While you definitely need to resurface them, the bucket method does not necessarily get out all or even most of the oil a ball has absorbed. I tried it several times with 5 or 6 different balls and mostly got mixed results, more negative than positive. You're much better off getting the oil extracted using one of the many machines available for that specific job.

I brought two used bowling balls from the pro shop a few weeks ago and brought another used one from the fb marketplace. I been using the bucket method to clean them but they are still not hooking like it supposed to. Im wondering if 8 need to resurface them or just buy a new ball?

Just how used are we talking about and what balls are they?  When you did the bucket method; did you sand the surfaces down to around 500 grit before inserting them into the water?  Sanding the balls down will open the pores to allow for maximizing the results.  If you took the balls and had polish on them, the polish can clog the pores.  If you did have the balls sanded down; you can either take the balls to a pro shop where they can do a full extraction service or go to CTDBowling.com and they have kits that rejuvinate balls that have lost performance.

Quote from: TWOHAND834 on January 06, 2025, 06:18:00 AM

Quote from: machine35 on November 15, 2024, 09:34:21 AM

I brought two used bowling balls from the pro shop a few weeks ago and brought another used one from the fb marketplace. I been using the bucket method to clean them but they are still not hooking like it supposed to. Im wondering if 8 need to resurface them or just buy a new ball?

Just how used are we talking about and what balls are they?  When you did the bucket method; did you sand the surfaces down to around 500 grit before inserting them into the water?  Sanding the balls down will open the pores to allow for maximizing the results.  If you took the balls and had polish on them, the polish can clog the pores.  If you did have the balls sanded down; you can either take the balls to a pro shop where they can do a full extraction service or go to CTDBowling.com and they have kits that rejuvinate balls that have lost performance.

Wow! That's all I can say.

So what you are saying is that there is nothing you could add to help the guy out? 

I'm not going to stir up another BS debate on methods that do not work.

You kind of did by not resisting the urge to comment in the first place with absolute nothing to bring to the table other than what you did say.  Anyone with half a brain could figure out that what you said meant that you disagreed with what was said.  Hickland does a full demo of his products to include before and after ball reaction comparisons.  I have personally seen with my own eyes that hot water oil extraction does work.  Like anything else..it isnt what you do as much as how you do it.  Shouldnt come on here and make someone feel stupid just because something might have not worked for you when it has worked for others.