HOT Conditions and what it means for your cue !

Potential PROBLEMS with your cue in these hot conditions?

We all love the nice weather but it can be very bad for your cue if you dont take sensible precautions.

Your cue expands in heat and contracts in cold temperatures. This expansion and contraction occur due to changes in moisture content and the thermal properties of wood.

When exposed to heat, wood absorbs moisture from the air, causing it to expand and the pores to open. Conversely, in colder temperatures, the moisture content decreases, causing the wood to contract. This natural process can lead to warping, cracking, or splitting of the shaft, loosening of the ferrule, loss of grain.

And its not just the shaft! ...

We also asked our favourite tip Guru Paul Curran from Cuefix NI and Pro Spin Cue Tips for his thoughts on the subject from a tip point of view. Paul told us..

"When new, your tip has a specific moisture content, depending on brand, hardness, type etc. Extreme conditions can change this moisture content. You may find that your tip hardens up in the hot weather if it loses moisture, or if allowed to pick up moisture due to condensation (in your case usually) caused by rapid changes in temperature, the tip can “blow” and become spongy due to the increased moisture content".

Obviously we shouldnt complain, we all love when we get great weather :)

but heres a few tips to help you mitigate against it damaging your cue..

NEVER leave it in the car overnight 0r for extended periods !

STORE it somewhere which has reasonably stable temperatures at home. ie under stairs cupboard or similar, do not leave in sunlight (even in case) or in porch/conservatory etc.

BE AWARE of conditions in club/venue so cue or case are not left in direct sunlight.

DO NOT leave the cue leaning against a wall by the tip end. The heat (and gravity!) can cause it to "sag" and develop bend/warp.

CHECK your case regularly for any signs of condensation - this happens when its taken from cold to hot quickly. If its damp don't use it !

REGULAR TREATMENT with a little Lynch's Cuebalm will help keep the shaft sealed and smooth even in hot conditions. An oiled (only) or waxed (only) shaft can become tacky or sticky in the heat - your Lynch's Cuebalm doesnt !

If you have any queries feel free to contact..

Shaft Care - https://www.facebook.com/cue.care.jim

Tip Care - https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=cuefix%20ni