How to Fix a Dented Ping Pong Ball

• Boil a pot of water, then pour the water into a heat-proof cup. Place the ping pong ball in the cup.
• Use a spoon to submerge the ball for 1-2 minutes until the dent pops back into place. Let the ball cool completely before playing with it.
• Or, use a hairdryer as an alternate. Set it to “hot” and hold it 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) from the ping pong ball for 1-2 minutes.

Hold the ball 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) over a lighter for 1-2 minutes. As long as you’ve got some heat, the air inside the ball will expand and pop the dent. Wear heat-proof gloves or hold the ball with metal tongs. Position it over an open flame until the dent reverses (about 1-2 minutes). Avoid touching the flame to the ball itself. Ping pong balls are often flammable or may melt. Only do this over a fireproof surface with a fire extinguisher nearby. If you can, rotate the ping pong ball as you heat it to prevent the surface from melting. Don’t handle the ball with your bare fingers.

Squeeze around the dent with your thumb. Hold the ball in your hand and lightly press the area immediately surrounding the dent with your thumb. It won’t always work, and may take a little care and practice, but the ball will sometimes pop right back into place.