How to Change the Weight on a McDermott Pool Cue

It seems that there is frequently some confusion around the cue weights on pool cues we sell, so we figured we would write up an article describing the process of adjusting the weight on a McDermott pool cue.

All McDermott cues (with very few exceptions) come standard at 19oz weight. This includes their imported Lucky Cues and Star Cues, as well as their American-Made GS Series Cues and G Series Cues. While the American-Made cues are generally made-to-order and you can specify which weight you would like when it is made, the imported cues (Lucky, Star, etc) are pre-packaged at the 19oz standard weight.

But the Label Says 19oz?

I can't tell you how many times we have had a customer call us that the cue they requested at 21oz says it is 19oz! We have tried a number of different tactics to indicate that the weight was changed, but we still see a lot of confusion around this. This is because the McDermott Lucky and Star cues come with a product label that lists them as 19oz weight. We do cross off the label, write the new weight on the plastic sleeve, and now add an additional label explaining the weight has been changed to , but we still get calls. We've even had people return cues because they didn't believe that we adjusted the weight, and thought that they should have received a cue that listed 20oz (or whatever) on the McDermott label. Unfortunately, this is not the way it works.

McDermott does not make separate cues for each different weight. They use a replaceable weight bolt that is installed in the butt end of the cue to set the weight desired. Therefore, they do not have different labels with the various weights on them, just the standard label that lists the 19oz weight. Confused?

How Does it Work?

This is the easy part. As I mentioned earlier, McDermott uses weight bolts to set the final weight of the cue. These are simply 1/2-13 Low Socket Cap Screws that are made to specific weights. Usually, the cue will weigh 18oz empty, and come with a 1oz weight pre-installed to achieve the 19oz standard weight. This weight can then be removed and replaced with a different weight to set the cue to the final desired weight. This weight bolt is installed in the bottom end of the cue, under the rubber bumper.

How Do I Change the Weight on a McDermott Pool Cue?

It's actually easier than you think, you just need a few, simple tools. First, you will need something to help you remove the rubber bumper off the bottom of the cue. McDermott makes their McGripper bumper removal tool just for this purpose, but you can use a pair of pliers and a cloth (if you are careful). Just squeeze the sides of the rubber bumper and pop it out of its socket. Be careful not to mark up the bumper. The McGripper is designed to grab the bumper around the base so it doesn't get damaged. Once the bumper is removed, you will see the weight bolt installed in the cue. You will need to use an allen wrench to remove the weight.

With the weight removed, you can now weigh your cue to find out what it weighs empty, without any weights. As pool cues are made from wood, it is normal to see a variation in the base weight. McDermott will core out the cue to try to get to a standard 18oz empty weight, but they will vary from cue to cue. Once you know what your cue weighs empty, you will know which weight to use to bring your cue to the desired final weight.

All you need to do now is to install the new weight bolt and reinstall the rubber bumper and you are all set to play. Adjusting  your McDermott pool cue weight is easy, as long as you have some basic tools and knowledge.

3 thoughts on “How to Change the Weight on a McDermott Pool Cue”

  • Shannon johnson
    Shannon johnson April 1, 2019 at 8:13 am

    I was wondering how far into the butt of my pool stick is the weight I mean how long of a Ellen wench will I need

    Reply
    • Dan H

      On the McDermott cues, the weights are very close to the butt. Just a normal allen wrench is all you need. On some other cues, like Viking, the weights can go farther down and you may need a longer wrench.

      Reply
  • Jackie sterling

    I have an old lucky cue I've had for years I wanted a break cue but could not afford one so I modifed my lucky I took the weight bolt out and filled it with lead I melted I replaced the Farrow it's not a hi price break cue but it gets the job done I've had lucassi.and meucci but I like the mc dermotts better that's all I shoot with now

    Reply
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