How to Replace a Basketball Backboard (DIY Guide)
Although basketball backboards are durable and resilient, they are still prone to damage or unusual breakage. This might occur due to the falling through accidents or for bad weather, or there are numerous eventualities. However, if you have faced this, don’t make any hasty decisions. There are some simple steps for replacing the basketball backyard, and the good thing is, in most cases, you may not have to change the entire portable basketball backyard. So, why would you waste your money? Instead of wasting your valuable money or making another huge investment, spend a couple of minutes to read this entire article.
Before replacing the basketball backyard, you need to learn about the specifications properly. Otherwise, it may not fit, and you may have to end up returning the product. On the other hand, the manufacturers of basketball equipment do not produce the parts that are going to fit with other brand’s part. All of them are different and designed to fit only a specific kind of item. However, when you are about to change your basketball’s backyard, you need to pay attention to the mounting brackets. Okay, things are getting confusing now. So, without any delay, let’s dive in!
Choosing the Right Material for Backboard
First of all, you have to choose the right backboard material. There are plenty of backboard materials out there, and all of them aren’t the same. Each of them is specifically designed for a specific purpose. So, it is crucial to select the right backboard material that suits your requirement. You will definitely select one based on your playing style, right? So, let’s have a look at them.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is durable enough to handle bad weather conditions. Whether it is cold or hot, this durable material can handle all of them. Besides, it is a perfect item for those who have a tight budget. But there is one thing that should be kept in mind before making the purchase. It is that polycarbonate is not good for rebounding techniques. So, if you are an experienced player and looking for a backward material for practicing your skills, then this might not be a suitable item for you. However, it is a perfect item for the newbies.
Tempered Glass
Well, this one is modern for backboards. Most of them are pricey. Although they are pricey, they can offer a premium bouncing and rebounding. That’s what makes the tempered glass this much special. Besides, tempered glasses are pretty durable and can’t withstand the harshest days. So, if you are comfortable spending a considerable amount of money, you can buy the tempered glass backboard for your basketball hoops. The hassle-free benefits of the tempered glasses that last for years is really worth the money.
Acrylic
Acrylic material is actually a mixture of tempered glass and polycarbonate. But it is far better than polycarbonate. So, it will be a great item to use at the backboard of your basketball hoops. It offers more rebound and bounce, which is obviously ideal for professional players. Besides, it is also sturdier than most other materials. As a result, you will get long-lasting support from it. This means you can play with full energy without being worried about any types of breakage and cracks.
Replacing Basketball Backboard
Okay, hopefully, you have understood the difference between these boards and managed to select the right one for you. Now, it is time to share with you the process of replacing your backboard. Don’t worry; it is not that hard, and you won’t have to hire any professionals if you follow these rules accordingly.
Supplies You Will Need
- You may need one helper to raise the backboard. No need to hire any professionals; your friend can help you with this.
- Your preferred backboard material
- Constructional adhesive
- Socket set or wrenches
- Power drill
- Drill bits based on your requirement
- If you are using plywood, you will need some wood screws.
- Screwdrivers
- Putty knife
- If you want to paint the lines on your backboard, you will need some masking tape.
- Cinder blocks, Sandbags, or any other weights can provide you additional stability during the process. It will help you to hold the base at a stable position at the time of attaching the new backboard.
Step 1
First of all, you have to lay down your basketball hoop on the ground. Don’t rush; make sure to do this gently since you might break them during the process. Once you have laid your basketball hoop, you have to now unscrew the rim from your old backboard. Then detach it from the hoop.
Step 2
Now, it is time to measure the size of your old backboard. If you are comfortable with that size, why would you change that right? In case if you are not satisfied, you can make the measurement based on your comfiness. In this case, you may ask for a professional’s help because if you somehow mess with the size, you may have to spend some additional money. But if you have got enough experience, doing it by yourself will be fine.
Step 3
Once you have got the accurate measurement, get prepared to make some holes. It will allow you to screw the backboard with your basketball hoop. Firstly, you have to measure the exact distance from one hole to another. You can also mark the accurate place of the hole to make things easier for you. Now, drill the holes in the backboard according to the accurate size of the bolt. It will help the bolts to fit in easily.
Step 4
Now that you have made the holes attach the rim and your newly brought backboard with the pole of your basketball hoop. Make sure to follow the correct alignment so that both of the things can be attached accurately with the pole. After that, start screwing them and continue tightening the bolts until you feel that they are stable enough to hold the backboard.
Step 5
Check the backboard again; make sure it is properly stabled and steady. For this, you can hit it with your basketball several times. If you are satisfied with its stability, attach the hoop back to its position again. That’s it; you have successfully replaced the backboard of your basketball hoop. Now, you can play with your friends again with your new backboard material.
Important Things to Consider
While replacing the backboard of your basketball rim, it is crucial to follow some important things. If you have a portable hoop, keep in mind that they are designed in a specific way to take only a specific amount of weight. In this case, if you forcefully add more weight, there is a high possibility that it may break down. As it is not designed to take a heavier backboard, you shouldn’t select such backboards for your portable hoop. If you don’t pay proper attention to this crucial factor, you can face some unwanted accidents due to this. Your hoop may tip over at the time of playing, and if you stay under, it may face several injuries due to that. So, please pay attention to this crucial factor and don’t select a heavier backboard for your portable rim. Otherwise, you may have to pay a visit to the hospitals.
When replacing the backboard of your basketball hoop, the mounting brackets are the thing that requires additional attention. Generally, the mounting brackets of a backboard are 52 inches. The Spalding system may differ from one another. So, you have to make the purchase of your backboard based on the size of the mounting brackets. Or things will get more complicated for you.
For this, you can follow the model number of the mounting brackets and make the purchase of your backboard based on that model numbers. This will ensure an exact fit of the mounting brackets. Make sure not to buy any backboard what you see from the outside. Without accurate measurement, you won’t be able to make the backboard fit on the fit with the basketball hoop. If you are unsure about the model number, we suggest holding your purchase until you are assured of the exact model number.
For accurate information, you can call your basketball system manufacturer. They will confirm the number and the compatibility of the board.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has helped you to understand the facts, and you have learned the exact ways of replacing the basketball backboard. Make sure to follow the suggestions so that you can obtain the right value for your investment. Share this information with your friends and help them too. If you are still confused, you can ask through the comment section below.