Willard Tip Shapers
Willard tip shapers are a simple but essential tool for cue maintenance. They’re used to maintain the proper curvature of your cue tip, ensuring consistent chalk coverage and solid contact with the cue ball. Each Willard shaper is labeled with a letter—like “D” for dime or “N” for nickel—which refers to the radius of the curve it shapes your tip to match.
Using one regularly helps extend the life of your tip and keeps your stroke consistent. Over time, cue tips flatten or deform, which can lead to miscues or poor spin control. The Willard tool quickly restores the tip to a smooth, rounded shape without removing too much material.
How to Use a Willard Tip Shaper:
1. Hold the cue vertically with the tip facing up.
2. Take the Willard shaper and place it over the tip.
3. Gently rotate the tool in a circular motion, using light even pressure.
4. Continue until the tip matches the shape of the tool and has a clean, even surface.
5. Wipe off any dust and reapply chalk.
A built-in gauge on the back of most Willard tools lets you check if your tip is still properly rounded. If it fits cleanly inside the ring, you’re good to go.