Q&A for How to Oil and Break in a New Cricket Bat

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Should I use cooking oil for my new bat?

Community Answer

No, you cannot.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 20
Question

Is it possible to break a bat while oiling it?

Community Answer

Yes, if excessive oiling is done, or a wrong type of oil is used, or even if the part of the blade where the handle is fitted into the blade is oiled, it may break the bat.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 25
Question

How much time should I let my bat lay after oiling?

Community Answer

After oiling, make sure that the oil is completely absorbed. Then you can apply the second coating.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 43
Question

How do I know that my bat had dried?

Community Answer

You'll be able to tell from how it looks and feels. Does it look as if a ball impact could cause a crack? If so, it is too dry.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 15
Question

How can I make a bat feel lighter?

Community Answer

You train with it. Your muscles build up, then you won't feel the weight.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 38
Question

Should oil be applied to the back of the bat?

Community Answer

No. Oiling the rear of the bat causes oil to drift in from both the face and spine which is not healthy for the bat. Only apply it to the face. Essentially only oil the parts where you would expect a ball to normally hit.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 13
Question

Can I use coconut or mustard oil for oiling a cricket bat?

Community Answer

The most optimum oil to use for knocking in/breaking in a cricket bat is raw linseed oil as the properties of the oil tend to lock in the moisture content of the willow and impart a spring-like characteristic to the outer core of wood. This should be the characteristic you should be looking from the oil you use to knock in the bat. Some people do use coconut or mustard oil, but the characteristic of these oils imparts a different result on a cricket bat which is not favorable.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 28
Question

I started with an English Willow for beginners and I didn't know that I was supposed to oil it and knock it first, so I started playing with it and a new leather ball. How do I proceed with my bat now that I have already used it without oiling it and properly breaking it in?

Community Answer

If the bat has already been used with a new ball, you should check for the wear and tear. Use a sand paper (220) on any abrasions. After the surface of the bat is free from any particles of wood, you can start oiling it. If the surface is badly damaged or a piece of wood has come out, you can use saw dust mixed with a thin synthetic glue to fix it and then use the sand paper.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 19
Question

Should you oil the bat's surface that is covered with a safety transparent sticker?

Community Answer

No. Remove the sticker, clean the surface, then oil.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 14
Question

Can I use a synthetic ball to knock a new bat?

Community Answer

You can, but it won't be as effective as a season ball. Try to get and use a season ball instead.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 14
Question

Which oil should I use?

Community Answer

Use raw linseed oil for the best results. This oil is available in most local sports stores.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Should I knock or oil my new cricket bat first?

Community Answer

First you should oil the bat, and then stroke with a seasonal ball or a bat mallet on the face of the bat and edges.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

How should I hit the ball to make it go farther?

Community Answer

Having a controlled bat swing will help the ball go farther. Another way of hitting the ball farther is by opening more area for yourself.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 6
Question

When should I apply the armor? Is it after oiling and knocking?

Community Answer

Yes. If you apply the 'armor' before, you will not be able to oil it/knock it in effectively.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
Question

Can I use polyurethane finish instead of raw linseed oil?

Community Answer

Absolutely not. If you want to ruin your bat, that would be a good way to do it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 1
Question

Can I knock the edges with the safety white transparent sticker on?

Aayush Sharma

Community Answer

No. First, you have remove the sticker and then you have to knock the edges with a wooden mallet or a wooden hammer with a 45 degree angle.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

If I have over-oiled my bat, what should I do?

Community Answer

Put it in sun for a week or until it is dry.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How do I knock my bat with oil if it's covered with fish tape?

Community Answer

Remove the fish tape and then use a piece of sandpaper to scrape off the dirt. Make the face of the bat smooth and then apply the oil.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I be a cricketer be if I am 23 years old?

Community Answer

Yes, you can be.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

If my bat has a transparent sticker, is it necessary to stroke the bat?

Community Answer

No. There is no connection between sticker and stroke. But colorful manufacturing stickers will distract the bowler's concentration.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Do I have to oil my bat before knocking?

Community Answer

Yes, you should oil your bat.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I use mukwa oil to oil a bat?

Community Answer

No, never do this. Only use linseed oil. Mukwa oil may damage the bat severely.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I use black seed oil for this?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Just be sure to use the correct proportion.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I knock a cricket bat with a leather ball?

Community Answer

Yes, a leather ball is better to use than a synthetic ball. If the leather ball is new, it will be harder than an older ball, so knock in more gently the first time, gradually applying more strength as you continue knocking.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I use olive oil for oiling a cricket bat?

Community Answer

No, use linseed oil only. Raw linseed oil is the perfect oil for maintaining your bat.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

My bat has a face cover on. Should I remove it before oiling?

Community Answer

Yes, you will have to remove the cover in order to oil the bat face. The whole point of oiling is to make sure that the oil goes into your bat face to maintain a certain level of moisture in it and not let it dry much. Moreover, the oil will help the wood fibres to come together properly in the process of knocking.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How do I save the toe end on a cricket bat?

Community Answer

Buy a toe guard, which keeps it well protected and increases the length of time that your toe can be used.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Do I have to oil my cricket bat after it has been sanded?

Neville

Community Answer

Yes, you should oil your bat after sanding to reseal the wood surface and close up the wood cells.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I use duct tape to prevent cracking on the toe of my bat?

Neville

Community Answer

If that is all you have, it is better than nothing. If you have a good bat, though, it is worthwhile paying to get it fixed properly.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I use sesame oil on my cricket bat?

Neville

Community Answer

No, it would ruin your cricket bat. Only linseed oil should be used. Anything other than linseed oil will permanently ruin your bat.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1