How to Drill a Bowling Ball to Hook

Beginning and advanced bowlers are constantly in search of the ball that will give them an advantage against their competition, or the drilling pattern that will give them the best reaction. Oftentimes, the solution is to drill the ball to hook as much as possible. However, there are some precautions and expensive equipment that are necessary for a bowling ball to be drilled.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowling ball with drilling sheet
  • Quarter scale
  • Yellow pencil
  • Bowling ball drill press
  • Specification sheet of the individual that the ball is being drilled for
  • Bowling ball scale
  • Bevel sander
  • Bevel knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Consult the bowling ball's drilling sheet for the pattern with the most aggressive, consistent drilling pattern. Each layout will have statistics regarding the reaction that it will generate as well as what the player should expect to see from the drilling.

    • 2

      Position the bowling ball in a stable bowling ball holder, being sure to mimic the location of the pin and the center of gravity from the drilling sheet. The pin is a circle that is approximately 1/2 inch in diameter. The center of gravity is indicated by a distinct divot several inches away from the pin.

    • 3

      Draw the drilling marks according to the specifications of the individual that the ball is being drilled for. Use the quarter scale to ensure that you are drawing straight lines on the ball and also to ensure that the lines are the correct length. A yellow pencil is best so that any mistakes can be easily wiped off with a cloth while still making sure that the lines are clearly visible.

    • 4

      Weigh the ball, using the center line of the drilling marks as a reference point. If there is more than an ounce of weight difference between opposing sides, redo the ball layout to compensate for the difference.

    • 5

      Set the ball in the holder on the bowling ball drill press. Change the pitches according to the ball owner's specification sheet and lock the ball into place with the thumb hole positioned under the drill bit.

    • 6

      Turn on the drill press and drill the thumb hole, being sure to turn off the drill press when you are done.

    • 7

      Reposition the ball and reset the pitches for the ring finger, then lock the ball into place.

    • 8

      Turn on the drill press and drill the ring finger hole, again being sure to turn off the drill press when you are done.

    • 9

      Reposition the ball and set the pitches for the middle finger hole, then lock the ball into place.

    • 10

      Turn on the drill press and drill the middle finger hole. Turn off the drill press when you are done.

    • 11

      Smooth all of the holes according to the preferences of the individual who will be throwing the ball, making sure to remove any leftover residue from the drilling. This is best accomplished with a bevel knife and bevel sander.