Your cue butt and shaft only work together if the joint matches. If you are shopping for an extra shaft — or a second cue — the first question is always the same: what pin is on your cue?
What Is a Cue Joint?
The joint is the connection between the butt and the shaft. It consists of a pin on one side and a threaded insert on the other. Every pool cue uses one of a handful of standard joint types, and knowing yours is the key to buying any shaft that fits.
The Most Common Pool Cue Joints
5/16 x 18
The most common joint in pool. Found on many production cues including McDermott, Lucasi, Players and Joss. It has a fine thread with a solid, secure connection and a very natural hit.
3/8 x 10
A classic pin used by many custom cuemakers and imported cues. Coarser thread, quick to screw on, and prized for the solid, direct feel it transmits.
3/8 x 11
Similar to 3/8 x 10 but with a finer pitch. Common on modern production and custom cues from several makers.
5/16 x 14
A slightly coarser variation of the 5/16 pin. Used on many Schon and Schmelke cues, among others.
Uni-Loc
Predator's quick-release joint. Tightens in a single turn and is found on most Predator and Lucasi models. Very convenient, and the most common quick-release system in the game.
Radial
The radial pin (3/8 x 10 radial) is a precision pin used by cuemakers like Mezz and several high-end custom builders. It is known for an extremely solid, consistent connection.
How to Identify Your Cue's Joint
- Unscrew the shaft and look at the pin. Count the threads over one inch if you can — this gives you the pitch (e.g. 18 threads per inch on a 5/16 x 18).
- Measure the pin diameter with a caliper — 0.3125 inch (5/16) or 0.375 inch (3/8) are the two main families.
- Check the brand: Predator and Lucasi are almost always Uni-Loc; Mezz uses Radial; McDermott, Lucasi and Joss are commonly 5/16 x 18.
- Not sure? Send us a photo of the pin and we will identify it for you — just use the contact page.
Why Joint Type Matters When Buying a Shaft
Buying an extra shaft is one of the best upgrades you can make — a kielwood, carbon fiber or low-deflection shaft changes the way your cue plays more than almost anything else. But a shaft with the wrong joint simply will not screw on, and forcing it can damage the threads on both pieces. Always confirm the joint before ordering.
Most of our extra shafts are available in the major joint types, and we confirm your configuration by email after checkout before we ship.
What About Joint Protectors?
Once you know your joint, protect it. A joint protector keeps the threads clean and prevents dents when the cue is stored or carried. It is one of the cheapest and most useful accessories you can own.
Browse the full range of extra shafts in the Shafts collection, or read our carbon fiber vs maple guide to decide which shaft material suits your game.