Except for the dead core and surface, anything in the pickleball paddle can be repaired. Broken handle, worn-out grips, torn or loosened edge guard, cuts, de-lamination–you can fix anything that doesn’t involve the dead spots. Often cheap pickleball paddles require extra care because when you’re not paying extra money, you’re required to give extra effort.
Pickleball paddles are naturally sensitive. They have a minimal lifespan. Even the best pickleball paddle can last only for 2-4 years. Despite that, there are ways you can secure your paddle for a longer lifespan, and even if something terrible happens, you can fix it.
Pickleball Paddle Repair
If you’re in for a pickleball paddle repair, you must have the following problems:
- Broken handle
- Broken edge guard
- De-lamination of surface
Pickleball paddles are prone to damage. But hey, there are fixes to everything. You just need the following things in your toolbox.
- Rubbing alcohol / adhesive remover
- Soft cloth
- Glue
- Extra edge guard (if necessary)
Remember, the pickleball paddle’s surface and core are irreparable. Once they’re dead, they’re dead. But here’s the twist. The surface and core depend upon the edge guard as it holds the two parts together. If you keep the edge guard sturdy and in place, you don’t need to worry about the surface and core.
How to Fix a Pickleball Paddle Edge Guard
90% of edged paddles run into trouble after a few times. First, identify the problem.
Scratches:
- If your edge guard has scratches, there’s no repair, but there are no severe damage scratches can cause to the overall paddle, either. You can, however, be careful with your paddle. Avoid contact with the court during dink.
Edge guard coming off:
- If the edge guard is coming off, it’s time to re-fix it before the entire edge guard comes off. Get high-quality glue. Apply a layer on the paddle and one of the edges from wherever the guard is loosened. Don’t apply too much glue. It won’t dry and adopt of weird shape on the paddle. You can use the paddle after the glue dries.
Edge guard is broken:
- Now you need a new edge guard. You can stop here and ask for an expert’s help or replace your paddle. No offense, but the latter is foolish. We’d never replace the paddle because of its edge guard only, but rather the edge guard.
Replacing a Damaged Pickleball Paddle Edge Guard:
Follow the steps:
- First, remove the old edge guard.
- Clean the edges with rubbing alcohol. You can also use adhesive remover (we use and suggest Goo Glue) to clean the paddle neatly. You don’t want any glue particles left of the previous edge guard.
- Let the paddle dry entirely, and make sure there’s no dust on the edges.
- Take a moderate amount of glue and apply it all around the paddle sides and then on the new guard.
- Cover the edge guard around the paddle tightly. It’ll take time, depending on the glue you’re using. For a firm fix, you can use 5-6 rubber bands, a strap, or a thread around the paddle to keep the edge guard in one place.
- Just after you’ve attached the paddle with the guard, clean the paddle with a soft cloth in case a drop or two of glue remains spilled on the surface.
- After the paddle is dried, remove the bands, straps, or thread, and clean the paddle again.
Unless the surface is dead, you can also fix it. Use the same glue you used to fix the edge guard and apply it on the outer layer that’s de-laminating and fix it. However, it’s temporary and perhaps a warning sign for you that you start looking for a new paddle quickly.
How to fix a broken pickleball handle?
Fixing a broken pickleball handle is challenging and, sometimes, impossible too. It all comes down to the handle material and adhesive. If your glue is strong enough to keep the two parts together, you’re good to go. But eventually, the handle will break again. If the paddle is under warranty, use it and get the paddle fix. All in all, the best solution for a broken pickleball paddle is to replace the paddle with a new one.
Many paddle repairers claim to fix the handle too, but all of these are just short-term. You can extend the life of your paddle by 2-3 months after repairing it. Not to mention, the performance and delivery of your paddle quill be highly affected.
Reasons for Pickleball Paddle Damages
You repaired your paddle, and it’s playable now. But why did your paddle get broken in the first place? Despite the short lifespan of a pickleball paddle, there are a few things you should consider that could lead your paddle from breaking or getting damaged. There are the top 5 reasons that pickleball players usually do that make their paddle become threadbare.
1. Overusing the paddle
This is the number 1 reason why paddles get worn out quickly. If you play overtime or are an aggressive player, your paddle will likely die before the expiry date. Too much ball contact on a daily basis led the core to go dead. And unfortunately, you can’t do anything about it.
However, here’s one suggestion. If your pickleball playing time is extravagant, you should get a wooden or well-budgeted pickleball paddle. For example, a branded pickleball paddle costs $200-$400, in which you can get 6-8 composite paddles from any manufacturer.
2. Throwing the paddle
Lost the match against someone you hate the most? Your frustration is reasonable. Many players throw their paddles after losing a match or making an unforced error. What happens is: the handle is broken, the edge guard comes off, or the worst–the surface is torn apart. However, you can throw your paddles as much as you can if you’ve got a wooden paddle. They don’t break easily.
3. Not cleaning the paddle
If you don’t clean your paddle regularly, it’ll have dust and debris, which will ruin the texture of your surface. Also, most people use water and harsh rubbing over the surface, which isn’t wise either. We recommend following a proper cleaning guide to stay one step ahead. Care is better than cure.
4. Not covering the paddle
The Pickleball paddle must be on its cover when not in use. For many new players, pickleball paddle cover is an extra expense, and they leave their paddle as it is. This will allow dust to make its home at your paddle, plus your paddle may be prone to many accidents. For example, either the paddle would fall or something else would fall over it. Having the pickleball paddle secure in the cover protects it from unforeseen incidents and strengthens its lifespan.
5. Using a paddle carelessly
Do you often pick things, i.e., goggles, hats, shoes, etc., up from the court using your paddle, leave them in the direct sunlight or car, or play with them in harsh weather? Well, don’t get surprised if your paddle is reacting back now. The Pickleball paddle is supposed to be taken care of at all costs, and the only thing it should get contacted with is the pickleball ball.
If you leave your paddle in the car, the hot weather will cause the glue to melt, and then the edge guard will become loose. In the worst-case scenario, the paddles with graphite surface will go bad too. And there’s nothing you can do about it afterward.
What could you do that would save your paddle from breaking? Simple! You can avoid all of these things follow a paddle safety guide to protect your paddle from breaking and make it last longer.
Pickleball Paddle Repair Tips:
- Don’t use super-glue
- Never use too much or too little amount of glue.
- You don’t need to buy extra things to fox one paddle only, i.e., adhesive remover, straps, etc.
- Even if your edge guard is loosened slightly, fix it with an adhesive ASAP.
FAQs:
Pickleball Paddle Repair: The Ending Words:
Despite possessing a high-quality paddle and following regular maintenance, mishaps can still happen, and we can’t do anything about it. Perhaps you can follow a Pickleball paddle repair guide and sort things out. This will save you from reinvesting into a new pickleball paddle. The edge guard repair is a minor fix but saves your paddle from an entire fall down.
Keep in mind every pickleball paddle will get broken one day, and you’ve to buy a new one down the road. So, don’t get disheartened. It’s the rule of life. One thing goes, and the next thing comes. Important things: enjoy the time with your paddle before it lasts. Live every moment!
Harry is a freak who often argues that O in his name may well stand for “Obsessed with Pickleball.”
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