Best Pool Cue Tip Repair/ Replacement Kit
Best Overall
Collapsar Upgrade One-Stop Repair Tool
Runner-up
Scott Edward 10 pcs in Set
Best Inexpensive
Tweeten Deluxe Cue Tip Repair Kit
By Phill Williams
11th Mar, 2023, 9 min read
PingPongBros is a reader-supported website. At no additional cost to you, we may receive a small commission if you are to purchase something - Learn more.
Replacing a pool cue tip yourself not only saves you money but also helps you customize your cue set up to your exact preference. A typical cue tip replacement job would easily cost you over $20 and not to forget the continuous repair and maintenance the tip may require. Over time the tip would mushroom up, and you would need to shape and fix it.
This is where a pool cue repair/replacement kit comes handy. This small and easy to use accessory is quintessential for any serious player. It allows you to re-tip your cue easily and quickly. In the kit, you get tools like cutter, sander, shaper, etc. to perfectly get the job done. And as you would already know, a perfectly done tip allows you to be more accurate and consistent with your strokes.
Just remember that the tool is as good as the person using it. You would need a bit of practice and a lot of patience to install the new cue tip. But it's something you'll get better with time. For the first-timers, I recommend practicing with cheaper tips to get the hang of the process before installing costlier tips like Kamui.
Here I've reviewed three of the best pool cue repair kits which I've personally tried and tested. I've also included step-by-step instructions I follow to replace the tips below.
Our Picks for the top Pool Cue Repair Kit
- Collapsar Upgrade OneStop Repair Tool- Pro Pick
- Scott Edward 10 pcs in Set - Runner Up
- Tweeten's Cue Repair Kit For Fixing Pool Cue Tips - Budget Pick
1. Collapsar Upgrade One-Stop Billiard Pool Cue Tip Shaper All in 1 Tip Repair Tool
This pool cue repair and shaper kit is no less than a swiss army knife. It combines six separate tools required for repairing and replacing the tip into one neat and compact package. But more than the multi-functional aspect, it's highly practical and easy to use. Using this kit, now I'm able to install and shape a new tip in under ten minutes. In contrast, when I do it manually, it takes me around half an hour, and I still struggle to get the shape right.
The tool comes with:
- Cutter: to cut the tips
- Diameter control loop to shave off residue glue and tip
- Sander
- Curved sander
- Trimmer for trimming the excess tip
- Shaper - dime, nickel or flat
- Scuffer and needle
The kit does not come with glue, and it needs to be purchased separately. I suggest the Loctite professional or gorilla glue.
The feature I like the most is the shaper. It makes it ridiculously easy to shape the tip. Dime, nickel, or flat it can do pretty much every shape. The tool is compatible with cue shafts from 9.3mm to 13.2mm in diameter, which represents 99% of the pool cues sold. The trimmer is like a big pencil sharpener. It's sharp and very effective, but you need to be careful not to over-trim the tip.
Conclusion:
Overall, the tool is really well designed for ease of use and pays it off in a couple of uses. The all-metal construction adds to the durability, and the tool is sure to last for a long time. However, the tool has a learning curve to it, but there are plenty of videos to assist.
If you're looking for the best repair kit to replace and shape your tips, this is your best bet.
How to use the Collapsar Upgrade Pool Cue tip Replacement Kit (Video Guide)
2. Scott Edward 10 pcs in Set
The Scott Edward 10 pcs set is a solid mid-grade cue repair kit based on the quality and number of tools it comes with for the price. In the set, you get everything required to install, repair, and shape the tip. Additionally, it also comes with scuffers or pricker and soft polishing cotton to clean the shafts.
The individual parts are solidly built and very durable. Whether you're replacing the tip for the first time or you're an experienced one, you would surely appreciate how easy this to use.
In the set, you'll find two sandpapers, cue tip sander, cue sharpener, Cue Tip Protective case, long cue tip sander, L-shape tip repairer tool, Cue Polisher, Pricker, and clamp. Besides this, you just need glue (check reviews here) and a cutting tool to remove the tip.
