Weight bolt too heavy

[bosox]

I have a 20.5 oz McDermott cue that I find too heavy. With the 3/8"-16 X 3" long steel weight removed, I stroke better with it. Here is my question... does a weight bolt serve a dual purpose, by also retaining the butt cap?

Note: The internal threads for the weight bolt starts deep within the butt. So the shortest length bolt that will engage the threads is 2-1/2". That is only by a few turns, so 2-3/4" long bolt is the safest minimum length. If I can find a plastic bolt would that work?

 

[j2pac]

I have a 20.5 oz McDermott cue that I find too heavy. With the 3/8"-16 X 3" long steel weight removed, I stroke better with it. Here is my question... does a weight bolt serve a dual purpose, by also retaining the butt cap?

Note: The internal threads for the weight bolt starts deep within the butt. So the shortest length bolt that will engage the threads is 2-1/2". That is only by a few turns, so 2-3/4" long bolt is the safest minimum length. If I can find a plastic bolt would that work?

Sometimes. You may also want to consider the effect it may have on the overall balance point of the cue. Try to find an appropriate bolt in a lighter material. Perhaps aluminum. You may also want to contact McDermott, or a repair person that you can trust to guide you in the right direction. You might also try the Ask the Cue-maker" forum here at AZB. There are many competent folks there, who are generally willing to offer very sound advice.

 

[JoeyInCali]

3/8 16 aluminum bolt with a threaded hole for the bumper is available from Prather.

 

[j2pac]

3/8 16 aluminum bolt with a threaded hole for the bumper is available from Prather.

Well that didn't take long. :wink: Thanks for chiming in to help JB. Very cool.
j2

 

[WildWing]

Fortunately, most if not all McDermott butt plates were not held in by the weight bolt. They were glued in. At least by the D series.

Given that, if you can't get a lighter weight bolt that can fit, hope you have a Dremel tool. Using the cutting wheel, you can cut off a portion of the current weight bolt, if you want to. I can't count the number of times I've adjusted the weight of a bolt.

But, if this is beyond you, consult a cue repairman.

All the best,
WW

 

[WildWing]

3/8 16 aluminum bolt with a threaded hole for the bumper is available from Prather.

The standard bolt, yes. But McDermott used a different bolt in the earlier years, with a somewhat squared off head. Maybe or maybe not fits this cue. Pictures would help of course.

All the best,
WW

 

[bosox]

Just checked Prather's web site. Their aluminum bolt is 2" long. Minimum length needed, 2-1/2" will just engage the butts internal threads. Thanks for the suggestion of an aluminum weight bolt.

 

[bosox]

WildWing, you are correct! Prather sells a flat head bolt. My McDermott has a small shoulder on the bolt head. I could trim the flat head bolt with a file to fit. Just need a lead to where I can buy one.

 

[cubswin]

Fasental or a good hardware store will have bolts that will work.