How to Drill a Bowling Ball: Complete Drilling Guide & Cost 2026
By Jeroen Kooij, Editor · Updated 2026
What we cover in this guide
How to Drill a Bowling Ball: Step-by-Step Guide for Custom Fitting
Knowing how to drill a bowling ball is the basic knowledge needed by a bowler, which mostly surprises new bowlers. Most novices would think they will have a perfectly working bowling ball that will be put to immediate use.
But when you buy your first best bowling ball, you are buying a fresh ball without holes in your fingers. A professional drilling or a do-it-yourself drilling process is required to produce the custom-made bowling ball that suits your grip and performance requirements.
In order to guide bowlers at this most important first step, the following is a detailed bowling ball drilling guide that includes all the information on bowling ball drilling cost, in addition to the advanced methods of bowling ball drilling.
Professional Bowling Ball Drilling: Cost & Benefits
The simplest solution is to rely on a bowling pro shop where one can obtain the services of professional drilling. This service is provided to the customers by most bowling equipment retailers, and the cost of drilling a bowling ball normally ranges between 40 and 80, depending on the locality and complexity.
Professional drillers know how to drill a bowling ball to attain maximum hook potential and best performance. And they have high-technology bowling gear and know-how to make custom bowling ball grips that play to your advantage.
Benefits of professional drilling:
- Expert measurement and fitting
- Access to premium drill bits and equipment
- Warranty protection maintained
- Custom bowling ball layouts for specific lane conditions
- Knowledge of bowling ball sizes and weight distribution
Bowling Ball Grip Types: Conventional vs Fingertip vs Semi-Fingertip
Understanding bowling ball grips remains crucial for effective drilling. Different grip styles produce varying effects on ball motion and control. It also helps to understand how different coverstock types react before choosing a layout, so see our bowling ball coverstocks explained guide.
Conventional Grip
The most common grip is recommended for beginners and moderate skill levels. Fingers inserted to the second knuckle, providing excellent control for the best ball for bowling performance. This grip offers:
- Easy ball control and release
- Reduced strain on fingers
- Ideal for spare bowling balls and straight shots
Fingertip Grip
A shallow drill allowing fingers to insert only to the first knuckle. While challenging to control, this grip provides:
- Maximum power and lift generation
- Enhanced hook potential for the best bowling ball for hook performance
- Preferred choice when drilling a bowling ball for advanced techniques
Semi-Fingertip Grip
The middle ground between conventional and fingertip grips. Fingers insert between first and second knuckles, offering:
- More power than a conventional grip
- Better control than pure fingertip
- Excellent compromise for intermediate bowlers
Best Bowling Balls 2026
Proper drilling starts with the right ball. Our top picks.
DIY Bowling Ball Drilling: Tools & Step-by-Step Guide
Learning how to drill a bowling ball at home provides maximum customization for your personalized bowling ball needs. However, this approach requires proper bowling equipment and careful preparation.
Essential Equipment Needed
- Bowling ball clamp for stability
- Specialized bowling ball drill (never use regular drills)
- Proper drill bits in various sizes
- Measuring tools (compass and calipers)
- Sanding attachments for finishing
Measuring Your Span
Accurate measurement determines comfortable hole placement. Measure the distance from your thumb base to the middle and ring fingers at their bending points:
- Conventional grip: Second knuckle measurement
- Fingertip grip: First knuckle measurement
- Consider using adjustable measuring balls for precision
Determining Grip Angles
Proper angles affect ball control and the rotation axis. Comfortable angles improve:
- Overall ball control
- Tilt axis optimization
- Hook potential enhancement
- Reduced hand fatigue during extended play
Bowling Ball Drilling Process: Equipment & Techniques
Pre-Drilling Preparation
- Secure the ball firmly in the clamp
- Mark drilling positions clearly
- Important: Avoid drilling into the pin marking to maintain the warranty
- Test drill bit sizes on practice wood blocks first
Drilling Sequence
- Thumb hole first: Drill to the measured depth carefully
- Finger holes: Match predetermined measurements exactly
- Depth control: Avoid removing excessive core material
- Finishing: Sand hole interiors for smooth grip surfaces
Quality Control
- Test fit frequently during the drilling process
- Ensure proper finger comfort and spacing
- Verify the thumb hole allows a clean release
- Check overall balance and weight distribution
Bowling Ball Drilling Cost Guide
Understanding pricing helps budget for your custom bowling ball investment
Frequently Asked Questions About Bowling Ball Drilling
How much does bowling ball drilling cost?
The range of costs for bowling ball drilling varies between $40 and $80 at professional bowling shops. High-quality custom drilling with
sophisticated patterns can be more expensive, between $60-100+. If you are still choosing the right equipment, check our guide to the best bowling balls
Which is the best bowling ball grip used by beginners?
The traditional grip is best to use when a bowling ball gives the best performance, which permits the beginners to put their fingers to the second knuckle and still have great control over it. Can I drill my own bowling ball?
Can I drill my own bowling ball?
Yes, with proper bowling equipment and practice. However, professional drilling ensures optimal results and maintains warranty coverage.
How do I choose the right drilling pattern?
Consider your bowling style, spare bowling ball needs, and lane conditions. If spare conversion is a priority for you, see our best spare bowling balls. You can also consult bowling pro shop professionals for personalized recommendations.
Maximizing Your Custom Bowling Ball Performance
Proper drilling transforms any bowling ball into a personalized bowling ball that complements your unique style. Whether choosing professional services or DIY drilling, understanding bowling ball grips and measurement techniques ensures optimal results.
Remember that drilling significantly impacts your best ball for bowling performance. Take time to research options, practice measurements, and consider professional consultation for your first custom bowling ball project.
*Bowling Wrist support and Gloves(Best Picks)*
*Bowling Ball Cleaning Guide & Towel Reviews*
Related guides
- Best bowling balls 2026 — expert picks across skill levels
- How to read bowling lane conditions — the foundation of ball selection
- Best bowling shoes 2026 — slide consistency starts with your shoes
- Bowling spare shooting guide — pick up the 7-pin, 10-pin, and tricky splits
- Bowling ball cleaning & maintenance — protect your investment
Edited by Jeroen Kooij
Editor · ExpertBowler
Editor of ExpertBowler. Responsible for editorial standards and accuracy of bowling technique, equipment, and lane play guidance. Cross-references USBC coaching materials, pro shop instructor input, and verified league-bowler feedback. Read more about our editorial process.
Editorial standards: Technique advice cross-referenced with USBC coaching materials and pro shop instructor input. We do not accept paid placements.
Updated: 2026.
Sources & references
- USBC coaching materials: bronze, silver, gold-level coaching curricula for technique fundamentals
- Pro shop instructor input: consultations across multiple regions on common technique issues and corrections
- Community feedback: verified threads on BowlingForums.com and Reddit r/Bowling
- Published bowling instruction: Bowling This Month, Bowl.com instructional resources
- USBC equipment specifications: approval lists for league and tournament-grade equipment
Question: Is it possible to use a recently drilled ball as a measurement for a new ball? Meaning, can you use another ball’s measurements without you being there to drill a new ball? Stupid question, but legitimate reason. Thanks!
This will often be the better choice, given that it allows you to use the ball which fits you the best, when drilling your next addition to your arsenal.
Do you have to have a thum hole.
Do you have to have a thum hole in your ball.
It is almost impossible to drill a ball at home with a straight drill press. Think about it unless you run your finger pitches opposite of each other, a round ball is going to make the finger holes run together causing a thin bridge that will crack.