As bowlers, we know that it is important to keep our bowling balls in top condition.
After all, the better our bowling balls are performing, the more likely we are to get strikes and make some serious progress on the lanes.
So, if you’re looking to improve your game, one of the things you might want to consider is having your bowling ball drilled again.
But how much does it cost to redrill a bowling ball? Let’s take a look.
What is redrilling a bowling ball and why would you need to do it?
Redrilling is a way to customize your ball to fit your unique throwing action.
Many bowlers use two balls, one for the first 10 or 15 feet of the lane and a different one for the rest of their approach.
Redrilling allows you to change where those two shots start and end so that you can maximize your scoring potential.
How much does it cost to have a bowling ball redrilled?
If you want to have your bowling ball redrilled, it isn’t going to come cheap.
Depending on the store and the work that needs to be done, prices can vary from as little as $30 all the way up to twice that amount or more.
You also need to consider that if your ball needs alterations made or any other type of customization, this will usually cost extra as well.
How do I locate a store where they redrill bowling balls?
If you’re ready to redrill your bowling ball, the first thing you may want to do is locate a nearby store that can perform this service.
There are two main types of stores where bowlers usually go to have their bowling balls redrilled.
You can visit your local pro shop or you can take your ball to be worked on at the bowling alley itself.
What should I expect to pay at pro shops?
When you look for pro shops near you, the prices will vary depending on whether or not they are affiliated with a larger bowling center.
If they are, then you can often expect to pay about $40 plus any additional fees that may be required to have your ball redrilled.
What should I expect to pay at bowling alleys?
If you decide to take your ball to the bowling alley, you should probably expect to pay somewhere between $30 and $40 for them to drill it.
However, there are some benefits of having this work done at the bowling alley by the staff there.
For one, they may be able to do it a little bit faster because there is no fee for them to process.
Also, you can often show your scorecard at the bowling alley and get the price of redrilling discounted or even free.
How long does it take to redrill a bowling ball?
Since this is not a task that can be completed quickly, you should plan on spending some time waiting for your bowling ball to be drilled.
Depending on the work that needs to be done and how busy the shop is, it may take anywhere from an hour or two all the way up to a full business day.
How is your bowling ball drilled?
There are several different ways that your bowling ball can be redrilled and it usually depends on the condition of the surface as well as any repairs that need to be made.
One common method used is called rotary drilling and this involves the use of a special tool called a spindle sander.
This tool is mounted on an arbor press which puts pressure on the ball at precise locations to create the desired hole patterns.
What factors affect the redrilling cost?
The total cost of having the ball redrilled will be affected by several different factors.
These include things like:
- Where you take your bowling ball to be drilled – Pro shops and bowling centers all have their advantages and disadvantages so consider what works best for you before making up your mind.
- What kind of drilling process is required – If your bowling ball is in need of extensive repairs, it will obviously cost more to get the job done.
- Who does the work – Sometimes you can get a discount if you’re able to find a friend or family member that works at a center and perform the redrilling for free.
- Where you buy your bowling ball – If you buy your ball new at a pro shop, it may cost more to have it redrilled.
- Sometimes the price of a used ball is cheaper and this can reduce the overall cost as well.
How much does it cost to fit a thumbhole in a bowling ball?
The typical cost for having a thumbhole added is about $15 using a special tool called a grinder.
This can often be done at pro shops or bowling alleys that have an arrangement with the manufacturer to perform work like this for less.
How can you save money on it?
If you want to save money on having your bowling ball redrilled, there are a few options available to you.
You can take it to the bowling alley and show them your scorecard if they have an arrangement with the manufacturer that allows this discount.
Or, you can visit pro shops that may offer discounts or reduced prices for bowlers who already have a ball they use regularly.
When should you consider having your ball redrilled?
If your bowling ball starts to feel significantly different or behaves in an unusual way when you are bowling, then it may be time to consider having it redrilled.
This is especially true if there are noticeable cracks, gouges, or other significant damage that can be repaired by the process.
What are the benefits of redrilling a bowling ball?
First, having your ball redrilled will often allow you to continue using it for many years instead of needing to purchase a new one.
Secondly, having this work done can help restore your ball’s performance and make it behave the way that it did when you first brought it home from the store.
Finally, if you find yourself in need of repairs to your ball, redrilling can be less expensive than purchasing a brand new ball.
Conclusion
Redrilling a bowling ball can be a cost-effective way to restore its performance and keep using it for years.
There are several factors that will affect the total cost, such as where you take your ball to be drilled and what kind of work needs to be done.
If you’re looking for ways to save money, consider taking your ball to an alley or pro shop that offers discounts.
Or, if your ball is in need of extensive repairs, try finding a family member or friend who works at a center and can do the job for free.

Jerry Coleman is a professional bowler and experienced bowling blogger. He founded and owns the www.voelkersbowling.net website, which provides news and information about the sport of bowling. Jerry has competed in numerous tournaments over the years and has won several awards for his bowling skills.