Bowling balls with cracks can be frustrating for bowlers and cause issues with their performance and safety. It’s important to figure out why these cracks happen, how to fix them, and prevent future damage to make your equipment last longer.
Bowlers can fix a cracked bowling ball by filling it with a thermosetting polymer like Epoxy Resin. This will extend its lifespan for many more games to come. Nonetheless, if the crack is excessively severe or penetrates the core of the ball, it may be prudent to seek the assistance of a qualified professional for evaluation and remediation.
Keep reading to learn more about how to fix a bowling ball crack, what causes a bowling ball crack, and how to prevent a bowling ball crack from happening in the first place.
What to do with a Cracked Bowling Ball and How to Fix it
Fixing a cracked bowling ball requires careful attention to detail and the right tools and materials. Here’s a detailed guide on how to repair a cracked bowling ball:
Materials Needed:
- Cracked bowling ball
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Epoxy resin
- Mixing cups and sticks
- Masking tape
- Clamps (optional)
- Bowl of warm, soapy water
- Clean cloth
- Bowling ball polish (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Assess the Damage: Carefully examine the crack to determine its size and severity. Minor cracks may only require surface repairs, while larger ones may need more extensive treatment.
- Prepare the Surface: Use sandpaper to gently sand around the cracked area. This helps to remove any debris, rough edges, or loose particles that could interfere with the repair process. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper and gradually move to finer grits for a smoother finish.
- Clean the Ball: Wipe the bowling ball with a clean cloth dampened with warm, soapy water to remove any remaining dust or residue from the sanding process. Ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding.
- Apply Masking Tape (Optional): If the crack is located near the finger holes or thumbhole, you may want to protect these areas by applying masking tape around them. This helps to prevent epoxy resin from seeping into the holes and affecting your grip.
- Safety Considerations: While epoxy resin is generally safe to use when handled properly, it’s important to follow safety precautions such as wearing protective gloves, goggles, and working in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to fumes and skin contact with uncured resin. Always read the manufacture’s instructions and safety warnings!
- Mix the Epoxy Resin: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the epoxy resin thoroughly. Use a mixing cup and stick to ensure the resin is well combined.
- Fill the Crack with Epoxy Resin: Carefully apply the mixed epoxy resin to the cracked area, ensuring it fills the entire length and depth of the crack. Use a small spatula or applicator tool to spread the resin evenly over the surface.
- Allow the Epoxy to Cure: Let the epoxy resin cure according to the manufacturer’s recommended drying time. This typically ranges from a few hours to overnight, depending on the type of resin used.
- Sand and Polish: Once the epoxy has fully cured, use sandpaper to gently smooth the repaired area, starting with a coarse grit and gradually moving to finer grits for a polished finish. If desired, apply bowling ball polish to restore the ball’s shine and luster.
- Inspect the Repair: After sanding and polishing, carefully inspect the repaired area to ensure it’s smooth and free of any imperfections. If necessary, repeat the sanding and polishing process until you’re satisfied with the results.
- Test the Ball: Before using the repaired bowling ball in a game, take it for a few practice throws to ensure the repair holds up under pressure. If you notice any issues or concerns, revisit the repair process as needed.
By following these steps and taking your time, you can effectively repair a cracked bowling ball and extend its lifespan for many more games to come. However, if the crack is too severe or extends into the core of the ball, it may be best to consult a professional for assessment and repair.
What Causes a Crack in a Bowling Ball?
A cracked Bowling Ball is something that happens to all bowlers at one time. I was also affected several times in the past. But now me knowing the main reasons, I could prevent my bowling balls from cracking for a long time.
There are different factors for a bowling ball to crack, but the main cause is temperature changing at a quick rate.
The Primary Concern is Temperature Changes
The main issue here is the difference in temperature between your place of storage for your bowling balls and the temperature at the bowling place itself.
“Understanding how climate affects your bowling ball is crucial for its longevity. Whether it’s combating cold-induced discoloration or preventing heat-related oil extraction, being proactive can extend your ball’s lifespan.” – Scott Pohl – three-time USBC Open Championship winner.
In a bowling ball made from different materials, something has to give at the weakest point under drastic temperature changes. The same is true when you store your bowling ball in a hot environment, expanding materials inside the ball make it crack.
How to Notice Your Bowling Ball Face’s Temperature Changes at a Quick Rate?
I live in an area where it can be freezing cold in the winter. One day, I drove to my bowling place and could see the condensation on the bowling ball when I threw it. And wet balls don’t like to hook that well.
You can also see a lot by the phasing, which is a discoloration that comes off more on the surface of the ball.
In hotter regions, you can actually see your bowling ball sweating and extracting the oil out.
Why do Bowling Balls Crack When Not Used
When bowling balls crack from lack of use, it’s usually due to a few factors that you might want to keep in mind to take care of your gear better.
First off, materials like reactive resin, urethane, or polyester that bowling balls are made of can degrade over time, especially if they’re not stored properly. So, if you’ve got a ball sitting around in extreme temperatures or changing humidity levels, it’s at risk of weakening and eventually cracking.
Sometimes, there might be defects from when the ball was made that you didn’t notice at first. These defects can make the ball more prone to cracking over time, even if it’s not getting used regularly.
And of course, accidents happen. If your ball gets dropped or knocked around, it can develop cracks, especially if it hits a hard surface.
How to Store a Bowling Ball properly
How you store your bowling ball matters. If it’s getting squished under other heavy stuff or stored in a way that puts pressure on it, that can weaken its structure too. Even if you’re not using it, it’s still susceptible to stress.
To keep your bowling ball in good shape, make sure to store it properly, away from extreme conditions and heavy pressure. Give it a once-over every now and then for any signs of damage, and if you do notice any cracks, it might be time to retire that ball or look into getting it repaired.
Taking care of your gear means you’ll get more out of it in the long run, so it’s worth paying attention to how you store and handle your bowling balls.
How to Prevent a Bowling Ball from Cracking
The best way I encountered is to store my bowling balls at room temperature to make it safe from extraction.
In my home, I keep the bowling ball away from moisture. I’m using a towel to prevent the ball from contact with that moisture.
On cold days, I let the bowling ball acclimate some time next to the heater before throwing it. The key here is to let it get to room temperature slowly.
The same goes for hot days. At these days, I go to the bowling center sometime earlier to let it cool down slowly.
Can You Still Bowl with a Cracked Bowling Ball?
Using a cracked bowling ball is not a good idea, and I strongly advise against it for a few important reasons.
First and foremost, your safety is paramount. A cracked bowling ball is compromised structurally, which means it’s more likely to break apart during use. This could potentially cause injury to you or others around you, and I wouldn’t want to see anyone get hurt while enjoying a game of bowling.
Additionally, bowling with a cracked ball can seriously mess with your game. The crack affects the ball’s weight distribution and overall performance, leading to unpredictable rolls and making it harder to hit your target consistently. It’s frustrating when your equipment isn’t working right, and using a cracked ball will only add unnecessary frustration to your bowling experience.
A Cracked Bowling Ball can Damage the Lane
Moreover, using a cracked ball can damage the bowling lane itself. Those sharp edges can scratch or gouge the surface, causing damage that the bowling alley will have to repair. Plus, you might end up violating the rules of the bowling center, as many places have strict regulations against using damaged equipment like cracked balls.
So, if you notice a crack in your bowling ball, it’s best to retire it and look into getting a replacement. Your safety, enjoyment of the game, and respect for the bowling center’s rules are all good reasons to leave that cracked ball on the shelf.