Can you take a cheap cue and improve it so that it plays better?

[kramer8]

I had a joint that kept coming loose during play, so I put a small slip of paper an inch long and a 1/4 inch wide along the screw before every session. it gave the screw something to bite on and worked fine. Any one have any ideas on how to make a weak or whippy shaft stronger.

[thelongbomber]

Changing the taper can drastically affect how a cue plays. Any of the top cue makers know a lot about cue tapers and can provide guidance.

[safe t boy]

Try a firmer tip