Pool Cue Joint Types: A Simple Guide for Buyers

October 30, 2026
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Quick answer: The joint is where the shaft and butt of a two piece pool cue screw together. Common pool cue joint types include steel joints, wood to wood joints, and joints with different pin sizes, such as 5/16 x 14, 3/8 x 10, and radial pins. Some cues use quick release joints that come apart with fewer turns. The joint can change how a cue feels a little, but the biggest practical issue is that a shaft must match the joint on the butt.

pool cue joint types Pool Cue Joint Types: A Simple Guide for Buyers
Pool cue joint types: the joint is where the two halves of the cue screw together.

If you ever want a spare shaft or a new cue, it helps to know your joint type. A shaft with the wrong pin will not fit.

Parts of a Joint

  • Pin: the metal screw that sticks out of one half.
  • Insert: the threaded hole the pin screws into.
  • Collar: the ring around the joint. It can be steel, wood, or other materials.

Joint Collar Types

Collar What It Is How Some Players Describe the Feel
Steel joint A metal ring at the joint Firm, solid hit
Wood to wood Wood meets wood, often with a metal pin Softer, more natural hit
Phenolic or other material A hard synthetic ring Varies by cue

Feel is personal. Some people notice a big difference and some do not.

Common Pin Types

You will often see pins listed by size and thread count, like these:

  • 5/16 x 14: a common size on many production cues.
  • 5/16 x 18: another common size.
  • 3/8 x 10 and 3/8 x 11: thicker pins found on many cues.
  • Radial pin: a pin with a rounded thread shape, used by many cue makers.
  • Uni-loc and other quick release joints: designed to come apart and go together quickly.

The exact list is long, since cue makers have used many different pins over the years. If you are not sure what you have, check with the maker or a cue repair shop.

Why Joint Type Matters

Spare shafts. A new shaft must fit your butt. Many companies sell shafts made for specific joints.

Break and jump cues. Some jump cues come apart at a second joint. Quick release joints are handy here.

Feel. The joint can change the hit a little. Our post on how to find the balance point of a pool cue on our sister site explains balance, and balance and weight also play a big role in feel.

How to Find Your Joint Type

  1. Look for the brand and model on the cue or its paperwork.
  2. Check the maker’s website for joint specs.
  3. Look at the pin. Is it thick or thin? Are the threads close together or far apart?
  4. Ask a local cue shop to check it.

Taking Care of the Joint

  • Screw the cue together gently. Do not over tighten.
  • Keep the threads clean.
  • Use joint protectors when the cue is in its case.
  • Store it the right way. See our page on how to store a pool cue.

Which Joint Type Should You Choose?

For most players, the joint is not the most important choice. Pick a cue that feels good, fits your budget, and is straight. Our post on how to tell if a pool cue is straight shows how to check. If you plan to buy extra shafts later, choose a joint that many shaft makers support.

The Bottom Line

Pool cue joint types differ by collar material and pin type. Steel, wood to wood, and other collars change the feel a little. Pin types like 5/16 x 14, 3/8 x 10, and radial pins decide which shafts fit. Know your joint before you buy a spare shaft, and take care of the threads.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common pool cue joint?

Many production cues use pins like 5/16 x 14 or 3/8 x 10, but there are many types. Check your cue's maker.

Does a steel joint hit differently than wood?

Some players feel steel joints hit firmer and wood to wood feels softer. Feel is personal.

Can I put any shaft on my cue?

No. The shaft must match the pin and insert on your cue's butt.

What is a radial pin?

It is a joint pin with a rounded thread shape, used by many cue makers.

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