You’ve probably seen it happen before. A bowler throws a ball down the lane, and suddenly, there’s a loud cracking noise. The ball is no longer usable, and the bowler is out of luck.
Every bowler has had the experience of their ball cracking, usually right when they’ve gotten it drilled and customized to fit their hand. It’s a frustrating experience, but it’s one that happens relatively often.
But why does this happen? Let’s take a look at the science behind why bowling balls crack.
How the bowling ball is made
The bowling ball is one of the most important pieces of equipment in the game of bowling. It is the only piece of equipment that the bowler has direct control over during the course of a game. As such, it is important to understand how a bowling ball is made and what factors go into its construction.
The bowling ball is a complex piece of equipment. It is made up of several different parts, each of which plays an important role in how the ball performs.
The bowling ball is made up of three parts: the core, the coverstock, and the finish. The core is the innermost part of the ball and is responsible for the majority of the weight.
The coverstock is the outer layer that covers the core and provides the majority of the ball’s surface area. The finish is a thin layer that covers the coverstock and provides protection against wear and tear.
The first step in making a bowling ball is to create the core. The core is the heaviest part of the ball and is responsible for most of the ball’s weight. It is typically made from a solid piece of rubber or plastic.
The next step is to add the coverstock. The coverstock is a thin layer of material that covers the core and helps to provide grip on the lane.
It also affects how the ball reacts when it hits the pins. The coverstock can be made from many different materials, but the most common are polyester and urethane.
Once the core and coverstock are in place, they are then joined together with a bonding agent. This bonding agent helps to keep the two pieces together and provides additional durability to the ball.
After the ball is bonded, it is then ready to be drilled. Drilling involves creating holes in the ball so that it can be fitted with grips that will be used by
The vast majority of bowling balls are made from a type of hard plastic called polyester. This material is incredibly durable, which is why it’s able to withstand the impact of being thrown down a bowling lane hundreds of times.
However, repeated exposure to high-impact forces can cause even the toughest materials to break down over time.
In order to give the ball the desired weight and balance, different materials are added to the core of the ball. The type of core used will affect the performance of the ball on the lane. The inside of the ball is hollow and filled with air or a heavy liquid such as mercury.
The weight of the ball is determined by the amount of liquid inside. Heavier balls are more difficult to throw but can produce more power when they hit the pins.
The size of the ball also affects its performance. A smaller ball is easier to control but will not travel as fast or generate as much power when it hits the pins. A larger ball will travel faster and have more power but can be more difficult to control.
Reasons that a bowling ball may crack
There are a few different reasons why bowling balls can crack. The first is simply because they’re made of plastic, and all plastics have a certain amount of flexibility to them.
When you add the weight of the ball and the forces exerted on it when you bowl, that flexibility can reach its limit, causing the material to crack.
There are several factors that can contribute to a bowling ball’s cracking. One of the most common is simply age; as a ball gets older, its outer shell will slowly begin to deteriorate.
Other factors include improper storage (exposing the ball to extreme temperatures or sunlight), using an incompatible cleaning solution, and dropping the ball on a hard surface.
Another reason bowling balls can crack is because of changes in temperature. If you leave your ball in a hot car or store it in an overly warm area, the heat can cause the materials to expand slightly. Then, when you take the ball out and bowl with it in cooler conditions, those materials contract and can cause cracking.
Finally, improper care and cleaning of your ball can also lead to cracking. If you use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your ball, over time they can degrade the surface of the ball and make it more susceptible to cracking.
How to prevent a bowling ball from cracking
One of the most important pieces of equipment for bowling is the bowling ball. If you don’t have a good ball, you won’t be able to bowl properly.
But how do you keep your bowling ball from cracking?
Most bowling balls are made of polyester, which is a durable material. However, if you drop your bowling ball or if it hits something hard, it can crack.
Here are a few tips to help prevent a bowling ball from cracking:
- Don’t store your ball in direct sunlight.
- If your ball gets wet, dry it off immediately.
- Store your ball in a cool and dry place.
- Don’t drop your ball.
- If your ball starts to develop cracks, take it to a professional to have it repaired.
What to do with a cracked bowling ball?
If you have a cracked bowling ball, there are a few things you can do. You can try to repair the ball yourself or you can take the ball to a professional to have it repaired.
You can continue to use the ball, but be aware that it may not perform as well as it did before it was cracked. If the crack is already too damaging and the ball is not worth repairing, you can always buy a new ball instead.
