Help Removing IT Insert

[rv driver]

I just had my balls fitted with the IT system. I love the feel, but I find that the locking and unlocking is hurting my thumb (to the point of taking skin off the knuckle). My thumb is still sore from trying to lock and unlock the insert yesterday evening -- and I don't want to hurt my bowling thumb. The PSO had a tool that easily removed and locked the insert. Is such a tool available for not-pro shop operators to purchase? Couldn't seem to find one on BB.com...

[classygranny]

Yes, you can purchase the tool for yourself.

They typically refer to them as "switch a-roos". Just search for IT slug remover and you will probably find it. They cost about $10-$15.

After you use the ITs awhile, they will become easier to insert and remove, so you won't always need the tool, but they are handy to have. Especially if you have a bit of arthritis on some days.

Be sure and remove the slug before putting your ball away, as this decreases the chances for cracking and breakage.

[rv driver]

Yes, you can purchase the tool for yourself.

They typically refer to them as "switch a-roos". Just search for IT slug remover and you will probably find it. They cost about $10-$15.

After you use the ITs awhile, they will become easier to insert and remove, so you won't always need the tool, but they are handy to have. Especially if you have a bit of arthritis on some days.

Be sure and remove the slug before putting your ball away, as this decreases the chances for cracking and breakage.
Thanks! I'll take a look. And thanks for the heads-up about the cracking thing.

[Ryster]

VISE Change IT Tool (http://www.buddiesproshop.com/p-2452-vise-change-it-tool.aspx)

[rv driver]

VISE Change IT Tool (http://www.buddiesproshop.com/p-2452-vise-change-it-tool.aspx)
Is that fundamentally different from the Turbo tool, or are they interchangeable?
The "Change-a-roo" is available on BB.com. Can't seem to find the Change IT there...

[Aslan]

Is that fundamentally different from the Turbo tool, or are they interchangeable?
The "Change-a-roo" is available on BB.com. Can't seem to find the Change IT there...
For changing the grips I'm thinking they are interchangeable. But the more advanced tools for installing/uninstalling may be different.

I have no problem putting the grips in and out and was told to do it by hand so not to risk over-tightening the insert and snapping a piesce off the bottom or top. But if you're careful I'm sure you'll have no problems. I was thinking of getting the tool just because I have a hard time getting the inserts into the ball that last little turn, using my left thumb…and with thumb size/fit being so important to my game….I try not to use my right thumb for fear that it'll cause it to swell a little bit.

[rv driver]

For changing the grips I'm thinking they are interchangeable. But the more advanced tools for installing/uninstalling may be different.

I have no problem putting the grips in and out and was told to do it by hand so not to risk over-tightening the insert and snapping a piesce off the bottom or top. But if you're careful I'm sure you'll have no problems. I was thinking of getting the tool just because I have a hard time getting the inserts into the ball that last little turn, using my left thumb…and with thumb size/fit being so important to my game….I try not to use my right thumb for fear that it'll cause it to swell a little bit.
My thumb's so swollen today I can't get it in the hole at all. I need the tool. I like a fairly tight fit, and usually, my thumb doesn't swell. But hossing that bad boy to the lock and unlock on three balls did a number on me that I don't want to repeat. Especially during a game.

[classygranny]

The two tools are interchangeable. It is really just a tapered rubber piece on some type of T-handle. Just insert the tapered piece into the thumb until it is tight enough to twist without slipping. You don't have to cram it down in the thumb. Then you twist in and out. When inserting it, you can hear or feel the last click so you know it is connected correctly. Like I said, after some usage, you will probably find that you can do it with your thumb without problems, but I was like you, my thumb was sore for weeks after the first time or two. Sometimes I still use the tool if my hand is hurting or just feeling weak and I don't want to strain and sometimes I'm just too sweaty and the thumb slips instead of grabbing the slug to remove. It's a great investment for the money.

If you are really cheap you can make your own. Their is a guy on one of my leagues that uses about a 1" piece of rubber hose, slit so he puts his finger in the hose and inserts into the thumb to insert and remove. I think it would be weird to use a finger, but I guess it's what you get use to.

[rv driver]

The two tools are interchangeable. It is really just a tapered rubber piece on some type of T-handle. Just insert the tapered piece into the thumb until it is tight enough to twist without slipping. You don't have to cram it down in the thumb. Then you twist in and out. When inserting it, you can hear or feel the last click so you know it is connected correctly. Like I said, after some usage, you will probably find that you can do it with your thumb without problems, but I was like you, my thumb was sore for weeks after the first time or two. Sometimes I still use the tool if my hand is hurting or just feeling weak and I don't want to strain and sometimes I'm just too sweaty and the thumb slips instead of grabbing the slug to remove. It's a great investment for the money.

If you are really cheap you can make your own. Their is a guy on one of my leagues that uses about a 1" piece of rubber hose, slit so he puts his finger in the hose and inserts into the thumb to insert and remove. I think it would be weird to use a finger, but I guess it's what you get use to.
The tool's $12. I'll just buy the tool. Thanks for your help!

[Aslan]

My thumb's so swollen today I can't get it in the hole at all. I need the tool. I like a fairly tight fit, and usually, my thumb doesn't swell. But hossing that bad boy to the lock and unlock on three balls did a number on me that I don't want to repeat. Especially during a game.

That's the main reason I had my spare ball drilled non-IT...I didn't want to change inserts constantly, shot to shot. Also why I struggle wearing the wrist brace...it messes with my spare shooting and I'll be damned if I'm, taking that thing on and off between shots. Down the road I may get my spare ball VISE IT drilled and just use the next size up...since a slightly loose thumb on the spare ball isn't as critical. But we'll see. I had all 4 strike balls drilled for the VISE IT...I'm still evaluating whether I like it or not. I find that the white inserts are 'sticky' and the black inserts are 'slippery'...compared to just a standard non-slug drill. But it IS nice having the same feel/fit with every ball.

[rv driver]

That's the main reason I had my spare ball drilled non-IT...I didn't want to change inserts constantly, shot to shot. Also why I struggle wearing the wrist brace...it messes with my spare shooting and I'll be damned if I'm, taking that thing on and off between shots. Down the road I may get my spare ball VISE IT drilled and just use the next size up...since a slightly loose thumb on the spare ball isn't as critical. But we'll see. I had all 4 strike balls drilled for the VISE IT...I'm still evaluating whether I like it or not. I find that the white inserts are 'sticky' and the black inserts are 'slippery'...compared to just a standard non-slug drill. But it IS nice having the same feel/fit with every ball.
The tool's on its way. I think it'll solve that little problem, and I can get on with my game. $12 -- doesn't seem like I can go wrong.