52. Changing a Tip - When and how

Barry Stark Snooker Coach tutorial. Barry describes how he replaces a tip on a cue with hints and tips as he goes.
/ barrystarksnookercoach

[@Lonely_Lurker]

Hey, just wanted to say how much i appreciate your enthusiasm in the sport. Without your guide, i would have been stuck with a cue that looked like i glued an old rug to a broomstick. Thank you for this amazing guide.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Glad I could help!

[@sandyrollo2245]

Thank you Barry, great seeing a master of his trade using self made tools. Awe the best for ‘24. 🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MrKlaus314]

Wow. You're 10 levels above all I've seen about removing tips. Thank you.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Glad to help

[@alikavousi6962]

hands down the best video about cue tips on youtube! thanks mr,barry your videos are pricless

[@Sauspreme]

I was a little disappointed, he didn't even mention how to properly clean the ear wax off of them.

[@Zombies8MyPizza]

That'd be a Q-tip ;)

[@bionicalbrandon1290]

Never a truer word has been spoken

[@imranjavedmalik5675]

absolutely right

[@npdoughty1405]

And i thought i used to be over the top on detail when changing tips, this is next level. Great insight, and a couple of things that i had failed to consider. Thanks Barry.

[@shaunszalai3823]

Been playing pool and snooker for a little while now but always used the cues at the snooker hall, got myself a nice cue today so this really helped me to shape my tip and know how to replace when its needed, thank you 👍 (now i cant wait to play with my new cue and tip)

[@DivingEag1e]

Only at the end do I realize how long this video was. I don't even play snooker. What am I doing here?

[@allanbozz210]

John Miller the same with me...hahaha. But at least now I know how to change the tip.

[@bojjangadaappanna3500]

time waste

[@monkeybreeksjov9574]

Maybe you should try snooker - use Barry's video lessons and tips - it is a wonderful game and you will enjoy it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@noonedude101]

I was going to like this comment, but who am I to end a 147?

[@kaboom6980]

LMAO :D I did the same once with a video on how to build outdoor outdoor cat houses. I watched about 1hrs worth of videos on it and I dont even own a cat.

[@fastbusiness]

Thanks, Mr. Stark, for making the excellent video. I'm from the US and there isn't much snooker played here compared to 8-ball and 9-ball pool. It's hard to find a snooker table in my local area, so I've only played a few times and found it to be quite the difficult game for a beginner. I really like watching the videos of the great players, though.

[@chrisl5120]

Simplicity at its best, thanks mate. Nice and easy guide. Used someone else's advice and the tip ended up jagged. This was straight forward and will use this guide tonight 👍

[@Pentimenti]

Watching your videos has not only been a pleasure but its improved my pool game. This video is an absolute gem. Thank you for the knowledge!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

abstracthc. Glad to be of help, good luck with your game.

[@splashdragon]

wonderful video, I recently got my very own cue and I'm looking forward to using this tutorial for maintaining it! Thank you for making this!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

M. A lot of pros have difficulty changing a tip, just take your time it is easy.

[@davemorley85]

Thanks for the reply about making the bottom of the tip smooth or not Barry, at least I know now! Many thanks, all your advice is much appreciated.

[@FBarbarian]

Great video, thorough explanation. Thank you :)

[@DalaiFarma]

Thanks for that. You explained it very well, especially the tip shaping bit where you explained you're actually filing from the centre to the outside.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Dalai. Yes, you need to do that otherwise there is a risk of lifting the fibres and ruining the tip.

[@johnnyeboy33]

hi Barry, I am thinking of re tipping my cue soon. I just wanting to say thanks for uploading your videos, they are very informative and helpful. All the best thanks john

[@yakoubdarbouz4152]

Salam, subscribe to my channel as well as not a thing and thank you in advance

[@UrielJanoach]

Thank you for your videos, Mr. Stark. I'm an English teacher from Switzerland, have just started playing snooker more seriously and your tips & instructions are immensely helpful.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Uriel. Glad to be of help.

[@kieran7655]

This is by far the most comprehensive tip changing and shaping video I've seen after a long time searching. Bravo Mr Stark.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikemewett9258]

Great advice Barrry, keep up the great vids.

[@easygoing2479]

I enjoy watching this man with his snooker instructions, and now his artisanship on installing a new tip. He's a real pro.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Easy. Many thanks, glad you like the videos.

[@Snooker_God]

amazing videos! really helpful! gotta love snooker! oleee!

