Repressurizing used Balls
- Thread starter hihihi8402
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fenman
Guest
I built one using a 4 foot section of 3 inch PVC pipe (PW Pipe IPS 100 psi). I glued a cap on one end and put a "QWIK" pressure test cap on the other end. A tire valve stem installed near the top allows me to pump it up to about 25 lbs. It holds 22 balls and has served me well for 10 years. It takes over a year to repressurize really flat balls.
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F
fenman
Guest
You could pick up an old pressure cooker at a garage sale, thrift store, or e bay. Put a valve stem in the pressure release hole. Fill it up with balls.
Plus you could use it to cook up something.
Plus you could use it to cook up something.
F
fenman
Guest
All of the sprayers I've looked at were unsuitable for 2 reasons: The hole was too small for a ball. When filled with solid objects it would not be possible to insert the pump-cap assembly. A simple redesign by the manufacturer could fix those problems and provide an affordable device for tennis.
Bagumbawalla
G.O.A.T.
Nuke's idea is brilliant.
Just add a moderately accurate pressure gauge, so you don't over pressurize, an instruction sheet, and you could make a fortue selling them on ****.
Just add a moderately accurate pressure gauge, so you don't over pressurize, an instruction sheet, and you could make a fortue selling them on ****.
converted pressure sprayer
Actually, the converted pressure sprayer is already available here, about US$200 per unit:
http://www.smartitems.com/ballcharger.htm
and I will try to post the image here:
I'm not sure how good a seller this item will be, because most players that I play with couldn't be bothered to repressure old balls, and also new balls are not all that expensive. Plus people just like to play with new balls, and for practice, many players don't mind playing with softer balls, or don't need the feel of the bounce of a new ball. Only the real fanatics and purists appreciate the feel of a new ball bounce from an old ball.
Actually, the converted pressure sprayer is already available here, about US$200 per unit:
http://www.smartitems.com/ballcharger.htm
and I will try to post the image here:
I'm not sure how good a seller this item will be, because most players that I play with couldn't be bothered to repressure old balls, and also new balls are not all that expensive. Plus people just like to play with new balls, and for practice, many players don't mind playing with softer balls, or don't need the feel of the bounce of a new ball. Only the real fanatics and purists appreciate the feel of a new ball bounce from an old ball.
SalvadorVeiga
Rookie
Where did you buy it ? and what brand is it ? I live in Europe and I'd really like to purchase one... Can you get some for me ? and then ship them ?i dont know if that's too much for asking...
I don't know if this also works... I own a pressurized machine, actually a couple, since my dad deals with cars and everything... If I get a large container with enough thickness (like those gasoline containers that pretty much everyone has) and then make a cap to fit the container and just pump the air inside with the machine would that work ?
PimpMyGame
Hall of Fame
does anyone know which u.s. internet companies still sell these repressurizer? if you do, please kindly let me know, thanks! le.corbusier@gmail.com
This thing looks like a non-doctor p3nis developer. Allegedly.
SalvadorVeiga
Rookie
well your theory fails because the pressure inside the refrigerator won't be the same as a normal atmospheric pressure... if the air is inside it will be "freezed" also... so technically if you put a tennis ball inside it won't do anything because once the ball gets "frozen" it will have the same pressure as in the rest of the refrigerator... the solution here would be to get a frozen ball and to maintain it really cold without influencing the surrounding atmosphere but that seems quite hard for a common person to do at home
what's the value of a repressurizer like the gamma pressure cap?
What is your opinion of a reasonable retail price of a repressurizer unit like the gamma pressure cap, which had a sleeve, screw on cap with indicator/valve, and a hand pump? I have found a factory in China which could produce a similar unit, and possible enhancements. What enhancements might you suggest?
One enhancement would be an easier way to attach the cap to the sleeve instead of a screw on thread which required some strength to get airtight. Another would be some indication of approximate air pressure inside the container. And finally include different size containers, like 3-ball, 4-ball, up to maybe 8 or 10 balls.
Just thinking...
What is your opinion of a reasonable retail price of a repressurizer unit like the gamma pressure cap, which had a sleeve, screw on cap with indicator/valve, and a hand pump? I have found a factory in China which could produce a similar unit, and possible enhancements. What enhancements might you suggest?
One enhancement would be an easier way to attach the cap to the sleeve instead of a screw on thread which required some strength to get airtight. Another would be some indication of approximate air pressure inside the container. And finally include different size containers, like 3-ball, 4-ball, up to maybe 8 or 10 balls.
Just thinking...