Conclusion: Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality cue tip replacement kit that comes with all the tools while still being affordably priced, the Scott Edward kit won't disappoint.
3. Tweeten's Cue Repair Kit For Fixing Pool Cue Tips
Our next pick happens to be one of the oldest and the best-selling cue repair kit available in the market. The kit comes with everything that you'll need to replace a cue tip, in one easy to carry box. What more, you also get 12 leather cue tips and three chalks in the package, which itself costs $10 is bought separately. Included in the set is a Cue Top Sander, Tip Clamp, Tip Scuffer, Cue tip trimmer, cement glue, elk master leather Cue tips, master cue chalks, and more. You get all in less than $15, making it a must-buy.
The only thing you would require is the cutting tool or pliers to remove the existing tip.
This a perfect kit for DIY repairs or anyone looking to learn how to re-tip the cue. To get the perfect shape, you might want to invest in a shaper and scuffer additionally.
The kit works as intended; however, the quality isn't the best. It's all plastic, and you need to be careful while using them. Moreover, it would take you quite a bit of time to get the tip in the right shape as the curve sander isn't gritty enough.
Conclusion: Dollar for dollar, this is the best value tip replacement and repair kit. Yes, it does lack slightly on quality, but for $15 you can't really ask for more.
Buyer's Guide to Pool Cue Repair/Replacement Kits
Depending on whether you are looking just to repair the tip or replace the tip, you need to choose the appropriate kit. Most kits come with multiple tools - some come with more and some with less.
If you would like to shape and fix the mushrooming of the tip, you need a shaper, cutter, and sander. However, if you need to replace the tip, you also need a cutter, trimmer, and sharpener. Below I've discussed the use of each of the tools.
- Cutter: You use the cutter to remove the old tip. It's very sharp, and you need to make sure you use it carefully.
- Trimmer: A trimmer is more like a giant pencil sharpener used to shave off the excess tip. Generally, most tips are 14mm in diameter, and the ferrule is 12 to 13mm in diameter. So you would need to cut off the extra 1mm off the tip while installing. A trimmer makes it super easy to do so.
- Sander: The sander will be the most used part of the kit. You use it for sanding the tip and the ferrule for better adhesion. Then you also it to shape and give the tip proper finishing.
- Shaper: You find this tool only on the costlier kits. Although it's an optional tool, it makes your work a lot easier when you try to shape the tip. It allows getting the desired shape like nickel or dime precisely.
- Scuffer: Again, this an optional accessory. This tool allows you to prick the tip so that it holds the chalk properly and adequately.
How to replace Cue tips?
Well, there is no right or wrong way to change the tip. Everyone has their own way. But broadly, you start by cutting the existing tip off as close to the ferrule as possible. Next, you sand the ferrule and base of the new tip. Using glue (we recommend Loctite) to attach the tip to the ferrule and hold firmly for a couple of minutes.
Use the trimmer to cut off the excess tip so that the tip and the ferrule in perfectly in line. Next, using a shaper and sander shape the tip to your liking. Finally, use a scuffer to roughen the surface of the tip so that it holds the chalk. And you're done!
Here are a couple of YouTube videos that give a more detailed overview of how to carry out the new cue tip installation.
Let's Wrap Things Up:
Choosing and buying a pool cue re-tipping kit is just half the battle won. You also need to learn the proper technique to install and repair the cue tip. Luckily there are plenty of tutorials and guides available online. Moreover, it is not too complex, either. After a couple of tries, you're sure to get it right.
Installing and repairing the cue tip yourself gives you the freedom to try out new tips without wasting money or time going to professional pool cue repair shops.
All the cue repair kits that we've shared above are equally good and are best in their category. While buying, you need to consider how often you will be replacing the tips? Are you looking for something portable or handy? Answering these questions will help you pinpoint the type of pool stick repair kit you should go for.
If you have any doubts or queries, please leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