[@snookerworld2554]

Thanks for the video I only asked about this a month or two ago, great channel

[@bionicalbrandon1290]

Thank you very much! Extremely useful and informative :)

[@bswills]

Excellent comprehensive explanation, I know feel confident to take it on. Thank you

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

bswills. Takes a little practise but relatively easy.

[@lav773]

who would of thought a putting a tip on video would be so good to watch. ill be fitting a new tip at the weekend wish me luck . great video sir thanks .

[@turbogigwoof2321]

Nice job fella, very easy to follow

[@johnnyeboy33]

Hello Barry just wanted to send a message thanking you this video. I am a big snooker fan & play on average about once a week ( high break 42 ) I put a new tip on yesterday by following this video. I was amazed by the difference it made I have so much more touch in the balls now and am sure I will be a 50+ break play in the very near future. Keep your videos coming they very informative & great to watch !!! Thanks John

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

johnnyeboy. It has always surprised me a little that even some professional players have difficulty in putting a tip on, I am pleased that you have had a go and that the video has helped. Roll on the 50 break.

[@michaelsauer3783]

Thank you. You have given me the confidence to try once again .. my father was a shoe maker and artists are hard to find. Thank you again for sharing your expertise. I use a soft tip and tend to wear them out rather quickly and need to wait til I get to the states to have it replaced.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Michael. I openly admit that there is no substitute for trimming a tip on a machine. Unfortunately most of the tips I put on are done on site with no machinery available so I had to devise my own method. I volunteered to fix the tips on the club cues practising until I was confident that even professional players would come to me. Where there is a will there is a way, you can do it, it just needs a little patience and practise.

[@kroon275]

Great info, wil be using this to change my tip this weekend ;)

[@douglasullman9777]

Great video, I had no idea ! I've been playing since I was a kid and never gave proper respect to the tip as I only used house cues...Now that I have my own cue it's clear as day that the right tip is essential ! Many thanks good sir.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Douglas. My pleasure, remember there is only one thing that has contact with the cue ball, the tip, it needs to be looked after.

[@kaidavidsonpool2315]

Thank you Barry, I have trouble with adapting my tip to my liking and this video helps me a lot.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Kai. I am pleased to be of help.

[@kaidavidsonpool2315]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach Thank you Barry. Could you do a video in my favour. I would like practice in controlling the pace of the cue ball

[@ziemer8047]

you are the boss SIR.

[@matheusgoncalves9061]

Amazing video! It has surely helped me a lot!! Thank you sir!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Matheus. My pleasure.

[@kaboom6980]

Ive been changing my own tips since I was 15 and am pretty good at it now but I still learned a few things from this video. Cheers!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Kaboom. Glad you like the video, not all players, including some professionals can change a tip adequately so well done.

[@joebrann261]

very excellent advice, thank you!!!

[@yakoubdarbouz4152]

Salam, subscribe to my channel as well as not a thing and thank you in advance

[@tanish3821]

I subscribed for all the jigs this man made, I'm a hobbyist knife maker and play 8 ball for my down time. I bought my second pool cue and I'd rather replace the tip myself and seeing this man do what he did inspired me beyond what I was expecting. I'd like to give you a big Texas thank you for sharing your trade secrets with all of us on here.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Tanis. Great that you like the videos, I often have to fit tips on site and am only allowed 15 minutes to do it, I had to find a quick and effective way of doing it.

[@AJediSurvivor]

Thank you so much for this video Barry. I’ve always struggled to get my tips on properly and this video has helped me a lot. I’m going to find one of those knives you used in order to help me get my tips flush. I wasn’t aware that you should put a bigger tip on.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Nay. Great that the video helps, some players have a problem fitting a tip exactly the same size as the cue so trimming a slightly bigger tip after fitting makes the task easier. I am afraid my knife is hand make from a machine hacksaw blade so you may have to shop around to get something similar.

[@der8672]

Wisdom and experience, so rare this days. Thank you sir!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@umairimirza8725]

Thanks now i am happy God give everyone who play snooker teacher like u thanks sir again

[@OhMostBobulousOne]

I used to attend the Billiard Congress of America tournament in Las Vegas each year and get my tip replaced at the cue repair booths set up there at the tournament. They use a lathe to trim off the old tip and glue. After gluing on a new tip, the lathe is used to trim it flush with the ferrule and to burnish the edges. Works pretty well, and cost is reasonable.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

OhMost. Over the years I have become reasonably good at fitting a tip but there is no way that I can compete with a lathe, either to ensure a flat surface or to trim the tip flush. However, I usually have to fit tips on site and unfortunately a lathe is never available.

