Tip The smaller end of the cue, opposite the butt, that makes contact with the ball, usually made from treated leather. Ferrule The cap attached to the striking end of the cue for reinforcement and to prevent the shaft from splitting. Shaft The thinner part of a cue, on which the cue tip is attached, that slides through the player's fingers while striking the ball. On a two-piece cue, the shaft extends from the cue tip to the joint. Joint On two-piece cues, the screw and thread device, approximately midway in the cue, that permits it to be broken down into two separate sections. Butt of Cue The larger end of a cue, opposite the tip, held when striking the ball. On a two-piece cue, the butt extends up to the joint.