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[Silver Bullet]

Brand new bat, used for the first time over the weekend and I see a minor crack at the bottom.
I'm planning to apply shoe goo to the toe anyway. Is there anything else if need to do ?

[mattw]

I would apply shoo goo/toe guard as you have suggested. The crack isn't really big enough to do any major work on it.

[Fearless Fly]

I would run a bead of glue through it and clamp it just so it sits flush, then would put the shoe goo toe guard on. Not going to do anything now but could lead to something further if not fixed now

[calvin1mac]

Personally if i was fixing this i'd get some pva and a little water to make a thinner glue that will run into the crack.
Apply the glue to the toe stand the bat upside down so the glue can seep into the crack then clamp it. If the crack were any bigger you could use a stanley knife to open it up slightly to get the glue right in there but it looks pretty minor.
Had a similar issue with my bat at the start of the season, did this repair and its been fine ever since.
Adding a toe guard is up to you really. I find they tend to drop off and have to apply contact adheasive a few times a year to keep them in place.
Hope this helps

[Neon Cricket]

Shoe Goo on its own will sort this - had the same with one of my own bats at the start of the year netting and since putting the Shoe Goo on it hasn't got any worse (And I've definitely toe'd a couple!)

[Seniorplayer]

If you are going to apply toe guard i would use Pva  glue as you could lightly sandpaper the repair flush with the toe. Also a light sanding will assist with toe guard adhesion.

[Bruce]

how does one apply shoe goo? got a tube here, does it go on quite thick?
would prefer a thin toe application
thanks

[trypewriter]

A good way to persuade pva glue into the crack is to put plenty on the area then blow it in using a drinking straw.

[Rob580]

A good way to persuade pva glue into the crack is to put plenty on the area then blow it in using a drinking straw.

This is what i do, works a treat.

If you're really going for it, my dad uses the airline on his compressor to blow the glue. It makes more mess than anything, but it might get some of the glue right down to the crux of the problem......

[Neon Cricket]

how does one apply shoe goo? got a tube here, does it go on quite thick?
would prefer a thin toe application
thanks

I just slap it on, doesn't look the neatest but does the job - it dries clear anyway so you can't see it without looking up close - it is very thick in the tube so you'll struggle to thin it out, not a clue what you'd use to thin it with either

[WalkingWicket37]

I just slap it on, doesn't look the neatest but does the job - it dries clear anyway so you can't see it without looking up close - it is very thick in the tube so you'll struggle to thin it out, not a clue what you'd use to thin it with either

Don't you spread it in with a knife then use some water on your finger to get a smooth finish??

My personal preference when I don't have a toe guard is wood varnish on the toe, cheap as chips and definitely qualifies as thin! Does need re-applying fairly often though

[Neon Cricket]

Don't you spread it in with a knife then use some water on your finger to get a smooth finish??

My personal preference when I don't have a toe guard is wood varnish on the toe, cheap as chips and definitely qualifies as thin! Does need re-applying fairly often though

Yeahh I probably should have mentioned that... I spread it a knife and then smooth it out - still doesn't look the prettiest then I'm not a massive fan of toe guards either!

[WalkingWicket37]

Yeahh I probably should have mentioned that... I spread it a knife and then smooth it out - still doesn't look the prettiest then I'm not a massive fan of toe guards either!

I'd try the varnish method mate, looks quite neat and it's easy enough to sand off and re-apply/try something else if you cock up/don't like the look of it

[Neon Cricket]

Will give it a go mate!

[Vitas Cricket]

Water dilutes the glue, making it less effective. To get glue to the bottom of a crack you need to open it up, i usually drive a knife/flathead screwdriver or similar into the crack to open it slightly and then get glue into the crack using needles. Printers ink needles are on ebay and work very well. From there it would be a case of using parcel tape, or cut up grips to hold the crack closed. There are some cases that would require a clamp, this isn't one of them.

This crack is so minor i might even be tempted to sand it out, and it is so close to the surface that i wouldn't advise opening it up.

My advice would be to get a really runny superglue, dribble it into the crack, let gravity take its course for a few seconds and then squeeze the crack shut with your hands and hold for a minute or so. Applying shoe goo or a toe guard afterwards finishes the job perfectly.