Changing your cue tip properly is one of the most important maintenance tasks in cue sports. A well-fitted tip improves cue ball control, reduces miscuing, and allows you to get the most out of your game. Whether you're replacing a worn tip or upgrading to a high-performance model like a Century Pro, this guide gives you clear, step-by-step instructions to get it right.

Choosing the Right Tip

Tip choice affects feel, grip, spin, and consistency. At The Snooker Shop, we recommend Century Pro Cue Tips for most players — available in G1 (soft), G2 (medium-soft), G3 (medium), and G4 (medium-hard). These tips are pressed leather and deliver exceptional feedback and control.

Other high-performance tip brands are available too — but no matter what you choose, the quality of the installation will have a huge impact on performance.

Tools You’ll Need

• Super glue (gel-based, e.g., Gorilla Glue Super Glue Gel)
• Scalpel or sharp hobby knife (new blade recommended)
• Tip trimmer or file
• Fine sandpaper or tip-shaping tools (800 grit and up)
• Masking tape
• Clean, flat surface

Step-by-Step: Removing the Old Tip

1. Use a sharp scalpel to carefully cut away the old tip. Avoid digging into or damaging the ferrule.
2. Once the old leather is removed, shave off any remaining glue by gently rotating the cue and using the flat of the blade.
3. The goal is a flat, smooth ferrule surface — do not sand aggressively or use files that can alter the ferrule's shape.

Preparing the New Tip

1. Use 800-grit dry sandpaper placed on a flat surface.
2. Rub the bottom of the tip in a figure-8 motion to expose fresh leather fibres.
3. Stop once the base is completely flat and clean.
4. Never score, cut, or gouge the bottom of the tip — this weakens the bond.

Gluing the Tip

1. Apply masking tape around the ferrule to protect it from glue overflow.
2. Shake the glue bottle well, then apply a small, even amount across the ferrule top.
3. Press the tip firmly onto the centre of the ferrule. Align quickly and hold for 20–30 seconds.
4. Let it set for about one minute before trimming.
5. Remove any excess glue with a clean cloth or scalpel.

Trimming and Shaping the Tip

1. Place the cue tip-down on a flat surface. Use a scalpel to carefully trim any overhang by slicing along the ferrule’s edge.
2. Rotate the cue and repeat until the tip is flush with the ferrule.
3. Use a tip file or fine abrasive tool to shape the dome. Most players prefer a medium dome — slightly curved but not extreme.

Tip shape directly affects spin and contact consistency. Take your time — uneven or slanted tips will cost you on the table.

Burnishing the Sidewalls

1. Apply a small amount of Century Pro Burnishing Wax or use Volkan Wax if you prefer a natural finish.
2. Mask the ferrule again.
3. Use ultra-fine sandpaper strips (1500, then 2000, 2500, and 3000 grit) to polish the sides in a circular motion.
4. Buff with a cloth until you get a clean, dark, polished finish.

This helps strengthen the sidewalls and reduce fibre breakouts over time.

Tip Maintenance After Installation

• Century Pro tips often require little or no bedding-in.
• Use a Century Tip File (T/F) to tap the surface if it hardens or flattens.
• Avoid sanding the tip face — it shortens tip life and ruins consistency.
• Use a proper tip shaper or tapper if needed. Avoid common abrasives or DIY tools.

Tip condition affects every shot. If your tip becomes too hard, mis-shapes, or gets glazed, replace it. A good tip in perfect shape is one of the easiest ways to improve your game.

Considering a Titanium Ferrule?

We offer Century Titanium Ferrule fitting in-store. This upgrade can reduce deflection and provide a firmer, cleaner feel — especially for players struggling with sidespin or long potting consistency. However, it does slightly change cue feel and cue balance.

Titanium ferrules won’t wear down, crack, or lose size like brass ferrules, making them a long-term performance solution.

For more info, see our Deflection & Ferrule section on the Cue Advice page.

Final Tip: If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It

If your cue is playing perfectly and the tip feels right — don’t rush to change it just because someone says you should. But when a tip is worn, mis-shaped, or hardening up, replacing it properly will immediately bring back cue performance.

If you’re unsure or want your tip professionally fitted, bring it to The Snooker Shop — we do dozens every week and always get the job done right.

This guide is regularly updated with new techniques and tools as cue technology evolves. Bookmark it and come back any time you need to fit a new tip, compare tip brands, or keep your game sharp.