Having the knowledge to deflate any ball, will over time, save you lots of money and stress. There are potentially lots of ways you can attempt to deflate a ball but beware – you might be damaging the ball for good. The obvious method to deflate your ball is to insert the needle from a ball pump. However, if you don’t have this to hand are their other methods you can use?
Reasons Why You Might Need To Deflate A Ball
In most cases it is best practice to keep air in your sports ball at all times. However, there may be times you need to remove the air from the ball such as
- You may need space in a travel bag or suitcase. Don’t forget to take a ball pump with you if taking on holiday, otherwise you won’t be able to reinflate the ball.
- You might be flying away on vacation. The ball must have the air removed as it cannot go into the aircraft cabin fully inflated. The reason being the cabin pressure can cause the ball to explode during the flight. Obviously, this could cause major distress to fellow passengers and potential damage to the aircraft. Again, don’t forget to take a ball pump to reinflate the ball.
- Another reason to deflate a ball is to ensure it fits inside a shoe box, should you be making a contribution to the Operation Christmas Child organised by Samaritan’s Purse. There are many other charities that request the gift boxes but if you want to include a football, for example, you will need to ensure it is fully deflated. It is also worth considering adding a ball pump and needle adaptor, as it will need inflating by the recipient.
How To Deflate a Sports Ball
The 1st method we consider is by using a needle adaptor as supplied with all ball pumps. The best way to ensure the ball is deflated in a way that won’t damage the ball valve, is to use a pump needle adaptor. A lubricant should be used on the needle as it ensures it slides into the valve without resistance. Most thin oils are suitable lubricants such as:
- Glycerine Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Sewing Machine Oil
- Gym Equipment Low Viscosity Oil
Oils to be avoid are engine oil and definitely avoid petroleum jelly at all costs. The jelly is so thick it could keep the valve open allowing the air to escape when you go the reinflate the ball. It also attracts dirt and can block the valve. Saliva is not a lubricant and should not be used as an alternative to the oils mentioned.
Once the valve is lubricated, slowly twist the needle into the ball until it hits resistance. Then carefully assert pressure onto the ball to force air out of the needle. Once fully deflated carefully remove the needle and return to the ball pump. Failure to do this might mean you lose the needle when looking to inflate the ball at a later date.
How To Deflate A Ball Without A Needle Adaptor
It must be said that deflating any ball without the needle adaptor, is not recommended. However, if needs must then be careful what you do insert into the valve, as you could damage your ball permanently. If you can locate a straw that is both strong enough and thin enough then this would work fine. Lubricate the straw or valve before inserting into the ball..
The method I have tested is with the ink cartridge from a Bic pen. It obviously had very little ink remaining when used. 1st cut the vessel to be at least 5cm long, then lubricate the valve. Carefully insert and twist at the same time. The ink cartridge is a tube and it has an inner airway to allow the air to escape from the ball’s bladder. Using the pen method is alternative way to deflate a ball but it isn’t the optimum way and can lead to a damaged valve. So be careful when inserting anything into the ball valve.
