An unexpected crack in your basketball hoop base can occur at any time. Especially when it comes to an outer tire where it is exposed to the environment and the weather. That doesn't mean you have to throw it away and buy a new one.
There are ways to fix this. You can use heat, resin, sealant, or concrete to mend it – here's how:
heat
What you need
The first thing you will need is a polyethylene patch as it can bend and warp quickly. The second is gloves; This is not an option, you will need it. Buy them in a store or online on Amazon. Third, you'll need a heat gun or less ideally a blowtorch. Put a bottle of water next to you in case you set something on fire. Finally, a spatula or a large metal spoon and pliers.
How it goes
Heat is the most difficult, but effective, way to mend a basketball backboard. Start flaming the damaged base by moving the heat gun over it. Stop every few seconds and repeat, otherwise it will burn. Keep checking until it starts to melt. Then blow the liquid out into the holes so that the patch is applied to the damaged area.
The next step is to ignite the gun after putting on your gloves. Use a pair of pliers to hold the patch steady by the corners. Use the gun to heat the patch to the point where it melts into a liquid form and creates a hole. Sweep the flashlight all over the base until it takes on a new color. The trick with this is to work so fast that both the base and the patch stay hot. The final step is to hold the patch and press it into the base. Be aware that it can get hot.
resin
What you need
With this you need fewer materials. Most adhesives aren't strong enough to hold fiberglass cloth in place, but there are new stronger ones on the market. You can try these out instead of swapping out the base frame. If you're curious about getting a new base frame for your child, you can click here to find out more. There are several stores where you can buy good quality basic tires.
How it goes
The secret here is to sand the surface of the base and flame the crack site to repair it. As with heating, run the burner on the base and make sure that the polyethylene melts. Next, add a layer of glue over the crack, a layer of fiberglass cloth, and then another layer of glue. Repeat until the base is stiff between repaired and unrepaired areas. Drip the patch on the top of the damaged part on the outside, just 1/4 past the edges. Lastly, repeat the process on the other side. In this way the board is protected from water and sandbars.
Caulking or sealing
How it goes
All you need is a glass fiber reinforced seal and a damp cloth. Find all cracks and leaks by lightly pressing the entire base. Then turn the soil over and drain the sand and water. Make sure that there are no sand particles or debris left. Then clean it with a damp cloth and alcohol. Give it some time to dry completely. Fill the cracks or leaks with sealant and press the sealant into the gap. Cover all edges and press down on the waterproofing until it is even and level. Wait an hour and then sand the waterproofing smooth. If you don't like the look, you can paint it to hide the patched point.
concrete
Concrete is simple and sustainable. All you have to do is pour it into the crack. It will certainly take a long time; it won't leak, so that's another good thing. You can add the concrete mix and then pour the water. It's the perfect solution when you have a broken base and it's a very affordable solution. The only downside is that it doesn't make your portable base frame very portable.
You will save a lot of money by repairing your base frame at home. It's a great alternative to buying a new one. There are plenty of materials that do the job. The most difficult and unsafe process has to be the use of heat, but it is still very effective. The simplest options are caulking and concrete. In either process, you don't need a lot of materials and patching doesn't take long. You can use the backboard again in no time.