[@RhysTucker2603]

Thank you very much for this video, no more messed up ferrules from me! I'm afraid my lack of experience and knowledge led me to absolutely butcher my old cues ferrule by filing it, scratching it and getting glue all over it. Luckily it was a cheap cue but this video saved my new cue craft cue, thank you very much Mr. Stark 👍

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Rhys. Glad to be of help. Buying a decent snooker is expensive and many are damaged by not knowing how to put a tip on. Well done.

[@Lucifer9387]

Wise man. Great tutorial, thank you.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Taylor. My pleasure, a lot of good players struggle with this.

[@humzamuddasar1298]

Very good informative video. Learned some thing useful today. Thank you

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joenoun7144]

Hi Barry, just discovered you after buying a 6 foot snooker table in lockdown and it's rejuvenated my love for the game even at my silly level. A couple of weeks later, I bought a pretty cue craft Buxton cue and found it quite tinny in sound during any pot. Felt really disheartened as it was a beautifully made cue but it sounded awful and wrong with every shot. I followed your advice on changing a tip and my cue has been transformed . You are a treasure to snooker and you keep it so simple for all to have a go . Best wishes and keep up your great input. Best

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

joe. Great that you have resolved the problem, when you next change the tip may I suggest that you make sure that the ferrule is secure.

[@krooke1]

Ive recently purchased a nice cue and now play at my golf club ( both Snooker & Golf) . I used this video for changing my first tip. This video is very well detailed and I have used this to change my tip sucessfully. Im very pleased. I used the elk master 10mm tip on a 9.5mm ferrule. I also found using a square foam sanding block from my local wickes DIY works very well too. Hope this helps.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

krooke. Well done, glad that the video helped. The sanding blocks are a useful accessory, I have used them myself on occasions.

[@knightingalesaid]

Great instructional video, thanks so much.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Gary. My pleasure, glad to be of help.

[@johniddon9186]

I've been putting tips on for years, lost count as to how many but I know this month I've done 15-16 and pretty much exactly this way except I use a clamp to hold the tip in place for 5 minutes. Also I made a little paddle, like a mini table tennis bat and stuck a medium and a fine piece of emery cloth on either side and it is great for shaping the tip. I loved the little clamp to remove the glue and old tip too, I've had a few nicks over the years from slippy hands so will defo add that to my tip kit:)

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

John. I'm sure we can all learn little tricks from each other, well done.

[@eLeBrice]

You are legitimately a legend sir what a fantastic guide, Hilarious personality telling from the comments just incredible.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

eLeBrice. Thanks for the compliments I will try to live up to them.

[@user-mj4em5yu1r]

Very good video! Thanks.

[@kanekeylewer5704]

Thank you, before watching this video I wasn't exactly getting the best results -_- now my tip is put on properly and it works a treat! Thanks!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Kane. My pleasure.

[@kanekeylewer5704]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Also, congratulations on surpassing 100k! Happy new year Barry.

[@josephgardner3208]

i have been replacing my own tip for a while now and have also been replacing tips for my friends. I like the idea of using masking tape and the type of knife you're using looks like would make doing this much easier. thank you.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Joseph. The knife is one that I made from an old machine hacksaw blade, I find the fact that it is chisel sharpened helps in keeping the blade flush with the cue and ferrule. The masking tape just ensures that no glue gets on the cue itself.

[@Steady.gaming]

I love using the gel glue gives you a more time to manoeuvre the tip central. Great video

[@kennethtalbott2233]

great video. liked the idea of the pipe with the cut in it accepting the stanley blade. quality improvising.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

kenneth. Whenever I have a task which I feel I will be doing regularly I try to find an easy way of doing it, glad you like it.

[@kennethtalbott2233]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach yep, me too. keep up the good work Barry.

[@amarsbarr]

that was the best video on changing a tip :)

[@petermerritt1774]

amarsbarr Quite

[@AlfieGilesOfficial]

amarsbarr j.

[@steveworrell]

Never played snooker. Probably will never play. Watched all 17 mins ffs.

[@tomdude75]

Steve Worrell why lol

[@MarkyFormula1]

Well now you can change the tips for people who do play! :)

[@joamon559]

Thanks Barry, (from Australia). Very helpful.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Glad to help

[@ganmruk]

Very nice video. Just in time because tomorrow I going to change my tip.

