As with anything in life, if you look after it well, it will look after you.
The same can be said about your snooker cue, you need to know how to treat a snooker cue well so it will repay that care with longevity and playability. Sounds like a fair deal, right?
So what do I mean by taking care of your snooker cue?
Well, there are many things you can do, but the one I will be covering here today is how to clean a snooker cue.
Cleaning your snooker cue will help keep it in good condition, smooth and prevent the build-up of dirt and grime, which can damage the cue overtime. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the cue Shaft and remove all traces of chalk and other debris. You may also want to use a small amount of cue oil or wax.
Over time your snooker cue will collect dirt as well as oils from your hands and other unwanted grime, this will cause layers of residue to buildup on your snooker cues shaft.
If left untreated the shaft will become less smooth as the residue of grime builds up. This will become noticeable when feathering the cue, you’ll find the cue won’t smoothly travel over your bridging hand as it once did.
In such an instance, it would be beneficial to give your snooker cue a good cleaning. There are plenty of guides out there on how to clean a snooker cue, but this focuses solely on a snooker cue as they are built differently from other cue sports cues.
A snooker cue, for the most part, will be made from Ashwood, and have a brass ferrule so its best to use a cleaning treatment that compliments a snooker cue best.
By the end of this article, you’ll know not only how to clean a snooker cue but also how to take care of snooker cue.
How to make a snooker cue smooth
If you want to know how to clean a snooker cue then you’ll need to know how to remove all that build up residue that has collected on the snooker cue shat and butt.
Removing it will not only clean it but make it smoother too.
I will run through the steps on how to make a snooker cue smoother and cleaner in this section.
How to take care of a snooker cue is an important thing if you want to prolong its playing ability, look after it well and it will serve you right for the future.
What will you need on your quest to make a snooker cue clean and smooth?
- Baby wipes
- Microfiber cloth
- Raw linseed oil
- Cue wax
Steps on how to make a snooker cue smooth and clean
Everyone wants a clean shaft, lucky it’s pretty easy and inexpensive to achieve, here’s how to clean a snooker cue.
Step 1: The cue wipe
I use baby wipes for this as they are adequately damp already but a very slightly damp cloth or paper towel will also work.
Simply table your baby wipe or very slightly damp cloth and clean the ferrule, using circular motions on the brass ferrule is great for helping to buff it up – be careful not to get the tip wet.
After that, using a strong firm motion, rub the wipes down the cue.
You want to vigorously drag the wipes down the snooker shaft. Slightly twisting and pulling downwards in a single motion.
From removing all the built-up of dirt and grime from the shaft. Youll find the wipes will turn a slightly bluey-green in colour – This is all layers of oils and dirt mixed with chalk that’ on your shaft; This is what we want to remove.
If you are using baby wipes then you may want to replace the wipe if it gets too grimy.
Continue vigorously wiping till there is no more bluey-green residue coming off and you are satisfied you have removed it all.
STEP 2: Dry the cue
Now that you have wiped it all clean, you will need to dry any leftover water on the cue. It’s important to keep your cue dry as any moisture can negatively affect the cue.
Taking a dry cloth, using the same motion used to clean the cue you want to wipe away excess water from cue
For this, I usually use a microfiber cloth but a face flannel or bar towel will also work.
Wiping the snooker cue up and down the shaft with a dry cloth until the cue is nice and dry.
This snooker cue cleaning and drying process will help make the sue smoother too.
The whole cleaning and drying process will take a minute or two, really not long at all. It’s good practice to do this after a long day of playing.
This is my preferred method on how to clean a snooker cue, word of warning as this will wear away at the oil on your cue, but as a general rule, I re-oil my cues every 6-12 months.
Finishing for a snooker cue
Deeper Snooker Cue Clean
The wood of a snooker cue is usually made from ash wood which is a little darker than maple wood. Glossing your snooker cue with linseed oil can darken it a little which is not a problem for a traditional ash snooker cue, but the wood of a maple cue is a little lighter so it may ruin the look slightly.
At the end of the day its a matter of personal preference, you may even decide to oil and wax your cue.
There are alternatives out there but these seem to be the most common.
The way I treat my cues is to wax the butt to give it a lovely nice shine and making it look new once again and then I oil my shaft, making it nice a smooth.
How do you stop a snooker cue from sticking
There are a few things you can do to stop your snooker cue shaft from sticking. One is to make sure your hands are clean and free of moisture before you grip the cue. Another is to lightly coat the shaft with a cue wax or talc. This will help the shaft to slide through your fingers more easily.
burnishing the snooker cue can also help to keep it from sticking. You can do this by rubbing the cue with a soft cloth after you have waxed or talced it. This will help to polish the surface of the shaft and keep it from becoming sticky.
Can you wax a snooker cue
Yes, you can wax a snooker cue. This will help to protect the cue and keep it in good condition. You can use snooker cue wax or a similar product. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully, and be careful not to get the wax on the tip of the cue.
I’ve used Longoni Special Wax on my snooker cue before to help keep it in good condition. It’s a bit more expensive than some other products, but I think it’s worth it. It goes on easily, and it doesn’t seem to affect the feel of the cue at all. Plus, it lasts a long time.
Should you oil a snooker cue
This is a question that gets asked a lot, and there are varying opinions on the matter. Some people swear by oiling their cue, while others say it’s not necessary. So, what’s the verdict?
The answer may depend on what type of cue you have. If you have a lower-end cue, then oiling it may help to protect it from wear and tear. Oiling a cue can also help to keep it in good condition, and can make it easier to grip.
Some of the best oil for snooker cues is to use raw Linseed Oil. It’s a natural oil that comes from the flax plant, and it has many benefits for wooden objects. It helps to protect the wood from water damage, and it can also prevent cracking and warping. Raw Linseed Oil is also known for its high-quality finish, so your cue will look good after you’ve oiled it.
What can I use to clean a snooker cue with
There are a few different ways that you can clean a snooker cue. One way is to use wet wipes, microfiber towels and for extra protection, you can use cue wax and special oils. Another way is to just use water and a cloth. Whichever way you choose, make sure to dry the cue off afterward so that it does not get damaged.
Final thoughts
Hopefully, now you have a better idea of how to make a snooker cue smooth. You should clean your snooker cue regularly and add the finishing touches such as oil and wax every half a year or so.
Knowing how to clean a snooker cue is an important part of your game, having a nice clean smooth cue will help tremendously. Learn to clean your cue as part of a routine and it should eventually become second nature to you.
Rob is an avid player and fan of all cue sports, particularly 8-ball, and snooker. He has competed in a few local 8-ball tournaments and although he is not a professional, he can compete with the best of them.