Voila, I have found a retailer in Italy that carries the Gamma pressure cap (but without the Gamma logo), and as well the address printed on the package of the cap's inventor, Mr. Thoma Kunststoffe. It was a bit difficult contact the retailer, communicate with him on the shipping and mailing cost, and making payment to him, but eventually everything got done and I got the product. If anyone wants the contact of the retailer or Kunststoffe, pm me and I'll pass along the info.
downey stringing master
Semi-Pro
No big deal. It's just that the store owner is a difficult person to deal with. His store has lots of old products, and happened to have about 3 of these units. But because the product is old, the one I bought wouldn't hold a seal, so I had to go back to the store to exchange for another unit, which also didn't work. Each unit has 3 components -- the sleeve, cap and pump, and I made him let me try different components from the units he had until I had a set that worked in its entirety. This got him really upset that I just wouldn't go away and be satisfied with an unworkable product.
Male 14 England
6 Prince 03 Tour Midsize and white duratac overgrip
Kirshbaum Super Smash Spiky 17 and Signum Pro Poly Plasma 17 at 60lbs
Team Sharapova 12 rkt bag.
Addidas Clothing... Feather Shoes.
Cho Pat Knee Strap
2006 win - loss = 81-3
Male 14 England
6 Prince 03 Tour Midsize and white duratac overgrip
Kirshbaum Super Smash Spiky 17 and Signum Pro Poly Plasma 17 at 60lbs
Team Sharapova 12 rkt bag.
Addidas Clothing... Feather Shoes.
Cho Pat Knee Strap
2006 win - loss = 81-3
???
DSM: why did you quote my comments about the difficulties with the store owner in Causeway Bay in Hong Kong? Since then, I've looked for another retail store that still had this Gamma Pressure Cap, and as I said in my last post, I found a retail store in Italy that has the original inventor's product, called only the Pressure Cap (without the Gamma logo). They are two different stores in two different locations. So what's with your merely quoting my earlier comments? I'm not advertising or trying to sell the product, just passing on info to others who may want to buy the product.
DSM: why did you quote my comments about the difficulties with the store owner in Causeway Bay in Hong Kong? Since then, I've looked for another retail store that still had this Gamma Pressure Cap, and as I said in my last post, I found a retail store in Italy that has the original inventor's product, called only the Pressure Cap (without the Gamma logo). They are two different stores in two different locations. So what's with your merely quoting my earlier comments? I'm not advertising or trying to sell the product, just passing on info to others who may want to buy the product.
SalvadorVeiga
Rookie
since i couldn't pm you i dont know why...can you get me the contact in italy ? I live in Europe and I'd like very much to have some of those pressure caps... so let me know something if you see this thanks
A
aroddick
Guest
SalvadorVeiga
Rookie
thank you so much for the reply... Do you have one ? Does it really work out for you ? I think 2 of these caps will work out for me... but I am wondering if I get a ball machine if I can "build" a solution...
I have a compressor machine...if I put the balls in a container and just pump air at 14lbs pis will it work the same ?
works
Salvador, the pressure cap works on same principle as you mention: pumping air to greater than general air pressure into a sealed container with the balls. The key points are: making sure that there's an airtight seal and a way to see that air has not leaked out.
I have been using the pressure cap for about a year and a half, and it works for me. I like playing with balls that have close to new ball bounce. I use a 4 ball plastic container. For some reason, the pressure cap works only with plastic and not metal containers.
Salvador, the pressure cap works on same principle as you mention: pumping air to greater than general air pressure into a sealed container with the balls. The key points are: making sure that there's an airtight seal and a way to see that air has not leaked out.
I have been using the pressure cap for about a year and a half, and it works for me. I like playing with balls that have close to new ball bounce. I use a 4 ball plastic container. For some reason, the pressure cap works only with plastic and not metal containers.
The Gorilla
Banned
any progress?
The Gorilla
Banned
. .
no, it's not a closed system in the fridge. Cold air is circulated, so the pressure in the fridge should be at atmospheric pressure else you won't be able to open the door. Theoretically, I would think freezing balls would repressurize them for a longer time than heating. Freezing balls would equilibrate the internal pressure to atmospheric pressure at low temperature. upon returning to room temperature, the internal pressure would then be higher than atmospheric pressure, thus repressurised. Pressure in heated balls would only be elevated while they are still hot.
I've just placed some in the fridge. Will try them out his weekend.
tenniko
Semi-Pro
Actually, the main problem is not the cold air in the freezer, but the initial condition that the ball must be "Before you freeze it a completely flat ball should have a pressure inside equal to the atmospheric pressure." Pressurized balls have way more pressure than diffusion of gas along the temperature gradient would allow.
