You've bought a bowling ball — now it needs holes. Drilling is the last step between buying a ball and actually using it, and the cost is something many first-time buyers don't think to ask about before they've already committed to a purchase. Here's everything you need to know about bowling ball drilling costs before you head to the pro shop.
Standard Drilling Costs
| Service | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic 3-hole drilling (thumb + 2 fingers) | $30 – $55 |
| Drilling with finger inserts (fingertip grips) | $50 – $80 |
| Drilling with oval thumb slug | $55 – $85 |
| Competitive layout + drilling (full service) | $60 – $100 |
| Same-day/rush drilling (where available) | $20–$40 surcharge |
Most pro shops bundle measuring, layout, and drilling into a single service fee. Some break them out separately. When you call ahead, ask specifically whether the price includes the layout (determining where and at what angle the holes go) and measuring (fitting your specific hand), or just the physical drilling.
What Affects the Drilling Cost
Ball material: Some high-performance ball coverstocks are harder than standard reactive resin and take longer to drill. Shops may charge slightly more for particularly dense materials, though this is uncommon — most differences in material hardness are within normal drill-bit operating range.
Type of grip: Conventional grip (fingers fully inserted to the second knuckle) is the simplest to drill and the least expensive. Fingertip grip (fingers inserted only to the first knuckle) is more complex because it requires more precise depth calculation and often finger inserts. It's typically $10-$25 more expensive.
Inserts and slugs: Finger inserts (the rubber or urethane grips that fit inside the finger holes) and thumb slugs each add $5-$15 to the drilling cost. These are optional but popular among competitive bowlers for their grip consistency.
Layout complexity: For recreational bowlers, the layout is straightforward — center the thumb hole based on hand measurement and set the finger holes at standard span. For competitive bowlers who want specific ball motion characteristics, the pro shop operator will perform a more involved layout calculation based on the ball's pin location and the player's PAP (Positive Axis Point). This more detailed service often costs $10-$25 more.
Geographic location: Pro shop rates vary by region. Urban pro shops in high-cost-of-living areas typically charge more than shops in smaller markets. Competitive pricing in areas with multiple shops can keep prices lower.
Getting the Most From Your Drilling Investment
The drilling service is where the most significant performance decisions about your ball are made after you've chosen the ball itself. The layout and fitting are more important than many bowlers realize — a poorly fitted ball will cause you to grip tightly, which affects your release; and a poorly laid-out ball will produce motion that doesn't match the manufacturer's design intent.
Invest in a relationship with a good pro shop operator. A shop that takes the time to properly measure your hand, discuss your game, and lay out the ball for your specific style will provide a dramatically better outcome than one that rushes through a standard layout to keep the line moving.
Should You Drill It Yourself?
Almost never. Drilling a bowling ball requires a specialized drill press with adjustable angle settings and ball-holding fixtures, plus the knowledge to calculate correct span, pitch, and layout angles. The equipment alone runs thousands of dollars, and mistakes in drilling are typically irreversible. The $30-$80 pro shop cost is genuinely good value for a service that directly affects how the ball performs and fits your hand.
Tip: Ask about package deals when buying a ball from a pro shop — many shops offer discounted drilling when you purchase the ball from them, sometimes including it in the ball price. Buying online and bringing it to a shop for drilling is generally fine but you lose that package deal.
Redrilling a Bowling Ball
If you buy a used ball or want to change your grip style, redrilling is possible but has limitations. The original holes can be filled with a plug (hard resin material) and redrilled. Plugging and redrilling costs $25-$50 per hole in addition to standard drilling fees. Each plug-and-redrill cycle is possible, but multiple cycles in the same area weaken the ball material over time. Most balls can withstand 2-3 complete redrillings before the plugged material becomes a concern.