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Author Topic: Best way to repair cracked bridge?  (Read 1789 times)

johns811

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Best way to repair cracked bridge?
« on: November 13, 2019, 01:25:17 PM »
What is the best way to repair a cracked bridge?. Should the cracked bridge be milled out or just plug over it and of course the finger holes? Thanks in advance.

 

BallReviews-Removed0385

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Re: Best way to repair cracked bridge?
« Reply #1 on: November 13, 2019, 02:44:49 PM »

I personally like to drill out the entire bridge and finger area, plug it and re-drill the finger holes again.  This way assures there is only coverstock, rather than cover and filler (2 different densities) that can be an issue due to the close proximity of the fingers holes to each other. 

Also, make sure there is a small amount of bevel at the top of the new finger holes to add strength to the weakest area of the ball (see above).

leftybowler70

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Re: Best way to repair cracked bridge?
« Reply #2 on: November 13, 2019, 03:43:07 PM »

I personally like to drill out the entire bridge and finger area, plug it and re-drill the finger holes again.  This way assures there is only coverstock, rather than cover and filler (2 different densities) that can be an issue due to the close proximity of the fingers holes to each other. 


Also, make sure there is a small amount of bevel at the top of the new finger holes to add strength to the weakest area of the ball (see above).



This.

charlest

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Re: Best way to repair cracked bridge?
« Reply #3 on: November 14, 2019, 07:34:39 AM »

I personally like to drill out the entire bridge and finger area, plug it and re-drill the finger holes again.  This way assures there is only coverstock, rather than cover and filler (2 different densities) that can be an issue due to the close proximity of the fingers holes to each other. 

I had the bridge of a Storm Ice polyester crack like this. When Storm rejected the warranty claim, my driller drilled out the entire bridge, filled it with urethane plug material and redrilled my fingers. I used it for 3 or 4 more years, crack free.

All finger holes MUST be beveled before use.
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johns811

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Re: Best way to repair cracked bridge?
« Reply #4 on: November 18, 2019, 11:51:15 AM »
Just a follow up post. I repaired 3 balls with cracked bridges that I'm donating to high school coach for kids that don't own their own gear. ball 1 complete drill out of the holes and bridge area and plug. Ball 2 just drilled out the holes and plugged over the bridge. As an experiment the 3rd ball I patched the bridge area with some epoxy putty often used for plumbing repair. Milled the top smooth, ran the bit into the finger holes to remove the hardened putty in the finger holes by the crack,  then a quick sand. I was not thinking this would work well but it did, will it hold up, maybe. You can even dye the putty for a close match.
« Last Edit: November 18, 2019, 11:53:30 AM by johns811 »