1. What a Cue Joint Is
The cue joint is the connection point between the cue butt and the shaft.
Its main purposes are:
- Allowing the cue to be assembled and disassembled
- Providing a secure and repeatable connection
- Transferring force from the butt to the shaft
Joint design affects compatibility and feel, not cue rules or table requirements.
2. Joint Types by Material
Wood-to-Wood Joints
- Shaft and butt meet directly through wood surfaces
- Traditional construction style
- Fewer metal components
Metal Joints
- Use metal collars or inserts at the joint
- Common in many modern cues
- Designed for durability and consistency
Joint material describes construction, not quality.
3. Cue Joint Pin Styles
The joint pin is the threaded component that connects the shaft to the butt.
Common pin characteristics include:
- Thread size
- Thread pitch
- Pin length
Different pin styles are not universally compatible.
Common Pin Categories
- Large-diameter pins
- Small-diameter pins
- Fine-thread vs coarse-thread designs
Exact specifications vary by manufacturer.
Common Joint Pin Examples
The following joint pin styles are commonly found on pool cues and shafts:
- 3/8 × 10
- 3/8 × 11
- 5/16 × 14
- 5/16 × 18
- Radial
- Uni-Loc
- Wavy-style joints
These names describe thread design and compatibility, not quality or performance. Shafts and butts must use the same joint pin to fit together.
4. Joint Collars and Inserts
- Joint collars are the visible rings at the joint
- Inserts are the internal threaded components inside the shaft
Materials may include:
- Wood
- Plastic or composite materials
- Metal
These components affect fit and durability.
5. Compatibility Considerations
- Shafts and butts must share the same joint pin type to fit
- Different pin styles generally cannot be mixed
- Joint compatibility is a structural requirement, not a preference
Understanding joint type is essential when replacing or upgrading shafts.
6. Common Buying Misunderstandings
- Assuming all shafts fit all butts
- Confusing joint appearance with joint compatibility
- Treating joint type as a performance ranking
Joint differences are structural and mechanical.
7. Summary
- Cue joints connect the shaft and butt
- Joint types differ by material and pin design
- Compatibility depends on matching pin specifications
- Understanding joint basics prevents fit issues
This guide is informational and does not promote or recommend specific products.