How to Repair Bowling Balls

Having an entire bowling ball resurfaced costs only $40 or so, but if you're the do-it-yourself type you can take matters into your own hands by purchasing a repair kit. Depending on the amount of damage to the ball, this repair could take as little as several minutes. If your ball is simply scuffed, all you really need is a large, green scratch pad to even out the surface, plus some wax or polish to shine it up.

Things You'll Need

  • Warranty information
  • Repair kit
  • Green scratch pad
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Instructions

    • 1

      See if the ball is still under warranty. If you bought your ball new, it might be. If so, and you bought it from a pro shop, the shop can fix the dents, scratches and small, narrow cracks on your ball for little or nothing. If you bought the ball elsewhere, contact the manufacturer. Many warranties cover new balls for one year.

    • 2

      If the ball is not under warranty, you'll need a repair kit. These run about $40. You might find one on eBay, craigslist or another non-bowling-specific barter site. Many pro shops also sell repair kits.

    • 3

      If you have minor dents and scuffs, use the repair kit to fill the holes and smooth over the scuffing. If your ball is cracking, insert the filler into the cracks to seal them. If you just have minor scrapes on your ball and no deep dents or cracks, consider buying a large, green scratch pad instead. Take the scratch pad in one hand, the ball in the other, and use the pad to sand and smooth the entire surface. The ball might even look as good as new as long as you polish it well afterward.

    • 4

      When you're done with the repair, take the ball out for a spin at a local bowling alley. After bowling a game, check to see if your repair measures have held up. If the original cracks and dents still aren't visible, your job is done. If the sealant has shaken loose, evaporated or otherwise not held together, you'll need a second application. You might also consider having it resurfaced by a pro shop.