Have you ever wondered how to repair those pesky gouges in your bowling ball? Do not be discouraged if your bowling ball has a gouge. There are loads of options for fixing it.
Gouges in your bowling ball can be caused by a number of things. Maybe you accidentally dropped it on the floor, or maybe you were using it when it hit something else. Some people, in fact, intentionally gouge their balls.
But regardless of how they got there, gouges can be annoying and make it difficult to bowl a strike. Here are a few things you can do to repair it.
Bowling Ball Gouges Repair Options
There are a few different ways that you can repair gouges in your bowling ball.
Bowling Ball Repair Kit
One way is to use a special repair kit that you can purchase at a store. The majority of the time, this kit will include both the tools and instructions you need to repair the gouge.
With the use of a repair kit, a heavy-duty scrub sponge pad, and professional ball polish, bowling balls can be fixed manually at home. To chip the bowling ball’s chipping area, you also need a clear filler.
The filled chip may appear rough and in need of polishing once the accelerator has been applied, but the ball will soon be ready for use.
Professional Bowling Ball Driller
One way is to take it to a professional who can fix it for you. Taking the ball to a qualified bowling ball driller is ideal since they will have the knowledge and equipment necessary to rapidly and effectively repair the damage.
The cost of custom drilling might range from $50 to $70. Typically, you’ll receive the installation of switch grips, thumb slugs, and finger inserts for this cost.
DIY Repair
If you’re looking to save some money, you can try repairing the gouge yourself. Here are a few steps to take:
- First, you’ll need to clean the area around the gouge. Be sure to remove any dirt or debris that may be present.
- Next, you’ll need to apply a generous amount of glue to the area. You can use a variety of different glues, but we recommend using a strong glue that will hold the repair in place.
- Once the glue has been applied, you’ll need to place a piece of tape over the area. This will help to keep the repair in place while it dries.
- After the glue has had time to dry, you can remove the tape and your ball should be good as new!
How to Repair Gouges in Bowling Ball
If you are dealing with minor gouges, the best way to repair gouges is to purchase a DIY bowling ball repair kit.
If you are dealing with more major gouges, then it’s recommended that you see a professional to help address the gouges and get your bowling ball back to form!
Gouging Bowling Balls
Intentionally gouging a bowling ball is the process of taking a sharp object and carving a groove or line into the surface of the ball. T
he most common reason that this is done is to alter the curvature of the ball and the way that it moves when traveling down the lane. You can add or remove hook by doing this.
V-gouges and U-gouges are the two primary kinds of gouges you can do. Using a sharp tool, carve a V-shaped groove into the ball to create a V-gouge. Usually, the purpose of this kind of gouge is to maximize hook potential.
Using a sharp tool, carve a U-shaped groove into the ball to create a U-gouge. The purpose of this kind of gouge is typical to reduce hook potential. Your ball’s response will also depend on how deep the gouge is.
Compared to a deep gouge, a shallow gouge will have less of an impact on the ball. Your ball’s response will also depend on the gouge’s width. A wide gouge will affect the ball more than a narrow gouge.
Although gouging your bowling ball is not prohibited, many leagues and competitions discourage it since it offers bowlers an unfair edge. If you’re going to gouge your bowling ball, make sure to gouge it gently to avoid damaging the ball’s coverstock.
Conclusion
Similar to most other pieces of equipment, bowling balls occasionally need to be adjusted or maintained to perform to their full potential.
The amount of maintenance needed also directly depends on your skill level, your expectations for the ball’s performance, and the technical quality of your equipment, much like with most other sporting goods.
But when you encounter accidental gouges in your ball or if you intentionally gouged it and have changed your mind, you can always fix it with the steps on how to repair gauges in a bowling ball.
Whether you choose to repair the gouge yourself or take it to a professional, there are plenty of options available to you. By taking the proper steps, you can ensure that your bowling ball is as good as new.
