When not in use daily, place China No. 8 billiard cue Store it in a cue case—preferably a hard‑shell one. Do not lean it against a corner, and avoid placing it in excessively hot areas, such as near the refrigerator or in direct sunlight. Never leave your eight‑ball cue in a car or in a dark, damp environment for extended periods. High temperatures and high humidity can alter the cue’s elasticity.

　　When you notice your billiard cue has become sticky, wipe it from top to bottom with a damp cloth and a soft leather cloth. Do not sand the cue with sandpaper—this can gradually damage its tip.

　　When using a billiard cue in everyday play, regularly wipe it with raw linseed oil—typically every 3 to 6 months. First, use a damp cloth and a soft leather pad to wipe the cue from top to bottom. If the cue is particularly dirty, you may add a small amount of mild detergent, but avoid using excessive water, as this can cause the wood to swell or deteriorate. Alternatively, you can gently blot away any oil with paper towels. If the cue has not been oiled for an extended period, you can also soak it in oil for several hours, then wipe it dry with a clean cloth until it feels smooth, completely dry, and free of residue. Finally, finish by wiping the cue again with a damp cloth and a piece of chamois leather.

　　If your mid‑eight billiard cue has a ferrule, you should regularly clean its surface with steel wool, as dirt and grease left on the ferrule can interfere with the cue’s contact with the ball during a stroke.

　　1. Place it correctly; hang it up to prevent deformation.

　　2. Use it correctly; do not strike it with excessive force.

　　3. There are both high‑quality rods and standard ones—it all depends on the user.

　　4. Proper maintenance: After closing the switch each day, inspect the pole components and verify the straightness of the pole head, among other checks. Purchase the corresponding accessories.

　　For eight-ball cues, it’s best to hang them vertically. Cue cabinets designed specifically for billiard rooms are typically quite “slender,” and in such a room they should be positioned nearly upright. For players with modest expectations or whose cues aren’t particularly expensive, a standard cue cabinet will suffice. (One more note: lower‑quality cabinets can easily warp, so maintaining their shape requires careful upkeep. High‑quality eight‑ball cues, on the other hand, are much less prone to deformation. For recreational players, even if you’re somewhat casual about day‑to‑day care—without applying excessive force—the resulting minor changes won’t affect your game.) Therefore, for eight‑ball cues, as long as no external force is applied, simply storing them in a relatively vertical position is fine.

　　If the climate is relatively humid, wipe the cue frequently with a dry cotton towel. Newly purchased cues typically have a finish; use fine-grit sandpaper to gently remove it. As for other sanding methods, types, grits, and levels of aggressiveness, feel free to adjust them according to your personal habits and preferences. Avoid using coarse sandpaper, as it can severely damage the cue. You can start with a medium‑grit sandpaper for an initial sanding, then follow up with very fine “metallographic sandpaper” for precise finishing.