Bowling balls crack— that’s inevitable. Do you think your bowling ball is super durable? Good, but know that it is not indestructible. No matter how strong the bowling ball’s coverstock is, it can crack or even break open with time. A bowling ball can crack in numerous ways, and one of the common kinds of crack bowlers complain about is the infamous “cracked bridge” which is a specific kind of crack you see between the two finger holes. So do you also have a bowling ball cracked between the finger holes? What can you do about that? Go through this article and you will have your answer shortly.
What should you do when your bowling ball is cracked between in finger holes?
A bowling ball can crack due to several reasons. But that’s not what we are gonna discuss. I want you all to know the actions you should take once it happens.
So let’s say, the bowling ball you just used last night or the one that you didn’t use for a long time has a crack right between the two finger holes. Now, do you throw it away and buy a new ball or do you still have the time to save it? Well, that depends on the severity of the bowling ball’s crack. If it is a deep crack that is getting huge by spreading past the finger holes; sorry mate, it’s time to say goodbye to your precious bowling ball. But what if it’s a small chip or the crack is cosmetic or small, there’s still hope for that ball.
Bowling balls with “cracked bridge” cracks, small chips, or slight scrapes are the easiest ones to repair because they are cosmetic. Now, because the crack is minor, it won’t impact the bowling ball’s performance greatly, simply because the repairs won’t to too big.
To fix small cracks or damages in between the ring and middle finger holes, first, you gotta sand the entire ball’s surface with sandpaper. When the ball is being sanded, make sure the surface is wet the whole time. Don’t dry-sand your ball. If you see the crack disappear after the sanding process, just apply polish to refinish your bowling ball’s surface.
What if the crack is still visible after sanding and re-polishing? Well, don’t lose hope. Small cracks are often repaired with a bowling ball repair kit. Instead of using the kit, you can just get yourself some sealants, sandpapers, and ball polish, and get to work. Some cracks will need sealing. This is when you need the sealant to thoroughly and completely seal the crack. Make sure to apply the sealant first, set it aside to dry, and then sand down the ball. Note that, sometimes it can take up to 3 days for the sealant to dry. However, that depends on the type of sealant.
Just like the cosmetic damage repair, apply a bowling ball polish after you sand it down. Keep in mind that you have to be extra careful around the area of the crack. Don’t put too much pressure around the crack, do it gently. Once the bowling ball polish is completely dry, this is when the ball will be ready to use. After the crack repair is done, let your ball rest for a few days before you use it for a match or practice again. Once the ball is fully repaired, all you gotta do is store it properly so that no further damage occurs.
What should you do when your bowling ball is cracked all the way around?
You are not gonna like what I will say next. Friends, if you have a bowling ball that is cracked all the way around, I’m sorry, you’re gonna have to let that go. Honestly, there’s nothing you can do to revive its good old performance. Even if you try to fix the crack, know that the ball is in a weak condition. So if you decide to play with it, soon the cracked bowling ball is gonna bust open, if not the crack will get even deeper. What’s the point of using such a bowling ball? So just dump the ball that is cracked all the way and get yourself a new one to save yourself from further trouble.
Can a cracked bowling ball be fixed?
Whether a cracked bowling ball can be fixed or not depends on the severity of the crack on the bowling ball. If it is a huge one, no need to waste money on that ball because that won’t fix the problem for a long time. Eventually, you will have to throw away the ball. So if it is a big one, say goodbye to it. However, for small or minor cracks, the case is different. The ball still has a hope to make a recovery.
If you’re having a hard time understanding whether it is a big crack or not, take your bowling ball to a pro shop and allow them to examine it and give their verdict. If they say, the ball can be fixed and you can use it again like before, go ahead, and get the ball fixed. The pro shop operator will also let you know if the bowling ball is beyond repair. This is when you are gonna have to buy another bowling ball.
How much does it cost to repair cracked bowling ball?
Are you worried about how much it is going to cost you to get your ball fixed? Let me assure you that there’s nothing to worry about. Pro shop operators examine the severity of the crack first and only after that they will let you know the cost. For cracks that are fixable (of course), the repair charge can start around $20 and can go up to $50. Unless your bowling ball needs a special kind of sealant, the cost won’t be more than $60 bucks.
What to do with old cracked bowling ball?
Besides throwing away your old cracked bowling ball in the dumpster, there are some other ways you can repurpose it. Because a cracked bowling ball is basically useless for playing, it has no re-sell value. So what you can do is donate it to a thrift store, a youth center, or your local bowling alley. If it is a rare and exceptional bowling ball, some bowling centers may fix the crack and may use it for display. You can also give it to zoos or farms and they can use it for various reasons.
If you don’t have these options open, or you feel like keeping the ball for yourself, you can be creative with that. Since recycling isn’t possible, you should opt for upcycling. You can use the ball for art and crafts, and use it as an indoor or outdoor decorative piece. You can either paint on the ball, add mirror pieces, gemstones, or mosaic pieces, and give it a new look. That’s a very creative way to repurpose your old cracked bowling ball.
Conclusion
Do not lose hope as soon as you see a crack on your bowling ball. If it can be saved, well, great news for you! If it is beyond repair, sorry mate, you are gonna have to spend some money to get a new bowling ball. Whatever you decide to do, you need to always make sure your ball is delivering standard performance. After repairing, if you see any change in performance, do not use it to bowl. So examine your ball properly and take the right and smart decision. Till then, good luck with your future endeavors and keep on bowling, my fellow bowlers! See ya later!
Passionate Bowler and Bowling Enthusiast
Jess Pinelli is a dedicated bowling enthusiast with a deep love for the sport that spans over 6 years. With numerous strikes, spares, and a few gutter balls under hes belt, he has honed his skills on lanes across the country. Pinelli’s journey in the world of bowling has been a remarkable one, from casual weekend games with friends to competitive league play and even a few local tournaments.
Driven by her passion for the game, Pinelli decided to channel her expertise and knowledge into the digital realm, becoming a prolific author on this bowling website. She’s your go-to source for everything bowling-related, from mastering the perfect hook to choosing the right bowling ball and even navigating the world of bowling etiquette.
When she’s not busy writing informative articles or reviewing the latest bowling gear, you’ll likely find Pinellis at her favorite local bowling alley, helping newcomers improve their game or enjoying some friendly competition with fellow bowlers. She firmly believes that bowling is not just a game but a community, and she’s committed to fostering that sense of camaraderie both online and offline.