[@mohammadumair4568]

This video was very informative, thank you for posting. I have tried to fix tips on my cue and in the process damanged the wood and the ferrule, there are minute cracks on the shaft, i would really appreciate if u make a video on cue maintainance.

[@mekenken5292]

Great video he's right about those women's nail buffer or what ever u call them I've been using them for years there great

[@michaellane3419]

Brilliant job.

[@PhilCockbill]

Searching 'cue tip pressing tool' will more accurately find on the web the type of tool Barry uses in the video.

[@ronaldmariah]

Mistakenly bought myself a tit-clamp

[@lordangel9563]

@@ronaldmariah lol

[@mdushozi4736]

Great video. I tried doing this on my own and I ripped the fiber off my tip. The second time I was a bit better but I really needed this video to get my cue tip perfect ;)

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Video. I volunteered to re-tip the club cues to gain experience and learn from my mistakes.

[@MalcolmClarke25]

Kyren is my favourite player because I love his cue action. Rock solid.

[@fabrizziolevoni849]

Absolutely perfect tutorial, as always 🙏 thank you so much fo all your videos

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Fabrizzio. My pleasure.

[@FuzZionHD]

Amazing. Thank you Barry

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

FuzZion. My pleasure.

[@Giggler.]

Well explained thanks you made it look easy.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

MrZamo99. I used to volunteer to re-tip the club cues, all the time trying to learn from the experience.

[@lennyfreeman9086]

improved my game so much in less than a month! thankyou

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

lenny. Glad to be of help.

[@davemorley85]

Thanks so much for replying to my questions Barry, I really do appreciate it. Would you be able to do a video on how to brush, block and iron a table correctly ? Also, what is the best way to restore a badly scratched ferrule without actually replacing it? Maybe 0000 wire wool first and then a nail polisher to finish maybe? Or do you need extra fine sandpaper I.e. 2000 grit or 2500 grit wet and dry? I'm just not sure on the different stages to get the scratched ferrule to a decent looking ferrule. Many thanks Barry.

[@kennethkwan1870]

Beautiful work

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Kenneth. I change that many tips for players that I had to find a simple and effective way of doing it on site. Many thanks.

[@danielsalazar1224]

He did a really good job! I learned something. :)

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Daniel. Glad you learned from the video, it takes a little practise to get it right.

[@izaman1186]

Thanks a lot Barry, this was really useful :)

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

i zaman. Even some professional players cannot put a tip on, which has always surprised me a little.

[@izaman1186]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach I am not a pro and this is the first time i installed my cue tip myself, and i already think it makes you more confident taking the shot.

[@DavidHeywood_Legend]

Excellent video

[@petermerritt1774]

David Heywood

[@xinlecheng5508]

Thank u Barry！You are the best❤

[@A7ibAllah]

My dad used to own a snooker hall around the late 90's, early 2000's, I used to be there all time, I was only around 9, 10 years old, I remember him doing this, ahh the good times.

[@adamr6780]

Excellent video I will try this myself now before I didn't have the confidence to change my tip in case I completely damaged it

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Adam. Instead of running the risk of damaging your own cue, why not ask the club owner if you can practise on an OLD club cue.

[@adamr6780]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach yeh thought about asking him because I definitely need to get used to doing it as I've never done one before and my tip is now worn. If I can do it and not scratch the ferule and learn how to shape it correctly I will be changing my tip more often

[@user-iq3qp8vz3o]

Thank your for sharing this to us master.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

I am glad that you enjoy the videos and are learning from them.

[@daijenkins5424]

great video thank you

[@jimmysonwhite5757]

hi sir another good video.Great idea with the Stanley blade in piece of copper pipe maybe try that alot safer method

[@chris15325]

Trippy. This goes deeper than I thought. Then again, in hindsight it seems obvious

[@TheRawGeek]

Excellent!

[@Tariqmahmood-tk4qs]

Very helpfull

[@LONpaulDON]

Hello Barry I gave this very helpfull video a like

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@SUSU-bm9qg]

I live in America and my local pool hall uses a lathe, but I would like to know how to change a tip by hand if I ever need to. I found that Snooker players have much more detailed videos on how to change a tip, thanks for this useful lesson!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

SUSU101. There is no doubt if you have access to a lathe it is an advantage, however, I invariably have to change tips for players at the venue where there are no aids and doing it by hand is a necessity.

[@wadepatton2433]

Barry Stark does it "unplugged". We Yanks are silly dependent on power tools for everything. Mr. Stark shows us how simple it can be.

