How to Remove Bat End Cap
There are several legitimate reasons that players may need to remove a bat's end cap: To clean debris from inside the barrel, to replace a damaged end cap or to create a weighted training bat. However, removing a bat's end cap is also a telltale sign of bat doctoring, which is illegal in most baseball and softball leagues. These players remove the end cap to enhance a bat's performance by end-loading or shaving inside the barrel.
Place the tip of the screwdriver in the gap between the end cap and the bat.
Hit the end of the screwdriver with the mallet to wedge the screwdriver into the gap. Do not hit the screwdriver too hard or drive it too deep into the gap.
Push on the screwdriver and use it as a lever to lift the edge of the end cap.
Move the screwdriver 90 degrees around the end cap and repeat the process, carefully pulling the edges of the end cap out of the bat.
Pop the end cap out of the barrel using the screwdriver.
Tips
Apply dishwashing soap around the end cap to help the screwdriver slide into the gap.
End caps are not meant to be removed and are sealed into the bat very tightly. Take your time and work systematically around the edges of the end cap until it pops out.
In official league play, umpires are authorized to inspect bats for signs of tampering. A dented or chipped end cap is one of the things they will look for. When you replace the end cap, put in a new one. This will not only give a tighter fit and will also reduce the chance of your bat being disqualified because it appears doctored.
Warnings
Doctoring a bat can be dangerous. A study by Washington State University found that doctored bats caused balls to be hit between two and eight miles per hour faster.
References
Tips
- Apply dishwashing soap around the end cap to help the screwdriver slide into the gap.
- End caps are not meant to be removed and are sealed into the bat very tightly. Take your time and work systematically around the edges of the end cap until it pops out.
- In official league play, umpires are authorized to inspect bats for signs of tampering. A dented or chipped end cap is one of the things they will look for. When you replace the end cap, put in a new one. This will not only give a tighter fit and will also reduce the chance of your bat being disqualified because it appears doctored.
Warnings
- Doctoring a bat can be dangerous. A study by Washington State University found that doctored bats caused balls to be hit between two and eight miles per hour faster.
Writer Bio
Sharon Hadrian has been a freelance writer since 2004. She has written articles for MTV, RealSelf and the "Salt Lake Metro," in addition to ghostwriting for clients around the world. Hadrian has an Associate of Arts in English from the Community College of Baltimore County.