Even if it was possible (supercooling perhaps), it is way more economical and environmentally friendly (freezing = electricity = coal/gas most of the time) to get another can of balls and wholesale/donate the old balls to dog owners.
rjkardo
Rookie
I made a ball reviver that works well. Using a 4' section of 3" PVC pipe (rated at 200psi), an end cap (sealed) and a 3 inch valve (ordered off ****). connected to a valve w/pressure gauge*. I attach it to my air compressor, driving it up to 40psi. leave it till I need them. usually overnight they come out strong, like new.
holds about 24 balls. works well.
*pressure gauge is available at Homedepot in the air compressor section. it has a hose fitting, shut off valve and gauge built in. around $7
holds about 24 balls. works well.
*pressure gauge is available at Homedepot in the air compressor section. it has a hose fitting, shut off valve and gauge built in. around $7
locotone07
New User
the end (other than the sealed end) is the big 3 inch valve I won (the bid on for $20). the air valve is screwed in near the closed off cap (put air valve in, with nut inside pipe, then pvc cement/seal the end cap) you need to put the valve as close to the end as possible.
I stand it up on the valve end (when full) and strapped it to a shelf in the garage. (near my air hose). when I need them, I open the valve and out comes the recharged balls. works well. (the key is finding at least a 3" valve- any smaller and the balls won't fit through it!)
I stand it up on the valve end (when full) and strapped it to a shelf in the garage. (near my air hose). when I need them, I open the valve and out comes the recharged balls. works well. (the key is finding at least a 3" valve- any smaller and the balls won't fit through it!)
locotone07
New User
symon_say
Rookie
RKsemiwestern
New User
Hehe i found the old pressure cap!!
http://www.sportsmemorabilia.com/sports-memorabilia/tennis-headwear/
That link is where its found.... I know it says headwear at the end but it really is there.... dont ask why I didn't make the site lol well I'm off to email that guy.... need to find his posts tho dont remember his name lol
http://www.sportsmemorabilia.com/sports-memorabilia/tennis-headwear/
That link is where its found.... I know it says headwear at the end but it really is there.... dont ask why I didn't make the site lol well I'm off to email that guy.... need to find his posts tho dont remember his name lol
sorry for the delay in responding, I've been out of the country.
basically, the thing looks like a shoulder mounted bazooka.
just do an image search on google for 3" valve. the other end of the 4 foot pipe has a cap on it. (at that end I put an air fitting and pressure valve)
very simple, but it works well.
basically, the thing looks like a shoulder mounted bazooka.
just do an image search on google for 3" valve. the other end of the 4 foot pipe has a cap on it. (at that end I put an air fitting and pressure valve)
very simple, but it works well.
dccrowther
New User
I find it very hard to believe that tennis balls can be repressutized. Has anyone ever done it? I have been following forums on this topic and have yet to hear of anyone actually doing it. Here’s why I don’t think it’s possible.
A ball in a pressurized tank will immediately collapse in on itself until the pressure inside the ball equals the pressure outside the ball. Without a pressure differential there is no reason for air to cross the rubber barrier. My brother years ago built me a ball pressurizer out of steel that I could put 100 psi into. It worked fine for keeping fresh balls pressurized but did not pressurize flat balls. I see devices on the market claiming to be able to repressurize balls...I don’t believe they work.
Maximus XXIV
Rookie
Yes, it works. I can make any ball hard as long as it has no holes and I have time. Corny keg pressurizer.
You can use a small water accumulator tank.
No modifications necessary. Unscrew the lid. Put the balls in. Put the lid back. Use bicycle pump to pressurise it throught the valve on the back side. Until you start hearing popping sound from the inside.
( Balls collapse. That is the max pressure you can make . typically it is 3x of atmospheric pressure for a half deal balls.)
Dead balls restore in about 1 months under pressure of 3x ( 1.5 times higher than in a regular can when you by them)
https://www.pumpvendor.com/Accumulator_Tanks_Pressure_Tanks.html
Look for SF 3400-002 on this page ( down below)
Check Home Depot. They have cheap tanks.
No modifications necessary. Unscrew the lid. Put the balls in. Put the lid back. Use bicycle pump to pressurise it throught the valve on the back side. Until you start hearing popping sound from the inside.
( Balls collapse. That is the max pressure you can make . typically it is 3x of atmospheric pressure for a half deal balls.)
Dead balls restore in about 1 months under pressure of 3x ( 1.5 times higher than in a regular can when you by them)
https://www.pumpvendor.com/Accumulator_Tanks_Pressure_Tanks.html
Look for SF 3400-002 on this page ( down below)
Check Home Depot. They have cheap tanks.
