Tight United Joint

[DJKeys]

Hi-

I have a Mezz EC-9 wrapless cue, but it is getting very tight on the last few turns and starting to make some noises when I screw the shaft into the butt. Any suggestions on harmless ways to lubricate the pin?

Thanks-

-dj

 

[garczar]

So many jokes so little time. Seriously, on the one i had i used a lil wax and it worked fine. They are tite fitting no doubt.

 

[Dognit]

Bar of soap (dry) Put some on the threads. Fixed

 

[boogieman]

Bar of soap (dry) Put some on the threads. Fixed

Old soap that was made from fat was better for this. Detergent based soaps (most of them) are said to have the potential to draw moisture. I can't vouch for if it's really a thing but I've heard it several times throughout the years.

 

[Dave38]

First, there probably is crap built up in the insert.....adding lube/soap/etc will not remove that crap, it will only end up adding more to the pile. First step is to use Q-tips soaked in alcohol and put 2 of them together and 'screw' them into the insert.....keep doing it with new ones until they come out clean. Then wipe the pin down using alcohol on a rag, pressing your finger nail into the threads at the top, and rotate as though you are screwing the rag onto the pin. Then give it a couple minutes to dry, then assemble it. Should go smoothly.

 

[Kim Bye]

I have seen the nylon backing in the insert get damaged, but that's incredibly rare. Cleaning all parts and blowing clean should be on top of your list.

 

[DJKeys]

Thanks for the tips, guys, appreciated!

 

[DJKeys]

First, there probably is crap built up in the insert.....adding lube/soap/etc will not remove that crap, it will only end up adding more to the pile. First step is to use Q-tips soaked in alcohol and put 2 of them together and 'screw' them into the insert.....keep doing it with new ones until they come out clean. Then wipe the pin down using alcohol on a rag, pressing your finger nail into the threads at the top, and rotate as though you are screwing the rag onto the pin. Then give it a couple minutes to dry, then assemble it. Should go smoothly.

This solved it. Somehow there was black gunk in the insert. Used two q-tips as you suggested, took care of the problem. Thanks!

-dj

 

[DeeDeeCues]

This solved it. Somehow there was black gunk in the insert. Used two q-tips as you suggested, took care of the problem. Thanks!

-dj

Probably originally caused by someone putting wax, soap, lard, nose oil, etc. in the joint.

If you put wax in the joint, you have almost no way of ensuring there aren't globs somewhere in the threads. Wax will hold dirt and grime if it is too thick. If you want to wax a joint, lightly wax the pin and screw the cue together. You can repeat this.

Soap is hygroscopic. It will absorb moisture from the air. If the soap gets into the wood, it helps the wood absorb moisture and swell.

I've never understood why people think that a tight joint pin is a sign of quality. Yes, it takes precision to make a pin tight in the shaft, but it also takes the same precision to make a properly fitting pin that you can screw together with one hand. Properly cut threads allow for some debris build up while still functioning properly.