The most important part of any taco is the tip. Your main concern should be how well it holds its shape and holds the chalk. The tip should never be smooth or lightly chalked!

1. The tip should be shaped like a dime to a radius of nickel. There is a gauge available with most tools.

2. If it is not within the nickel dime radius, place a tip shaper on the floor with the bowl facing up.

3. Flip the cue by placing the tip of the cue in the shaping bowl.

4. Rotate the cleat while rotating the cleat back and forth. Be careful not to sand too much and wear the tip too fast. Remember, you are not sanding the tip, just shaping it.

5. Use a tip-pik and scraper on the leather tip to scrape and create deep perforations for maximum chalk retention and better ball control.

6. Apply a small amount of wax to the outer edge of the tip and polish. This helps prevent the tip from spreading and will sharpen your eyesight relative to the tip of the cue and the ball.

Shaft maintenance

When the plug gets dirty or sticks, it is necessary to clean the shaft.

1. Using No. 600 wet / dry sandpaper, a bright white scotch pad, or No. 0000 steel wool, clean the splint shaft, down 10 to 15 inches.

2. Using a piece of brown paper, undyed leather, or even a $ 20 bill, buff the shaft until it is hot to the touch. This gives the shaft a polished look and feel, allowing the shaft to glide smoothly through your fingers without wearing a glove.

3. Another option would be to apply a small amount of conditioner on the shaft down onto the shaft where you have cleaned.

Additional maintenance

1. To clean and polish the splint, use the Pearl Drop Tooth Polisher with a moistened cotton cloth and roll the splint back and forth on the cloth between your fingers.

2. Adding a bead of silicone, shaft treatment, or graphite to the tie pin will reduce friction.

3. Never apply water to any part of the plug.

Tips to protect your investment

1. Never leave your cue in extreme hot or cold areas. Doing so can cause the shaft to warp.

2. Do not expose your cue to moisture.

3. Make sure you always have the bumper at the rear end of your cleat.

4. Never apply oils to your cue. This will soften the wood and damage the pieces.

5. Never leave your cue unattended unless it is safe.

6. A good rule of thumb … Just let your signal go where you would go.

7. Always store your cue exactly upright or horizontal.

8. Always use experienced and reliable service personnel.