How to Shave the Inside of a Softball Bat

There are several ways to doctor a softball bat, including shaving, a process that thins the material in the barrel, thereby creating a more responsive swing. According to a study on bat modifications and their effects done at Kettering University, shaving increases the amount of energy that can be stored in the bat and returned to the ball during impact. Data from worldshottestbats.com suggests a shaved bat can drive a ball as much as 40 to 50 feet farther than a non-doctored bat. It is important to note that doctoring a softball bat in any way, including shaving, is often illegal. Make sure to check the rules and regulations of your league before going forward.

Things You'll Need

• Softball bat
• Pliers
• Lathe
• Boring bar
• Glue

Instructions

Shaving a Bat

1. Remove the end cap from the bat. If it proves difficult, use pliers as a fulcrum in order to loosen the cap and remove it.

2. Place the bat in a spinning lathe.

3. Place a boring bar inside the bat, removing "a fine and very precise amount of material from the inner walls," according to worldshottestbats.com.

4. Glue the cap back in place, using a strong epoxy substance to maintain its placement.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that shaved bats should be used only in home run derbies, tournaments with relaxed bat restrictions or anywhere bat restrictions are loose. Any modification to a bat could render it illegal in certain competitions.

References

• Kettering: How Bat Modifications Can Affect Their Response
• World's Hottest Bats: Bat Shaving