How to Determine Where to Drill a Bowling Ball

Determining where to drill your new bowling ball will be crucial to your bowling success. In deciding where to drill you will take into consideration the size of your hand, the width of your fingers, pin placement, mass bias and center of gravity. The entire ball will be affected when you drill, so drilling appropriately can dictate hook, distance, power and impact.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowling ball (any size)
  • Drill press
  • Scale
  • Drill bits
  • Thumb or finger inserts (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Before you can begin to drill your ball, you must decide whether you want a finger tip hole or a semi-finger tip hole. It is best to try your hands in a few different, already drilled configurations to see what feels best to you.

    • 2

      Measure the distance between your fingers and the base of your thumb. This will determine where the holes should be so you are able to properly grasp the ball. Pin placement, mass bias and the center of gravity can be affected by where you drill these holes, so it is important to accurately measure.

    • 3

      Place your ball in the drill press. Secure the ball in the drill press so holes will be drilled according to your measurements. Drill holes that are longer than your fingers.

    • 4

      After the drilling is complete, sand the ball to eliminate rough or irregular edges. Finger hole inserts may be added if the hole feels a bit large around your fingers or thumb. Inserts, whether for a thumb or finger, are removable to accommodate changing finger conditions.

    • 5

      Try your ball. Play a few games and see how it curves, breaks or splits the lane. If you aren't happy with the result, it is possible to fill in the holes and redrill.