Maximus XXIV
Rookie
Too hard and too heavy. Especially when used with a machine.Are you guys sure that some of those gizmos don't double penis enlargement devices?
Maximus XXIV
Rookie
I still see nothing here that is better than the Corny kegs.
DIY Tennis Ball Re-Pressurizing System
NOTE: I offer this information free of charge and with no warranty and I accept no responsibly to any injury or damages you might cause to yourself, to others or property. If you want a professional grade product backed by a company with customer serve then I suggest going with reBounces.
To re-pressurize Tennis balls I use four Ball Lock style Cornelius Soda kegs. Each keg can hold upwards of 60 balls totaling 240 balls which fills my ball cart.
This system uses CO2 at 50-60PSI to re-pressurize tennis balls. Supposedly, pressuring with air does work, but it takes upwards of 4-6 weeks to re-pressurize balls. While CO2 only takes a days or two to a week depending on the type and quality balls.
The downside to using soda kegs is that the opening, while large enough for a ball to pass through, is not large enough for balls to just poor out. It requires taking some out by hand and shaking the kegs to get balls out. Once you have the technique down it only takes a few of minutes to remove ball from a keg.
Re-pressurizing of yellow balls lasts 7 to 14 days +/- and takes 3-7 days to re-pressure depending on the quality of the ball, etc.
I get approximately 20 Kegs filled at 50PSI with 5lbs of CO2. Your mileage may vary due to temperatures. My local cost for having a 5lb CO2 tank filled is $16.75 (with tax) A larger tank will cost more but might be a better value for having refills done as it tends to be cheaper with bulk.
That's approx $0.80 cents per keg. I use four kegs at a time so I can re-pressure 240 balls for slightly over $3.00. Less than the cost of a single three ball can of tournament balls. (Someone correct me if my math is off.)
Kegs safety: as I only go as high as 50-50PSI. I am well within the 130PSI working pressure of the kegs. There is also an over pressure release value on the keg lid to prevent over pressuring.
There are three main components to the DIY Tennis Ball Re-Pressurizing System:
1) Cornelius Soda Keg(s)
2) CO2 Tank
3) CO2 Regulator and hose
Preparing the keg(s)
Each keg has two posts on top. One is the “liquid post” and the other is the “gas post”. Within the keg are two metal tubes. The long “dip tube” which attaches under the “liquid post” and the short “gas tube” under the “gas post.” The long “dip tube” could restrict the number of ball a keg is able to hold. You can either replace the “dip tube” with another “gas tube” or cut the long tube down by unscrewing the “liquid post” to remove it. Be careful when removing the “liquid post” as inside is a “Poppet Valve Assembly”with a spring can can easily become lost.
CO2 Tank
The CO2 tank I have used is a 5LBS aluminum cylinder tank. Steal is cheaper, but heavier and not as rust resistant. When buying a tank make sure it has been recently tested and certified. From what I understand The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that most portable CO2 tanks, both new and used, be re-certified every five years.
CO2 Regulator
A CO2 Regulator controls amount of CO2 that flows from the tank/cylinder in the keg. Do not attempt to use CO2 in a keg without a regulator. You can get regulators that control gas from one tank with one or two gauges. One gauge reads the pressure reached in the keg and the other indicates the amount of CO2 left in the tank. Single gauge regulators lack the gauge to read the tank level. Regulators have a pressure adjustment knob or screw that allows you to set the amount of CO2 delivered to the keg.
Putting it Together
Putting it all together is quite simple. Connect the hose to the CO2 regulator's outlet fitting use a small hose clamp and secure tightly. Attach the ball lock fitting onto one of the soda keg Posts. Yes. That is it.
Set the regulator to 50PSI and turn the value on. You will hear some rumblings inside the keg for a few moments. When the regulator has reach the set PSI inside the keg you can disconnect the ball lock fitting.
Rough costs are:
$115 for two used kegs, shipped. You can also order a 4 pack.
https://www.cornykeg.com/…/converted-ball-lock-cornelius-s…/
$68.88 for a 5lb CO2 tank.
https://www.amazon.com/…/B00…/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00…
$54.83 for a CO2 regulator (sends the correct amount of gas to the kegs.)
https://www.amazon.com/…/B00…/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01…
$11.90 for hose and ball lock tap connector that connects from the regulator to the keg.
Link for the hose and ball lock: https://www.amazon.com/…/B00…/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00…
50 cents for a small hose clamp to go on the hose that connects art the regulator.
NOTE: I offer this information free of charge and with no warranty and I accept no responsibly to any injury or damages you might cause to yourself, to others or property. If you want a professional grade product backed by a company with customer serve then I suggest going with reBounces.
