Softball bats and inner sleeves are engineered to specific requirements to ensure the barrel of the bat momentarily compresses on impact. A sleeve that's too thick can affect the compression factor and reduce the bat's power. If the sleeve is too thin, the necessary resilience is lost and the barrel can dent on impact. Removing and replacing the inner sleeve requires precision and knowledge of working with heated metal. A novice should enlist the services of a professional to replace the inner sleeve of a softball bat.
Step 1
Wrap a 1/4-inch-thick rubber pad around the midportion of the barrel of the bat. Use a thick rag if a rubber pad is not available. Position the bat vertically over a bench vise with the end of the barrel at one side of the vise. Tighten the vise against the portion of the barrel that's protected by the rubber pad or rag.
Step 2
Put on your safety glasses and work gloves. Ignite a butane torch and slowly heat the seam between the end cap and end of the barrel. Slow heating dissolves the factory adhesive at the end cap without affecting the barrel of the bat.
Step 3
Grip the sides of the end cap with adjustable pliers. Rotate the pliers up and down as you pull outward on the cap at the same time to remove it. If necessary, insert the tip of a flat screwdriver into the seam and pry the cap off the end of the bat.
Step 4
Set the cap aside and allow the end of the bat to cool completely.
Step 5
Insert the rounded tip of the inner sleeve removal tool between the sleeve and inner wall of the barrel. Grip the handle of the tool firmly as you dislodge the sleeve from the barrel of the bat. Remove the inner sleeve by hand.
Step 6
Clean the inner wall of the barrel using lacquer thinner on a clean rag. Push a corner of the rag into the barrel with the tip of the removal tool as you grip one portion of the rag with your other hand. Clean the inside of the barrel. Clean the residual adhesive off the end cap using lacquer thinner on a rag.
Step 7
Insert the new sleeve in the barrel of the bat, narrow end first. Gently work the sleeve fully into the barrel until the upper end of the sleeve is flush with the end of the barrel.
Step 8
Place a can of contact cement and an applicator nearby. Apply a modest amount of contact cement around the outer edge of the barrel where the cap will attach. Allow the cement to dry to a tacky consistency.
Step 9
Hold the end cap with one hand and align it against the end of the barrel. Tap the cap onto the end of the barrel using the butt of a screwdriver handle. Ensure the cap is fitted uniformly.
Step 10
Remove the bat from the vise, along with the rubber pad or rag. Hold the handle of the bat and tap the end cap on the floor several times. Allow the contact cement to dry overnight.
Tips and Warnings
- Not all softball bats have replaceable inner sleeves. Contact the manufacturer beforehand.
Things You'll Need
- Composite inner sleeve
- Bench vise
- ¼-inch-thick rubber pad
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Butane torch
- Adjustable pliers
- Flat screwdriver
- Inner sleeve removal tool
- Lacquer thinner
- Clean rag
- Contact cement and applicator
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