But at the point at which the bat is unusable it is unlikely it can be repaired back to a playable state? Therefore if I fret and check and double check that the bat is ok and doesn't need to be repaired whenever something comes up then surely the bat will last longer?
Yes it can, if you take it early to be repaired then the bat maker will have to force any crack open and that is far worse than letting it happen naturally. It may sound alien but face the bat before use, then tape any danger areas such as the edge and toe if worried. If it cracks then use the forum, you simply upload a couple of pic's and the bat makers on here can advise same day, as good as living next door to one!!!!
If the cracks too small to photograph i wouldn't worry
Has no one worked out yet that bats crack???What is this paranoia about the slightest crack to the face? Just get on with batting and don't worry about it, all you have to do is apply a little tape if you feel like it, the best bats crack from the start. Sub note, OIL, is it the cure all for any bat problem??? Q, my bat has a crack. A, light coat of oil. Q, my bat has lost it's ping. A, coat of oil. Q, the nuclear threat posed by Iran. A, 2 coats of oil.