[@awakening80]

Brilliant! Thank you.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Peter. Many thanks, glad you like it.

[@Tariqmahmood-tk4qs]

Very helpfull vedio👍

[@dazza912]

brilliant..im changing from a blue diamond and trying a Kamui..im wondering due to the layers just like a talisman, is it still the same process..i love watching your videos..lovely bloke who knows his stuff....respect

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Dazza. Exactly the same process, just be careful when trimming or shaping not to seperate the layers.

[@at0m1x191919]

Great channel 👍

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@reerbaadia1896]

This is the most important lesson as a new snooker player(newish).

[@marcdavies5810]

Great job👍

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Marc. Many thanks.

[@ryanboyo859]

Master at work!!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ryan. Thanks for the compliment, its only patience and lots of practise though.

[@kangkihongTV]

Great advice

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Glad you found the video useful.

[@me-cq7wv]

Here I am in Australia in a stinking hot day watching this, Thought I would give it a go and turned the cue upside down to apply pressure on the glue and smashed the ceiling fan above me with the butt. Now I have went from the living room with no fan to the dog house with the wife. Got a smashed and warped ceiling fan and a nice mark on the butt of my cue and a cranky Shelia. I think I will have a cold one and put a lottery on. Gid day for Australia regards Walter Riley. Aka Wally

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

S O. Oh! dear I showed this comment to my wife and it reminded her of something that happened many years ago. We had had a little tiff, she was washing the pots, I turned to wipe my cue down prior to going out to play a match and the wedding ring was threaded on it. We are still married.

[@me-cq7wv]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach Yip you know that feeling. I never won the lottery by way. But I did have a cold one and will have another for you and your good lady tomorrow New Year’s Eve Ps I am out the dog house. Gid day from Oz Wally and have a great new year

[@newjerseybt]

Old Chinese saying: A wife who puts husband in doghouse may find him in cat-house.

[@me-cq7wv]

newjerseybt Am to big for a cat house my gut would get stuck and that would allow the wife to beat me on the backside and I won’t be able to run 🤗. Sometime it’s just good to go with flo for a few day and get out of solitary confinement.

[@samleijen8362]

Great video Barry I've just got my first cue and the tip has a notch in it. Could I use my wood vice for clamping a new tip for a while? Thanks again

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Sam. Certainly, the only thing is that it will tend to flatten the tip somewhat and you will probably need to spend some time shaping it after you have stuck it on. Please be patient when shaping(a slight dome is best) some players needlessly tend to butcher a tip.

[@jamiedavis7980]

Haa I used my mums nail file last time worked perfect

[@boombipboogaloo9891]

Many thanks for your videos, I find them very informative. I bought a tip clamp the other day but was wondering how much pressure I should use (i.e. How tight you should clamp it). Is it possible to over compress it? If it does over compress, can we use a tip roughing up tool (like the pins or sand paper) to loosen it up a bit?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Boom. I'm afraid only experience will teach you how much pressure to apply but generally I find it very difficult to apply too much. Certainly slight scuffing of the surface of the tip will be necessary irrespective of how much pressure is applied and this is usually achieved during the shaping process.

[@PereKaraka]

wow i enjoyed watching this 👌

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

pere. Glad that you enjoyed the video.

[@angs.sherpa2493]

Dear Sir, I really like your all video.And an information.Thank you. i am from Nepal.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ang. My pleasure, glad you like the videos.

[@DAmicoDanceHouston]

very nice,sir. very nice!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

D'Amico. Glad you like it. Thanks.

[@bobby9476]

And now Kyren is playing for the World Championship!!!

[@stevesaeki532]

Final!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Bobby. Its quite an occasion.

[@matthewmcgill9761]

Love you Barry Ironman Stark

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Matthew. Gone a bit flabby these days, but thanks anyway.

[@pilgrimpater]

Very informative. Will use paste glue from now on as runny blue has been a problem. I have a two piece plastic "clamp" (a ring slides over a holding piece to tighten the pressure) that holds the tip in place while the glue sets. Do you have an opinion on these devices or are they just a gimic (came as an extra when I bought some tips)?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

pilgrimpater. They are not a gimmick but if you are using super clue perhaps a little unnecessary. I also have found that if you push the ring down too hard they can also mark the cue so be careful.

[@riderinthesky2265]

Thanks. Emboldened me to do tip replacement myself.hehehe

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Shingen. Its not that difficult once you know how and are prepared to have a go.