How to Fix a Dent in a Pool Cue? Fully Explained

Pool cues are essential tools for any billiard’s player, maintaining them in top condition is crucial for a good game.

One common issue that players face is dents in their pool cues, and if not addressed, they can affect the cue’s performance and the player’s accuracy.

In this article, I will explore effective methods to fix a dent in a pool cue, ensuring your cue remains in the best possible shape for your games.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the importance of maintaining a dent-free pool cue.
Step-by-step guide on fixing dents in pool cues.
Tips for preventing future dents and maintaining your cue.

How to Fix a Dent in a Pool Cue?

Generally speaking, most small dents can be removed, and pool cues can also be straightened, depending on the extent of the damage.

Many players just choose to leave them in and play away, because they are after all a purely cosmetic problem.

However, as players we take pride in our equipment, from the table to the triangle, so even the slightest dent can be enough to look for a fix.

The good news is that there are many different ways you can remove small dings from your cue.

You can fix a dent using:

Water
Steam
Wet rags or paper towels
A thick shot glass
Band-aid

Some work better than others, but I will explain fully how to fix a dent in a pool cue during the rest of my article.

Can You Remove Dents in a Pool Cue?

Yes, you can remove dents from a wooden pool cue. It’s not so easy with laminated wood, as water and steam are not the best for wood glue.

If it is made of any other material such as graphite, metal or fiber glass, you should contact the cue manufacturer.

Alternatively, you can seek out a local professional that specializes in cue repair.

DIY vs Professional Dent Repair

Factor	DIY Repair	Professional Repair
Cost	Low	Higher
Time	Immediate	Depends on professional’s schedule
Skill Level	Basic to moderate	Expert
Tools Required	Minimal	Specialized
Risk	Higher risk of further damage	Low risk

Remove Dents in a Pool Cue

How Do You Get a Dent Out of a Pool Cue Shaft?

Generally speaking, the bigger the ding, the harder it will be to fix, which is similar to fixing a cracked shaft.

However, there are different ways you can do it, so if one fix doesn’t work, there are other fixes that may.

The most common methods involve driving steam into the dent and using water to swell the wood.

Other ways, as I will explain further down, involve spreading the dent across the wood, to blend it better with the rest of the cue.

Drop Of Water

Usually, you should never let your cue get wet.

If it does get wet, you should dry it straight away, however, in the case of a dented cue, using water is a great fix.

I have fixed plenty of dings in both mine and lots of my friends cues using water. By using a small amount on the dent, you are trying to swell that part of the wood, so it is level with the rest of the cue.

How to do it

Place the shaft on a flat surface with the dent facing up
Now put one drop of water into the dent
For faster results, you can use warm water
Leave to soak for 10–20 minutes
Check back and see if there is any change
You will have to repeat it several times to swell the wood enough to get rid of the dent

Paper Towel

Alternatively, you can use a wet paper towel, or a wet rag etc.

Place the paper towel over the dent, and leave overnight.
Try to make sure it is only covering the dented area, or else the rest of the cue will also swell.
The wood will absorb more water from the paper towel overnight, albeit slower.

Steam The Dent

Another effective way that a ding can be removed from a cue shaft is through steam.

Again, the idea is to expand the wood, and effectively remove the dent by forcing it out from the inside.

In other words, it raises the wood to meet the dent.
You can use the steam from any number of sources, such as a kettle or even a fabric steamer.
You can also use the steam, along with the water, to remove any dents.

How to do it

First give the cue a good thorough clean to open the pores in the wood and remove any dirt or grime away.
Hold the dented area of the shaft over the steam, to soften the wood.
This should remove most dents.
Repeat the above steps until the dent is fully removed
After cleaning and steaming the cue, burnish the shaft to reseal the pores

Using A Thick Shot Glass

Using a glass to remove the dent, is an old school method, however some people think it works great.

Technically, it doesn’t actually remove the dent, but makes it more spread out over the wood and less noticeable.

It’s a technique that is more handy if you are away from home playing, and it’s only a small ding.

However, if you are fixing it at home, I would use one of the above methods before this one.

How to do it

Wet your finger and rest it on the small dent
Leave it a while
Smooth the dent over with your thick shot glass
Repeat until the dent is gone

Band-Aid

Alternatively, if you are not in a hurry, you could use a band-aid. A little unconventional but can work really well for small dents.

Apply the band-aid to the dent
Leave it on for a week.
Use an eye dropper to dampen the band-aid every so often and let it soak into the wood.
If after a week, the dent is still there, you can try again or use one of the above methods to get the ding out.