MAINTENANCE
Bat Repairs
All repairs are carried out exclusively by Screaming Cat. Our Direct Sales Policy and Warranty Information explains the ScreamingCat Guarantee. For Warranty or other repairs, please contact Screaming Cat directly via the Contact Us page.
Bat Maintenance
A video on Bat Maintenance and Care is also available on our Media page and will be helpful with the information below in keeping your bat in prefect condition.
Oiling Your Bat
It is strongly recommended that this process be undertaken in the privacy of your own home. It can be a sticky, messy, pungent job that requires linseed oil, a towel, a bar of soap and deodorant. Beware; non-cricketers’ are often offended by the smell. Using your fingers, apply about 10 mls of linseed oil per coat; gently smear over all exposed areas of timber, paying particular attention to good coverage around the toe area. Repeat this process daily for the next 6 days until your bat matches the colour of your takeaway chips – probably the only dinner company you will have until the odour abates. You are now ready to start knocking in your bat.
Knocking It In
An ideal task for a person with a naturally aggressive streak. Take a specially made bat mallet and tenderly beat the crap out of your pride and joy, being mindful not to belt the edges too hard or commit unnecessary damage prior to use under real planning conditions. A good tip is to start gently and slowly and increase your momentum until your wrist aches, indicating it’s time to give it a rest. Continue this process until you are satisfied the wood has condensed and denting subsides over the full playing surface. A valuable indicator that that your bat is well knocked in is if the family have packed your bags and left them at the front door. Knocking in can take several days, even weeks, depending on how soft your bat is. Use caution, don’t rush this process, it’s important the whole street knows you have just bought a new bat.
Care & Maintenance
During the cricket season avoid excess moisture other than that of linseed oil. Should the bat dry out during the season superficial cracking may appear; this is not a reference to the mental state of a batsman after making three ducks in a row. Should small cracks appear they can beremoved with a light sanding and application of linseed oil to the sanded area. Apply two or three light coats of linseed oil during the season to ensure the bat remains sweet, supple and that the odour remains buoyant. Sleeping with your bat is not recommended immediately after oiling and knocking in; this may leave dubious stains on the bed linen and an unpleasant whiff in the room.
