I'm messing with tape right now trying to get my thumb hole adjusted and was wondering how much more I should stick in there...

Well this yr i went to a Thumb slug, and usta have a 31/32 size hole, with two cuts to make the hole bigger, but instead went with a straight hole to make it very tight and to relax my thumb so i wouldnt grip the ball.
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" Lift Your Skirt Grab Your Balls and Learn How to Bowl "

I use a VISE vinyl thumb slug for my thumb.  I have the thumb hole drilled just one size larger than my actual thumb size.  I then take my Ebonite Ultra-Fit Workout Tool and scrape out areas where my thumb decides to catch.  If you are unsure where your thumb is hanging-up at, just grab a colored pencil or charcoal pencil and apply it to your thumb's knuckle.  Then put your fingers into the ball like you would if you were going to throw it.  Do that a couple times, and then remove you fingers and you'll see some marks on the back of your thumb slug.  That is where you need to remove some material to get a smoother release.

I usually get my ball drilled and then just take it back to my house and work with the thumb hole while watching TV until I think the thumb is just right.  Vinyl slugs are great because they are so much easier to work with than hard urethane slugs.

That tool is also great if you want a brand new feel from one of your older ball's thumb holes.  Just scape a tiny bit off of the slug, and voila, it feels like a brand new thumb hole!

I try never to use tape, but always carry some just in case a need arises.

You can find that product at your local proshop or from here:

http://www.wildoctopusbowling.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=816

Hope this helps.
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Edited on 2/11/2004 8:45 AM

I use a cordless dremel drill to oval and smooth out the thumb hole. Then I use the tape (Buddies has them also Michael Cimba, Turbo Grip)that you put on your thumb so you can adjust the tightness. I never use the tape that you put in the thumb hole because of the clean up that you have to do when you take them out. Easier to handle and put on the area of the thumb that needs the tape. The tape comes in different types of materials so can select which one works for you. Since then my thumb is tight, never squeeze the ball, slides out quickly and my average has jumped up  29 pins in just 10 months.

The Turbo-Grip people can send you a small packet with pieces of their different tapes for $12.00. This way you can find out which one works for you and then buy the big rolls. Vise also has tapes but you have to buy the whole rolls.

so dan, what you're saying is that pamela anderson's brassiere is too tight, right?!?  
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That which does not kill me makes me stronger . . .

Thanks everyone... especially you Dan.  And Benny you have me curious, would you mind elaborating a little more?

Since I don't have an entirely free swing and due to this, it has a little force in it and I have to run my thumb hole a bit large. I also have to run it a little large because I have a problem of my thumb swelling and shrinking. My correct thumb hole size is 61/64, but I have it drilled 31/32 and then work the thumb hole out a bit more on the sides of my thumb. I use from zero up to 3 pieces of white tape on the thumb knuckle side of the ball. I never use any on the other side of thumb hole as this will lengthen the span slightly of you tape it there. In hot or humid weather I have to put a piece of black tape over the white tape.
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Don't wear your self out cutting wood with an axe...Use a Buzzsaw

Well I went to Wal-Mart tonight and bought some 3/4 inch velcro and put a strip of the soft side on the back left part of my thumb hole.  I haven't been to the lanes yet to try it out but messing around with my release at home it feels really nice.  I'll report back tomorrow and let everyone know how it goes.

Edited on 2/11/2004 11:49 PM