How to Sand the Thumb Hole in a Bowling Ball

Most bowling balls have three holes where fingers and a thumb grip the ball. Hole size varies, and many balls are custom-drilled for optimal grip and shape. Once the ball is drilled, the holes are sanded for a smooth release. You can sand the holes in your bowling ball to your satisfaction.

Things You'll Need

  • Fine sandpaper
  • Small dowel or stick
  • Power drill with sanding bit attachment (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pinch a small square of sandpaper so the gritty side is facing out. Push it down into the thumb hole so that it contacts the inside surface of the hole.

    • 2

      Push your forefinger into the hole and spin the sandpaper around in the thumb hole to sand down the interior. Stop every few minutes, remove the paper and insert your thumb to test the feel. To get deeper into the hole, push the paper into the hole and use a dowel or stick to push it deeper down.

    • 3

      Sand the edges of the thumb hole by pulling the paper up and out of the hole and smoothing the edges with the gritty side.