How to Use Bowler's Tape

Bowler's tape can improve your comfort and/or grip by sliding thin strips of textured or smooth tape into the thumb and finger holes of a bowling ball. Doing enables you to concentrate on the pins in front of you and not your fingers inside the holes of your bowling ball.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowling ball cleaner
  • Flat-head screwdriver
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Instructions

  1. Placing Bowler's Tape

    • 1

      Squirt a couple of drops of bowling ball cleaner into the finger and thumb holes of your bowling ball and scrub all dirt and grim out of each hole with a dry towel.

    • 2

      Polish all surfaces, including the holes, until they are waterless, Use a second dry towel to do this.

    • 3

      Peel the bowler's tape from its backing and place it an eighth of an inch onto a flat-head screwdriver.

    • 4

      Place the screwdriver in one hand and use the pointer and your thumb to gently squeeze the tape, bending it to the contour of the hole.

    • 5

      Slide the screwdriver down into the hole and align the tape by looking at the other two holes. Once the tape is aligned where you would like it, gently press the tape down with one finger and remove the screwdriver.

    • 6

      Push one finger into the hole and press down firmly on the tape, sticking it against the surface.

    • 7

      Push your fingers and thumb into the holes of the bowling ball to check for comfort. They should fit as snugly as a comfortable shoe. Judging for snugness, pull out your fingers and thumb. If you hear a popping sound, this indicates resistance and you are ready to bowl. If you do not hear that popping sound, add another strip of tape.

    • 8

      Slip your two fingers and thumb back into the holes to check your grip. Turning the ball, hold it at the starting point and slowly let your arm drop beside your leg. If the ball does not slide toward the floor, your grip is good. If the ball starts sliding off your fingers, add another strip of tape.

    Removing Worn Out Tape

    • 9

      Squirt ball cleaner into the holes that contain bowler's tape and allow the cleaner to sit inside the holes for five minutes.

    • 10

      Scrape at the adhesive with a flat-head screwdriver. Be gentle and do not damage the finger holes.

    • 11

      Remove the worn out tape once it has been scraped off.

    • 12

      Squirt two blasts of ball cleaner into the hole. Use a towel to rub all dirt and grim out of the hole.

    • 13

      Dry and polish the surfaces and apply new bowler's tape.