How to Repair a Softball Bat End Cap

Softball bats are built to last—they can take the abuse of thousands of swings without cracking. Unfortunately, sometimes the end cap of a softball bat will pop out of the barrel, either from the stress of repeated impacts or from a poor manufacturer's fit. Repairing a broken softball bat end cap will save you the expense of buying a new bat.

Inspect the end cap to see if it is broken or if it has simply popped out of the bat. Bat end caps have ridges that grip the inside of the bat barrel and hold it in place; if these ridges are chipped or broken, you cannot reuse the end cap, and you will need to buy a new one.

Apply a thin layer of urethane epoxy inside the barrel grooves. If necessary, use a paintbrush to spread the epoxy evenly. Do not get epoxy on the outside of the barrel or on the end cap.

Insert the end cap. The end cap ridges snap into the grooves inside the barrel, ensuring a tight fit. If you have difficulty getting the end cap into the bat, use dishwashing liquid to lubricate the opening of the barrel and carefully knock the end cap into place with the palm of your hand.

Check the fit. Once the end cap is in place, wipe away any excess dish soap or epoxy from the outside of the bat.

Let the epoxy set. Leave the softball bat in an upright position for 24 hours, or for the amount of time listed on the epoxy packaging.

Tips

For best results when gluing the end cap, use a marine-grade urethane epoxy. You can purchase this from any hardware store.

You can buy a new end cap from most sporting goods stores or from the bat manufacturer. Write down the bat model number so you buy the correct end cap.

Warnings

Repair end caps promptly. An umpire may disqualify any softball bat with a loose-fitting or missing end cap.

Also, when repairing your bat, avoid actions that would make your bat appear doctored. Repairing an end cap isn't illegal; however, according to the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA), paint or adhesive near the end cap and tool marks are warning signs of a doctored bat. If game officials suspect that your bat has been doctored, they can remove it from play and investigate it. Keep your bat clean of substances that may arouse suspicion.