To re-pressurize Tennis balls I use four Ball Lock style Cornelius Soda kegs. Each keg can hold upwards of 60 balls totaling 240 balls which fills my ball cart.
This system uses CO2 at 50-60PSI to re-pressurize tennis balls. Supposedly, pressuring with air does work, but it takes upwards of 4-6 weeks to re-pressurize balls. While CO2 only takes a days or two to a week depending on the type and quality balls.
The downside to using soda kegs is that the opening, while large enough for a ball to pass through, is not large enough for balls to just poor out. It requires taking some out by hand and shaking the kegs to get balls out. Once you have the technique down it only takes a few of minutes to remove ball from a keg.
Re-pressurizing of yellow balls lasts 7 to 14 days +/- and takes 3-7 days to re-pressure depending on the quality of the ball, etc.
I get approximately 20 Kegs filled at 50PSI with 5lbs of CO2. Your mileage may vary due to temperatures. My local cost for having a 5lb CO2 tank filled is $16.75 (with tax) A larger tank will cost more but might be a better value for having refills done as it tends to be cheaper with bulk.
That's approx $0.80 cents per keg. I use four kegs at a time so I can re-pressure 240 balls for slightly over $3.00. Less than the cost of a single three ball can of tournament balls. (Someone correct me if my math is off.)
Kegs safety: as I only go as high as 50-50PSI. I am well within the 130PSI working pressure of the kegs. There is also an over pressure release value on the keg lid to prevent over pressuring.
There are three main components to the DIY Tennis Ball Re-Pressurizing System:
1) Cornelius Soda Keg(s)
2) CO2 Tank
3) CO2 Regulator and hose
Preparing the keg(s)
Each keg has two posts on top. One is the “liquid post” and the other is the “gas post”. Within the keg are two metal tubes. The long “dip tube” which attaches under the “liquid post” and the short “gas tube” under the “gas post.” The long “dip tube” could restrict the number of ball a keg is able to hold. You can either replace the “dip tube” with another “gas tube” or cut the long tube down by unscrewing the “liquid post” to remove it. Be careful when removing the “liquid post” as inside is a “Poppet Valve Assembly”with a spring can can easily become lost.
CO2 Tank
The CO2 tank I have used is a 5LBS aluminum cylinder tank. Steal is cheaper, but heavier and not as rust resistant. When buying a tank make sure it has been recently tested and certified. From what I understand The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that most portable CO2 tanks, both new and used, be re-certified every five years.
CO2 Regulator
A CO2 Regulator controls amount of CO2 that flows from the tank/cylinder in the keg. Do not attempt to use CO2 in a keg without a regulator. You can get regulators that control gas from one tank with one or two gauges. One gauge reads the pressure reached in the keg and the other indicates the amount of CO2 left in the tank. Single gauge regulators lack the gauge to read the tank level. Regulators have a pressure adjustment knob or screw that allows you to set the amount of CO2 delivered to the keg.
Putting it Together
Putting it all together is quite simple. Connect the hose to the CO2 regulator's outlet fitting use a small hose clamp and secure tightly. Attach the ball lock fitting onto one of the soda keg Posts. Yes. That is it.
Set the regulator to 50PSI and turn the value on. You will hear some rumblings inside the keg for a few moments. When the regulator has reach the set PSI inside the keg you can disconnect the ball lock fitting.
Rough costs are:
$115 for two used kegs, shipped. You can also order a 4 pack.
https://www.cornykeg.com/…/converted-ball-lock-cornelius-s…/
$68.88 for a 5lb CO2 tank.
https://www.amazon.com/…/B00…/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00…
$54.83 for a CO2 regulator (sends the correct amount of gas to the kegs.)
https://www.amazon.com/…/B00…/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01…
$11.90 for hose and ball lock tap connector that connects from the regulator to the keg.
Link for the hose and ball lock: https://www.amazon.com/…/B00…/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00…
50 cents for a small hose clamp to go on the hose that connects art the regulator.
Yep. I have yet to find a better solution than soda kegs. I keep looking though. Just in case.
That's A LOT of pressure. I've seen balls get crushed at way lower values, even at under 1bar (~14PSI) for dead balls.
Balls with more pressure in them can take more, of course, but still 50PSI seems a lot. I'd test this myself, but I don't have a see-through container that can take this much pressure.
It's works. You can hear the bonk sound of the balls as the pressure goes up. You can go with less PSI but it will take LONGER to re-pressurize. reBounces uses 50PSI. Maybe higher.
I've been re-pressuring balls all the time for more than a year now.
