[Graciocues]

It seems like I learn something new everyday. Do you seasoned builders have any unique tricks that took years to find? This could involve tips, centering, sealing, playability, etc.

This is my wow!
I learned to heat a pin to remove it. A customer wanted a broken pin removed, too short to use a torch, HHHMMM What do I do.
I mounted the cue in the lathe and turned the front edge flat, With a 1/8 drill bit bored a hole into the center of the pin (1/2" - 3/4" deep). Grabed my visegrips and out it came. From start to end (4 min.) was quicker than I could heat the pin up.
The cue was warm, not hot enough to ruin the joint or clear.
I pull all my pins this way and never worry about damaging clear. I did break a bit once, common sense could have prevented that though.