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Author Topic: Plugging/Redrilling Question  (Read 12755 times)

teenbowler

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Plugging/Redrilling Question
« on: June 04, 2012, 10:53:18 PM »
I was recently given a Brunswick Black Beauty to add as a Spare Ball with moving my whole arsenal to a new weight (still a teen!) I'm looking at getting it plugged, and redrilled, (with finger inserts) soon. Is there a ballpark estimation as to how much it usually is? I'm bowling a PBA Regional Pro-Am this Friday and would like to have it by then. If it won't be ready by then, I have my 14 TZone I can still go with. I recently purchased a Cyclone, Benchmark, and Hellraiser Revenge to be my full arsenal until next year. Also, is it a good idea to redrill and everything? Or would it be worth it to get a completely new spare ball (as in factory).
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BallReviews-Removed0385

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Re: Plugging/Redrilling Question
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2012, 10:58:51 PM »

It depends. Some shops refuse to touch them because they stink up the place for days... I wonder if spending any amount on a rubber ball is worth it. But if you insist perhaps the driller can use the existing finger holes and only plug and re-drill the thumb, which should save you money.

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teenbowler

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Re: Plugging/Redrilling Question
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2012, 11:04:55 PM »
Quote from: notclay on June 04, 2012, 10:58:51 PM

It depends. Some shops refuse to touch them because they stink up the place for days... I wonder if spending any amount on a rubber ball is worth it. But if you insist perhaps the driller can use the existing finger holes and only plug and re-drill the thumb, which should save you money.

Thank You! That actually sounds like a good idea. Can you estimate how much the redrill of the thumb, and insert installation would cost?
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BallReviews-Removed0385

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Re: Plugging/Redrilling Question
« Reply #3 on: June 04, 2012, 11:09:42 PM »

It depends on the shop, but maybe $30 total if only the thumb needs plugging with inserts.
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Xx 12 X 300 xX

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Re: Plugging/Redrilling Question
« Reply #4 on: June 04, 2012, 11:12:29 PM »
No amount of money would get me to plug and re-drill these rubber balls.

#1 sometimes the plug material doesn't adhere to the rubber correctly.   Plug is urethane and rubber is well rubber.

#2 the prep work for after the plug is down right nasty and smells bad.  It's not good for your lungs to breath in this junk.

#3  if you need it resurfaced or want it resurfaced...NO WAY! 

I would charge minimum $100 just to work on a rubber ball.   This would be to persuade customers on not having it worked on,  and get them in an affordable plastic ball for much less money.   I would explain to them what the problems with the ball, and then demonstrate the mess and the smell right in front of them to show them why its $100 to work on these things.

That normally does the trick, once they smell it.

That being said, if you can find a pro shop that wants to deal with this mess and the price is good than get it fixed up.   It probably will last you a very long time.
« Last Edit: June 04, 2012, 11:15:19 PM by Xx 12 X 300 xX »
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teenbowler

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Re: Plugging/Redrilling Question
« Reply #5 on: June 04, 2012, 11:19:55 PM »
Quote from: Xx 12 X 300 xX on June 04, 2012, 11:12:29 PM
No amount of money would get me to plug and re-drill these rubber balls.

#1 sometimes the plug material doesn't adhere to the rubber correctly.   Plug is urethane and rubber is well rubber.

#2 the prep work for after the plug is down right nasty and smells bad.  It's not good for your lungs to breath in this junk.

#3  if you need it resurfaced or want it resurfaced...NO WAY! 

I would charge minimum $100 just to work on a rubber ball.   This would be to persuade customers on not having it worked on,  and get them in an affordable plastic ball for much less money.   I would explain to them what the problems with the ball, and then demonstrate the mess and the smell right in front of them to show them why its $100 to work on these things.

That normally does the trick, once they smell it.

That being said, if you can find a pro shop that wants to deal with this mess and the price is good than get it fixed up.   It probably will last you a very long time.

