China No. 8 billiard cue It’s best to lay the cue flat in a cue case. Most players have likely chosen a cue case for their cherished eight-ball cue—made from sturdy materials and boasting a luxurious appearance, with a lining that provides excellent protection. When stored horizontally in the case, it helps preserve the joint of a three-quarter‑length snooker cue, minimizing the risk of joint distortion or warping along the entire shaft. If you don’t have a cue case, hanging the cue on a coat hanger can also offer some protection. Experts recommend storing an eight-ball cue flat in its case as the optimal method.

　　How to store in a humid climate

　　If the climate is rather humid, wipe the cue frequently with a dry cotton towel. Once you’ve received your newly purchased No. 8 pool cue, you’ll need to oil it yourself; most manufacturers include oil as a complimentary item. If no oil is provided, there’s no need to purchase it. For cues that haven’t been oiled during processing or that are of a lower grade, oiling isn’t necessary. Apply 2–5 drops of oil, depending on the situation—don’t use too much, as the cue won’t absorb excess. Oil the cue once a week; after 2–3 applications, further oiling is usually unnecessary. If you notice a sticky or rough feel, you can re‑oil it.

　　Wipe the cue clean after each use.

　　When using a billiard cue, it’s crucial to apply chalk evenly to the skin to protect it. If the cue tip is left bare, it can easily develop mold in humid, enclosed conditions. During play, be sure to rub the chalk frequently to prevent skin damage caused by missed shots or improper force. After using the cue, applying chalk evenly to the skin remains essential for safeguarding your skin; leaving the cue tip exposed in damp, confined environments can lead to mold growth. Also, regularly rubbing the chalk helps avoid skin irritation from errors in striking or uneven pressure.

　　To do a good job, one must first sharpen one’s tools. In the game of pool, the cue stick plays a crucial role. As the saying goes, by making proper use of external aids, one can achieve twice the results with half the effort. However, if it is not regularly oiled during use, it can easily crack or split. Therefore, routine maintenance is essential.

　　How can you properly oil a Chinese‑style No. 8 billiard cue?

　　Applying oil to the surface can effectively protect it, nourish the wood, and prevent the cue from warping or cracking.

　　During use, first wipe the cue clean with a dry cotton cloth, then apply two to three drops of cue oil to the areas requiring lubrication, and finally wipe it off thoroughly with a clean cotton cloth.

　　However, oiling a No. 8 cue isn’t as simple as just slapping on some oil and calling it done. If you need to oil the tip, use one made from white wax tree rather than maple. Also, avoid applying oil directly to the leather tip to prevent it from losing its proper functionality. Of course, in most cases, you can wipe the tip with a cotton cloth that’s been rubbed with sandalwood; this way, you can rely on the residual oil left on the cloth to condition the tip without needing to apply additional cue oil.

　　After applying the rod oil, place the rod in a well-ventilated area. After five to ten minutes, use a dry cotton cloth to wipe away the white wax‑like residue on the bamboo section, while allowing the sandalwood portion to continue drying.