Storage: Protect Your Cue From Damage

Cues are made from natural wood. That means they’re sensitive to heat, cold, humidity, and pressure. Warping is almost always caused by incorrect storage.

• Always store your cue in a solid, padded cue case.
• Never lean it against walls or leave it lying on uneven surfaces.
• Avoid hot or cold areas like cars, garages, or near windows and heaters.

A quality cue case is your first and best defence against warping or damage.

Cleaning: Don’t Use Water — Use the Right Products

Water is not suitable for cleaning cues. Even a slightly damp cloth can remove oil finishes, raise the grain, and leave your shaft feeling rough or uneven.

Instead, use professional-grade cleaning products designed specifically for cues:

Volkan Clean
Formulated to remove chalk, oil, and dirt without damaging the shaft. Safe for all cue finishes. Use with a lint-free cloth — just a few drops is all it takes to lift built-up grime from your cue.

Volkan Fast & Play
This is your go-to shaft treatment for a super-smooth glide. It improves feel instantly and leaves the cue feeling quick and clean through your bridge hand. Ideal for regular use.

Volkan Wax
Use occasionally to seal and protect the shaft surface after cleaning. It adds a light protective layer and enhances smoothness without creating a sticky feel.

Cue Silk Shaft Conditioner
A proven industry product that leaves your cue feeling polished and slick. Great for both sealed and oiled cues.

Use any of the above with a soft microfiber or lint-free cloth. Always follow up with a dry buff to ensure the finish feels consistent and clean.

Oiling: Restoring Natural Feel to Ash or Maple

If your cue has a naturally oiled finish (most ash and maple cues), it will dry out over time. Regular re-oiling helps maintain feel, prevents dryness, and protects against warping.

Eagle Cues Cue Oil
Made from a premium raw linseed oil blend. Apply a few drops to a soft cloth and work into the shaft with light pressure. Let it sit overnight, then wipe off any excess and buff to a clean finish. Do not over-oil — once every few months is usually enough.

Avoid furniture oil or household alternatives — they’re not designed for cue wood and can cause more harm than good.

Joint Care: Keep Your Cue Connecting Smoothly

If your cue is jointed (3/4 or mini-butt), check and clean the joint every so often. Dust, chalk, and pocket fluff can cause poor fit or clicking sounds.

• Use a dry cloth or cotton swab to clean inside and around the joint.
• For metal joints, you can lightly use 0000-grade wire wool to remove any grime — but only with care.
• Never oil the joint.

If your joint feels loose or rattles during play, we can assess and service it for you.

Ferrule & Tip: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The ferrule is the collar that supports your tip. If it’s loose, cracked, or uneven, your cue won’t perform properly.

• Check regularly for signs of movement, chipping, or odd sounds.
• Clean it with a product like Volkan Clean — never sand it or scrape it.
• Replace tips before they wear too low or become hard and glazed.

Using a dead tip doesn’t just affect play — it can cause ferrule damage over time.

See our Replacing a Cue Tip guide for full step-by-step instructions.

Checking for Straightness

Rolling a cue on the table isn’t accurate. Instead:

• Hold the cue like a rifle and sight down the shaft.
• Slowly rotate and watch the tip and ferrule.
• Look for consistent taper and signs of bowing.

Many cues that roll unevenly are actually straight — and vice versa. Let us check it in store if you’re unsure.

Final Reminders

• Never hit the floor or table with your cue.
• Keep your hands clean during play.
• Avoid letting others use your cue unless you trust them.
• Respect your cue, and it will reward you.

Our full range of cue care products is available online and in store. If you have questions about maintenance or want help choosing the right product for your cue, we’re always happy to help.

This guide will be updated regularly as better treatments and techniques become available. We want this to be the go-to care guide for players in Australia and around the world.