Bowling Ball Drilling Instructions

A bowling ball is one of the most personalized pieces of sporting equipment you can own. You need to calibrate the holes in the ball to account for your hand, the ball and all of the unique mannerisms of your bowling style. If you buy a new, undrilled ball you can easily place the holes yourself. There are hundreds of different drilling layout patterns you can use to customize the ball and make your bowling ball work best for you when you use it. Sites like the one listed in the Resources section below can help you find an appropriate pattern.

Things You'll Need

  • Drilling pattern
  • Marker
  • Protective goggles
  • Drill Press
  • Spade bit
  • Sandpaper
  • Cloth
  • Bowling ball polish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a drilling pattern for your make of bowling ball that suits your style of bowling.

    • 2

      Apply the pattern to your ball and mark the points where you want to drill. Use a marker to make a clear point so you know where to work.

    • 3

      Wear protective goggles before you start drilling your bowling ball so that no dust will get into your eyes.

    • 4

      Clamp down the bowling ball onto the drill press. Drill into each of the marks with the drill press and spade bit. The size of the bit will correspond to size of the hole you want. Drill the holes until they are at least 2 inches deep, but the depth of the holes will really depend on what would be comfortable for grip.

    • 5

      Sand around the drilled holes with low grit sandpaper. Gently run the sandpaper over the entire surface of the ball once. Move the sandpaper around in circular motion.

    • 6

      Polish the ball with a cloth and bowling ball polish until it is smooth and shiny.