Can you use a cracked bowling ball?
When a bowling ball cracks, it’s usually because the outer shell has become too thin. The outer shell is what protects the inner core of the ball from damage.
If the outer shell cracks, then the inner core will be exposed and vulnerable to damage as well. In most cases, a crack in the outer shell will cause the entire ball to become unusable.
If you’ve ever had a bowling ball crack, you may be wondering if you can still use it. The answer is yes!
Even if your ball is cracked, you can still use it as long as the crack isn’t too severe. Cracks in your bowling ball can cause the ball to hook more than usual. So, if you’re using a cracked ball, you may need to make some adjustments to your game.
Also, cracks can also cause the ball to be less durable. So, if you’re using a cracked ball, you may want to consider replacing it sooner rather than later
It’s also important to note that while a cracked bowling ball may not look as good as a new one, it can still be used for gameplay.
Cracks in bowling balls usually occur in the coverstock, which is the outer layer of the ball. The good news is that the coverstock is not integral to the performance of the ball– it’s there for aesthetics only.
If you do decide to use a cracked ball, be sure to inspect it before each use. Look for any new cracks or damage that could potentially make the ball worse. If you find any new damage, it’s probably time to get a new ball.
However, if the crack is severe, then it’s time to get a new ball. A severe crack can cause the ball to break apart while you’re bowling, which is obviously not ideal. If the crack is just cosmetic, though, then you can continue using the ball without any problems.
Can a cracked bowling ball be fixed?
Yes, a cracked bowling ball can be fixed depending on the extent of the crack. You can try to repair the ball yourself or you can hire a professional to do it instead. However, if the cracks are too severe, the ball may need to be replaced.
Can a split bowling ball be fixed?
It is possible to fix a split bowling ball, but it is not recommended. This is because the ball will never be as good as it was before it was split. If you do decide to fix your split bowling ball, you will need to have it professionally done.
Can a chipped bowling ball be fixed?
If you’ve recently had a mishap with your bowling ball and it’s now chipped, you may be wondering if it can be fixed.
The good news is that, in most cases, a chipped bowling ball can be repaired depending on the severity of the damage.
But repairing a chipped bowling ball is not recommended because the ball will not perform as well after it has been repaired.
How much does it cost to repair a bowling ball?
The cost of repairing a bowling ball can vary depending on the severity of the damage and the size of the cracks.
How often do bowling balls crack during drilling?
While the occasional bowling ball cracking during the drilling process is not unheard of, it is not a common occurrence.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to a bowling ball cracking, including the type of ball being drilled, the type of drill bit being used, and the amount of pressure being applied.
Can bowling balls crack in the cold?
Bowling balls are made of a hard plastic material that is very strong and durable. However, extreme cold temperatures can cause the material to become brittle and crack.
How cold does it have to be for a bowling ball to crack?
There is no definitive answer to this question since every bowling ball is different and will react to cold temperatures differently. However, as a general rule of thumb, if the temperature is below freezing, there is a potential for the bowling ball to crack.
Can you leave a bowling ball in the cold?
Leaving a bowling ball in the cold is not recommended as it can cause the material to become brittle and crack. If you must leave your bowling ball in a cold environment, be sure to wrap it in a protective layer to help insulate it from the cold.
How much force does it take to break a bowling ball?
It takes quite a bit of force to break a bowling ball. In fact, you would need to generate around 6,000 pounds of force to break a standard bowling ball.
You may be wondering why you would need to generate so much force to break a bowling ball. The short answer is that bowling balls are designed to be very durable. They are made out of a hard plastic material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
So, if you’re looking to break a bowling ball, you’re going to need to apply a lot of force. However, if you’re looking to just damage the ball, you can probably get away with using a lot less force.
Can a grizzly bear crush a bowling ball?
Yes, a grizzly bear can easily crush a bowling ball. In fact, a grizzly bear can generate up to 1,800 pounds of force with its jaw alone.
Conclusion
While it may be frustrating to have your game interrupted by a cracked ball, it’s important to understand that this is simply part of playing bowling.
Bowling balls are designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear, but they’re not indestructible. Cracks can occur for a variety of reasons, but understanding why they happen can help you avoid them in the future.
Give your ball proper care and storage, avoid drastic changes in temperature, and don’t forget to replace your ball every few years to keep cracks at bay.
By taking proper care of your balls and replacing them when necessary, you can help prolong their lifespan and avoid having your game interrupted by a cracked ball.