Even if I just needed it for the thumb hole? Also, what happens when the plug doesn't "adhere" to the ball. Does it work most of the time?
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Xx 12 X 300 xX

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Re: Plugging/Redrilling Question
« Reply #6 on: June 04, 2012, 11:36:31 PM »
Most of the time it's ok.   I have seen the whole entire plug come right out of the ball and I've seen it crack a lot around the area where the urethane and rubber meet. 

That's not to say that your ball will be a failure.  Rubber balls have been plugged since they were invented.

I guess it depends on the quality of the ball plug and what the pro shop uses. 
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JohnP

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Re: Plugging/Redrilling Question
« Reply #7 on: June 05, 2012, 10:40:59 AM »
I don't keep up with PBA rules, but I do know that, unless they have changed, plugged balls are not allowed in regular PBA tour events.  I'm not sure about in regional events or senior events.  I recommend getting a new plastic ball, it won't cost a whole lot more than plugging your Black Beauty.  --  JohnP
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NoseofRI

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Re: Plugging/Redrilling Question
« Reply #8 on: June 05, 2012, 12:33:12 PM »
JohnP,
Plugged balls are now allowed on tour, including Regional and Senior events. This rule changed 4-5 years ago. They first allowed clear plug only and something like only an 1/8" could be showing then a couple years later did away with it altogether.
That being said, he's actually bowling the Pro-Am not the actual Regional, so it'd be fine either way.

To Teenbowler,
Depending on how close the span is, the other option would be to change the grips then maybe just use an 1 3/8" thumb slug to manage the rest of the change. However if the span isn't within 1/4" you'd definitely have to plug the thumb. If it's just the thumb that needs to be plugged and redrilled it shouldn't be too bad and you should be able to find someone that will do it. As said though, some shop guys are dead set against working with Rubber Balls. Usually the worst that happens is the plug with crack.
Overall, it might just benefit you more to buy a new plastic ball, overall it'll be a little more costly, but most likely less aggravation.
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teenbowler

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Re: Plugging/Redrilling Question
« Reply #9 on: June 05, 2012, 01:47:54 PM »
Quote from: NoseofRI on June 05, 2012, 12:33:12 PM
JohnP,
Plugged balls are now allowed on tour, including Regional and Senior events. This rule changed 4-5 years ago. They first allowed clear plug only and something like only an 1/8" could be showing then a couple years later did away with it altogether.
That being said, he's actually bowling the Pro-Am not the actual Regional, so it'd be fine either way.

To Teenbowler,
Depending on how close the span is, the other option would be to change the grips then maybe just use an 1 3/8" thumb slug to manage the rest of the change. However if the span isn't within 1/4" you'd definitely have to plug the thumb. If it's just the thumb that needs to be plugged and redrilled it shouldn't be too bad and you should be able to find someone that will do it. As said though, some shop guys are dead set against working with Rubber Balls. Usually the worst that happens is the plug with crack.
Overall, it might just benefit you more to buy a new plastic ball, overall it'll be a little more costly, but most likely less aggravation.

Yeah. The Pro-Am though is paying out top youth in scholarships which is nice. My Pro Shop guy said he would work on the rubber ball. I was originally thinking about getting a slug in it, but other balls in my arsenal have a conventional thumb. I think I'm going to get the thumb hole plugged, have him take some out of the finger holes to allow inserts, and then redrill only the thumb after plugged. Thank You everybody! You guys were a big help!
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Stan

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Re: Plugging/Redrilling Question
« Reply #10 on: June 05, 2012, 02:39:38 PM »
Plugged balls are fine, especially since he is only bowling in a Pro Am.
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JohnP

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Re: Plugging/Redrilling Question
« Reply #11 on: June 05, 2012, 05:51:26 PM »
Quote
JohnP,
Plugged balls are now allowed on tour, including Regional and Senior events. This rule changed 4-5 years ago. They first allowed clear plug only and something like only an 1/8" could be showing then a couple years later did away with it altogether.
That being said, he's actually bowling the Pro-Am not the actual Regional, so it'd be fine either way.

Thanks for updating me.  I completely missed that he was bowling in a proam.  --  JohnP
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