Q&A for How to Strengthen a Cricket Bat

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Question

For how much time should I knock the bat with a mallet?

Rishabh Mehan
Cricket Coach
Rishabhn Mehan is a Cricket Systems Operator in the United Kingdom. He has been coaching cricket in London since 2016, when he received his Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Young People and Adults Cricket (QCF).

Rishabh Mehan

Cricket Coach

Expert Answer

At a minimum, plan to spend 6 hours knocking in the bat. You can break up the time over several days if desired.

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Question

Can I use the oil process on a bat with fiber sheet?

Rishabh Mehan
Cricket Coach
Rishabhn Mehan is a Cricket Systems Operator in the United Kingdom. He has been coaching cricket in London since 2016, when he received his Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Young People and Adults Cricket (QCF).

Rishabh Mehan

Cricket Coach

Expert Answer

The bat should be oiled first, then add the fiber sheet. Don't put the oil over the fiber sheet.

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Question

When I have cracks in the bat, should I use oil or should I cover it with wax or glue?

Rishabh Mehan
Cricket Coach
Rishabhn Mehan is a Cricket Systems Operator in the United Kingdom. He has been coaching cricket in London since 2016, when he received his Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Young People and Adults Cricket (QCF).

Rishabh Mehan

Cricket Coach

Expert Answer

It's best to use glue to seal the cracks. Don't oil a cracked bat. Check out "How to Repair a Cricket Bat" for more information.

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Question

Does the grip of the bat matter?

Rishabh Mehan
Cricket Coach
Rishabhn Mehan is a Cricket Systems Operator in the United Kingdom. He has been coaching cricket in London since 2016, when he received his Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Young People and Adults Cricket (QCF).

Rishabh Mehan

Cricket Coach

Expert Answer

The grip is a personal preference so it does not matter. Do what feels the most comfortable for you and provides the best results.

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Question

What are the disadvantages of oiling the bat? Will it become heavy?

Community Answer

Applying a proportionate amount of oil will not harm the bat or make it heavy. Oiling will make fibers inside the willow to loosen up, and the bat lifespan will increase.

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Question

Can I do the oiling process on a bat after playing two matches with it?

Community Answer

Yes, you can oil a bat after using it. Make sure there are no cracks first, however. If there are any cracks, the oil can get into them and make them larger, which is bad.

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Question

Can I do this for an old bat as well?

Community Answer

Yes. But make sure it doesn't have any cracks. The oil can get into the cracks and make it larger.

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Question

How can I make a heavy bat lighter?

Community Answer

To make cricket bat lighter, add extra grips on the handle. This will add some dead weight, but will make pickup significantly lighter.

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Question

How do I knock a bat which has a fiber glass sheet coating on it that is like a net?

Community Answer

To knock in a cricket bat with a fiber glass scuff sheet (in your case the one with net pattern or for that matter any scuff sheet) is the same as knocking in a cricket bat without one. Knock it in before applying the scuff for the simple reason that while you are knocking with the scuff sheet on, and working on the edges, the striking of the mallet tends to de-laminate/ de-stick the scuff sheet. The steps to start knocking are to start the knocking on the bottom, and the edges spending at least 15 minutes on each per day for about 5-7 days. Starting the process slowly, and gradually increasing the force on the bat.

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Question

Can I oil a bat that has a fiberglass sheet coating?

Community Answer

No, as the bat will not receive any of the oil on its face, and therefore you will just be wasting the oil.

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Question

If my bat is two years old, can I use the oiling process with it? It doesn't have any cracks.

Community Answer

Yes. It will lengthen the life of your bat and prevent it from cracking early. Do not over-oil or oil too frequently. Once every couple of months is good.

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Question

I've used a bat numerous times now. Can these techniques still make my bat strong?

Community Answer

Yes, but make sure there are no cracks on the bat, as it can go inside the cracks and make the cracks larger.

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Question

Will pouring coconut oil on a tennis bat make the bat heavier and slippery after it dries?

Community Answer

The bat will be shiny and more slippery, but it will not impact the weight of the bat.

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Question

Can I try the sock method with a little cracked bat?

Community Answer

Yes, you can, but with less force. Use glue on the cracks, let it dry for couple of days, and then start knocking in again.

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Question

How can I tell if my cricket bat is strong?

Community Answer

If it is knocked in, when you tap the ball it will make a quiet, pleasant sound. If it is not, it will be a more shallow sound.

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Question

Is it necessary to knock the bat?

Community Answer

Tennis bats do not require knocking, but willow bats require it to make them soft and durable. Be sure to oil first.

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Question

For how many hours should the oil process be done?

Community Answer

If you need it immediately, then 3 to 5 hours is enough, but otherwise you should do it for one day.

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Question

How can I make the bat lighter?

Community Answer

For making your bat lighter, you need to open the strokes of it.

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Question

Can I use this coconut oil method for my tennis bat?

Community Answer

Tennis bats do not require oiling, but you can if you want.

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Question

I played with my new cricket bat without oiling it. Should I oil it in the same condition or refurnish the bat?

Community Answer

You can just oil it, but make sure that it doesn't have any cracks prior to doing so.

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Question

Should the coconut oil be spread on the whole bat, including the edges?

Community Answer

Yes. You should oil the whole bat, including the edges.

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Question

Can I skip methods one and two and do only method three?

Community Answer

You could, but you wouldn't have much success strengthening your bat.

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Question

What are the differences between a match and a practice bat?

Community Answer

A match bat has a specific diameter which was approved by the BCCI.

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Question

Which type of oil is the best?

Community Answer

Linseed oil or bat oil work the best.

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Question

Can the oiling process be done with a leather ball instead of a hammer?

Ragu RAM

Community Answer

Yes. A leather ball is better than a mallet, but use an old leather ball to avoid cracks on the bat.

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Question

Can I use almond oil on an old bat?

Community Answer

No, you shouldn't use almond oil on any of your bats.

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Question

Can I use any oil instead of bat oil?

Community Answer

No, you can't just use any oil. Bat oil is best, but if you can't use that, then try using raw linseed oil.

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Question

How long will it take to stroke a bat using the socks?

Community Answer

Four hours or so would do the trick (not consecutively, of course).

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Question

Can I oil a cricket bat that is called a "tennis cricket bat?"

Community Answer

You can, but there is no point. Since you are using a tennis ball, it is unlikely that you will get any cracks in your bat.

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Question

I got a new hardwood bat. While playing, I feel a massive vibration on my hands. I've oiled and knocked it, but when shots are played, it does not make that sweet sound and kick the ball like a bullet. What should I do?

Community Answer

Hardwood is not the right wood, unless it is pine for casual play. Instead, try a willow or pine bat.

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