the cloth as this can damage the slate and loosens the cloth
The chalk residue that has built up under and around the spots can be dispersed by inserting a large needle under the spots and gently moving it about to spread the residue.

BEFORE REMOVING THE COVER FROM THE TABLE DUST DOWN THE LIGHT CANOPY
Remove the table cover by folding each side into the centre of the table fold either side over the other and standing at the top of the table (black spot end) roll the cloth, pulling the cloth towards you with the nap. This ensures what dust is on the cover does not go onto the table surface. When replacing the cover roll the cloth from the baulk end this ensures that the top side of the cloth is always up. On occasions take the cover outside and give the cover a good shaking (2) two people are recommended for this.
BEFORE BRUSHING THE TABLE TURN THE IRON ON
BRUSHING: start at the baulk end brushing with the nap under the cushion rail towards a corner pocket, then brush the top of the baulk cushion rail with the nap, brushing the dust away from the playing surface. Run the bristles around the inside of the bottom corner pockets (during the brushing process, regularly remove the dust from the brush by running your fingers through the bristles, do this away from the table preferably down low so the dust won't settle back on the table)

Starting from the baulk end on one side of the table brush under the cushion rail to the centre pocket brushing the dust into that pocket, run the bristles of the brush around the inside of the centre pocket, continue brushing under the cushion rail to the top pocket.
Go back to the baulk end and brush with the nap, right to left towards the top of the table in a short sharp sweeping motion, this ensures the dust is pushed forward and not just moved under the brush. Continue this until you have reached the centre of the table.
Move to the other side of the table and repeat the process as before, remember to clean the brush regularly during the process.
Once all the dust has been pushed under the top cushion rail, brush with the nap, right to left the dust towards a corner pocket. Then brush the dust off the top cushion rail with the nap away from the playing surface.

WET BLOCKING: with a clean damp cloth wrapped around the brush or a piece of timber and going with the nap start from the baulk end of the table move it towards the top cushion rail. (Refold the cloth regularly to change to a cleaner surface). Once you have wet blocked the playing surface place the wet cloth over the cushion rail and wrapping your fingers over and under the cushion rail, always starting from the baulk end, and going with the nap, drag the cloth towards the top of the table. Continue this process on all four cushion rails.
Take the damp cloth and clean the ball rails of the pockets.
"NEVER IRON THE CUSHION RAILS"
IRONING: check that the iron is not too hot by placing on a piece of white paper if there is any sign of scorching wait a few minutes for the iron to cool down. Again starting from one side and at the baulk end move the iron over the cloth DON'T STOP as this will leave an iron mark on the cloth. When you have reached the top of the table quickly lift the iron to avoid leaving an iron mark.
Carry the iron back to the baulk end this time place the iron at an angle on the cloth surface just overlapping the first iron movement this ensures the iron doesn't leave a track mark and the angled iron covers a larger surface area. Once one side has been completed repeat the same process on the other side

CLEANING THE BALLS:It is recommended not to use furniture polish as this reduces the friction between the balls which can cause the shot to go astray.</em></strong>
Over a period of time chalk marks will appear on the surface of the balls which in turn can cause the balls to kick this happens when the chalk between the object ball and the cue ball explodes causing the balls to go off line this is why the reds and colours should not be struck with the tip of the cue (A cue ball can be easily replaced where as a red or colour cannot)
A commercial ball cleaner (Aramith Ball Cleaner) can be used or by placing the balls in a solution of warm water and white vinegar (ratio ½ cup white vinegar to ½ bucket of warm water) do one (1) set at a time so as not to mix up the sets of balls. After washing the balls thoroughly, quickly dry the balls and buff each ball, whilst wearing a pair of soft cloth gloves together with a clean dry cloth makes this job quicker and easier.