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Author Topic: Plugging a Cracked Thumb?  (Read 1648 times)

Strapper_Squared

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Plugging a Cracked Thumb?
« on: June 28, 2007, 05:53:53 AM »
What is everyone's method for plugging/fixing a cracked thumb?  Have one in the shop that is drilled with a 1 1/4" thumb slug and has circular hairline cracks all around it.  Overall, its probably cracked 1.5" on either side of the slug.  Is there any other way besides just drilling all of the cracked material out and re-plugging?  If not, I'm assuming at least two stages of plugging to prevent against forming additional cracks due to the heat from all of that plug material curing?  Is it safe to drill back into the plug material, or would it be best to redrill with a slightly different layout to avoid the plug material (don't want the ball back in 2 weeks with all of the plug material cracked out again).

Thanks,

S^2
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The perfect qb/receiver combo in Miami:
Ginn & Juice
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BowlerKidR

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Re: Plugging a Cracked Thumb?
« Reply #1 on: June 28, 2007, 04:56:36 PM »
I had a ball with similar problems. Once we actually took out the thumb slug we saw the reason for everything...the ball was an x-out because the coverstock in that area is literally 1/4 of an inch thick and coverstocks that thin crack like ceiling paint.
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Strapper_Squared

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Re: Plugging a Cracked Thumb?
« Reply #2 on: June 29, 2007, 09:16:25 AM »
We use Ebonite plug material...  its about 1.5" on one side and a little smaller on the other.. still very large though.  Thanks for the ideas,

S^2
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The perfect qb/receiver combo in Miami:
Ginn & Juice
(Ted Ginn Jr and Cleo Lemon)
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JohnP

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Re: Plugging a Cracked Thumb?
« Reply #3 on: June 29, 2007, 10:17:20 AM »
As badly as the ball is cracked, unless it is a fairly new top end ball, I'd suggest they buy a new ball instead of trying to salvage it.  I'm assuming it's out of warranty since you're considering plugging it.  --  JohnP
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Strapper_Squared

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Re: Plugging a Cracked Thumb?
« Reply #4 on: June 29, 2007, 10:28:37 AM »
yeah.. its an old red alert.  I told the guy no guarantees, but I would do my best.  I think he wanted to try this avenue first (since the ball still rolled/reacted fairly well on our house conditions).. and if it didn't work out, he would replace it.  
I'm still amazed at the longevity of these balls...  I know for certain this one has over 500 games on it and wouldn't be surprised one bit if it was over 1000 games...

S^2
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The perfect qb/receiver combo in Miami:
Ginn & Juice
(Ted Ginn Jr and Cleo Lemon)
Logged
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JohnP

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Re: Plugging a Cracked Thumb?
« Reply #5 on: June 29, 2007, 08:34:18 PM »
quote:
Don't most of the manufacturers say that the warranty is voided if a thumb slug or finger inserts are used?


They do say that, but as you said, they routinely honor claims as long as the holes are beveled and you stay a reasonable distance away from the pin.  --  JohnP
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