How to Make Finger Holes on a Bowling Ball Plugger

If you are an avid bowler, you may find your bowling style changes or your hands require a different grip on your bowling ball. Whatever the reason, if the holes in the ball become uncomfortable, you can plug and re-drill them to adjust the grip instead of going to the expense of buying a new ball.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowling ball
  • Plug compound
  • Plug compound coloring
  • Hardener
  • Sanding gloves
  • Sanding discs
  • Drill
  • Drill bits
  • Bowling ball measuring and marking device
  • Polishing cloth
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Instructions

  1. Plugging the Hole

    • 1

      Use urethane plug compound, made expressly for plugging a bowling ball. Make sure the room temperature is between 68 and 72 F. The compound works best in this temperature range.

    • 2

      Mix your colors to either match the ball or to whatever combination you prefer. You can buy coloring to add to the plug compound.

    • 3

      Add hardener to the colored compound, following label directions for the proportions. Work quickly before the plug mixture hardens.

    • 4

      Fill the hole on your bowling ball with plug compound and allow it to set for about 24 hours. Level the hole just after adding the compound to make it as smooth as possible while the compound is still workable.

    • 5

      Use the sanding gloves and discs to smooth the surface of the filled hole after it has dried to make it consistent with the rest of the ball's surface. Check it by rolling the ball on the floor. If it wobbles, continue smoothing the surface around the plugged hole until it moves freely along the floor.

    Drilling New Grips

    • 6

      Choose a grip for your new finger holes. Most bowlers use a standard grip, which allows the fingers to extend into the holes to the knuckles. Advanced and professional bowlers prefer to grip with their fingertips.

    • 7

      Measure your hand using a bowling ball measuring and marking device, usually found at bowling alleys or in stores that specialize in making custom bowling equipment. The device will accurately measure your hand and grip, creating a customized grip for your ball especially for you.

    • 8

      Mark the ball according to the measurements you got from the device.

    • 9

      Drill each hole separately. Because of the difference in finger sizes, you may need several size drill bits to make your holes.

    • 10

      Sand the entire ball, paying special attention to the areas around the holes you just drilled. Polish the ball's surface with fine sandpaper and a soft buffing cloth.

    • 11

      Roll the ball on the floor again to check that it rolls smoothly after drilling. If not, continue to work carefully with the sandpaper to polish the surface to perfection.