Posted on: 13 February 2023
We’ve all been there. Finished our last game of the season, packed our kit away neatly, and then forgot about it until winter nets.
Cue the nightmare when you dig it back out for the first time and notice a nasty crack or a hint of breakage. Even worse, you don’t spot it until you’ve absolutely creamed a ball and heard that splintering sound.
Why does this happen? Nine times out of ten, it’s down to the conditions the bat has been stored in. If an area is too dry, then the moisture in the bat’s willow will dry out too. Dry out too much, and the overall strength of the bat is reduced, which leads to its deterioration.
That’s where we come in. We offer a bat refurbishment service which will make sure your bat is in great condition for the winter and new season, helping you avoid any nasty surprises when you put your batting gloves back on!
What happens in a bat refurbishment?
In a standard bat refurbishment, we will essentially service the bat face. We’ll remove the anti-scuff and edge tape from the bat, and any underlying cracks are repaired and then sanded down. Then, we’ll apply a light coating of oil to help hydrate the willow, fit a new toe guard (if needed) and add some new anti-scuff and edge tape. Finally, we’ll replace the grip of the bat.
As wood is a natural material it needs to be cared for properly and regularly to prolong its lifespan – the bat refurbishment will help with this. If you need any more information about bat refurbishments, our team will be happy to help. You can give us a call on 01706 882444 or pop into your local store.
How much does a bat refurbishment cost?
For a standard bat refurbishment to be completed we would charge £40. This covers the work referenced above but does not cover the cost of any more serious repairs, or postage to our stores if required. We would of course discuss any extra work or costs with you before carrying them out, to give you the flexibility and freedom to choose what’s right for you.
My bat’s broken – can you fix it?
Ultimately, this depends on the severity of the break. Some bat repairs are easier to complete than others, and sadly, some bats are simply beyond repair. There may even be times where it’s more financially suitable to replace your bat than pay for it to be fixed.
We assess every bat that comes to us individually, so if you have any questions or need any advice please get in touch.
What other Bat services do you offer?
Our team of experts can carry out a number bat services including:
Rehandling
This is exactly what it says on the tin – if the handle on your cricket bat has broken we can assess it and replace it, especially if the blade of your bat is still in good condition. It may change the handling slightly for a short time, but if you love your bat as much as we think you do, this is an easy way to get it back into six-scoring form in no time.
Repairing shoulder/toe cracks
Another self-explanatory option. If there are any cracks in the shoulder or toe of your bat that need attention, we’ll be able to take a look and get your bat back to tip top condition. Like with rehandling, if you love how your bat handles and can’t bear to part ways with it, this is definitely an option to consider.
String binding (toe/shoulder/handle)
In certain situations, cracks will need more work than just super strong glue. String binding of the toe and the shoulder can help strengthen the damaged area if necessary.
All handles have a string binding on them but sometimes they can unravel. Not to worry, this is a fairly simple fix and will not change the feel or performance of the bat!
Weight reduction
Want to trim down the weight of your cricket bat without losing any of its balance or profile? We’ll take the time needed to sand and buff down your bat by between 2-3oz, leaving you with a lighter blade for your shots. Stickers on the back of the bat will need to be removed for this to be carried out – we’ll advise if this is the case with yours.
De-sticker (only available with a bat refurbishment)
Want to strip your bat of its stickers? We’ll take care of this for you – just let us know when you organise your bat refurbishment and we’ll look after the rest.
Anti-scuff fitting (in-store only)
In need of some new anti-scuff tape on your bat? We can help – just bring your bat into store and we’ll get it sorted in no time – just make sure your bat’s not been oiled in the last 72 hours.
Toe guard fitting (in-store only)
If your bat needs a new toe-guard fitting, we can get you back in the nets as quickly as we can. Toe guard fitting can take at least three days, especially at busy times, so don’t leave this until the day before your first match back, as you’ll have to leave your bat with us in store.
Please note: Some bat services may take longer than 2 weeks to complete, especially at peak times in the season. If the work you require is urgent, please contact us before proceeding so that we can best advise on timescales.
Can’t access a store?
Not a problem – we can still help regardless of where you are in the UK. Simply fill out our super simple refurbishment form and send your bat to us via courier. Once received, we’ll give you a quick call to discuss your refurbishment and the services you require – we’ll then take care of the rest! Please ensure the form is wrapped around the bat handle.
If you are unsure if your bat can be fixed, then please get in touch with us and we will advise of the best way for the bat to be assessed.
