Since Disc Golf discs are made of soft plastic that is bendable, it’s easy for them to bend and even warp. This can be through the general wear and tear of playing the game, but it can happen to your discs while they’re in transit in your car, or if there are other discs or items stacked on top of them in your bag.
You may even receive a brand new disc in the mail and open the packaging just to find that it’s bent. Which is super frustrating! Of course, if you live in a house with kids and pets too, it’s easy for them to think your disc is a toy and not treat it with the care it deserves… also frustrating!
But there’s no need to panic or buy a new disc. There are plenty of simple solutions to this problem. Below, we’ll take you through four methods of how to repair your discs if they’re bent or warped, and what causes a disc to warp in the first place.
What Causes A Disc Golf Disc To Warp?
Besides from the pressure caused by having other discs stacked on top of it, the biggest causes of warping are related to heat. After all, plastic and heat do not mix!
- Putting your disc in the dishwasher: There are plenty of ways to clean your Disc Golf disc, but putting it in the dishwasher is not one of them. Discs are not dishwasher safe, and the hot water can cause the disc to warp. Of course, any changes to the disc’s shape will affect how it flies. The disc may also feel a bit strange in your hand after putting it in the dishwasher. Plus, putting a disc in the dishwasher isn’t good for the appliance itself, as a filthy disc can damage a dishwasher.
- Exposure to hot water: This is common sense, but make sure the water is cool or at least warm when you’re washing your disc by hand. Avoid washing your disc with scalding hot water, as this is sure to warp your discs.
- Exposure to the sun: Of course, you can’t change the weather when you’re playing Disc Golf (although when playing during cold, wet and windy conditions we wish we could!), but you can avoid drying your disc in the sun. The sun’s rays will beat down on your disc and warp it.
Unwarping A Bent Disc Golf Disc Method #1
Step 1: Place your warped disc on a flat table with discs stacked on top.
Step 2: Leave the pile of discs for about 24 hours.
This is a simple fix for a warped disc, and unless your disc is super concave and has a flight plate with an extreme puddle top it’s certain to be effective.
If you have a few putters, these are the best discs for you to stack on top. Place the putters on top of your warped disc on a flat table. You can place the stack inside or outside, but sometimes the sun can actually help to soften the plastic to help it return to its original form quickly.
Check on your warped discs in ten minutes, and you’re sure to see an improvement and after a couple of hours the disc will return to normal. But after a whole day, the disc will be circular again.
This is a simple method that only requires a couple of discs, but below you will find more methods for unwarping your discs that involve a few common household items.
Tools You’ll Need
Let’s take a look at some of the household items you’ll need to try out the below methods.
- Your warped disc
- A couple of dish rags
- Weights – such as books.
- Saucepans
- A couple of pie pans for the discs to sit in without the sides touching.
- A saucer with a domed bottom.
- A regular plate
- A pan that is the same diameter as the rim of the disc.
- Can of freshly cut beans.
Unwarping A Bent Disc Golf Disc Method #2
First, fill two saucepans with water and bring them to a boil. Then place dish rags into your saucepans to place the discs on, so the edges of the disc don’t touch the hot pan and melt the plastic. Be careful with the rags, so they don’t catch on fire!
To make a dip in the dish rags, tap the towel with a knife, and then place your disc carefully on top of the water. Boil a kettle and pour the boiling water on top, before placing a plate and can of beans on top that are light enough that the disc will float.
Leave the disc for 30 minutes to an hour, before putting them in the fridge immediately. This allows the disc to cool down and hold its shape.
Unwarping A Bent Disc Golf Disc Method #3
This method is perfect for discs with a bent rim.
First, pour some water on the disc and put it in the microwave for 1 minute. Be careful when removing the disc from the microwave, and then pour the water into the sink. Dry the disc gently with a towel and lay it on a flat surface.
Then take your pan that is the same diameter as the rim of a disc and your chosen weight and place them evenly on top of the disc. Leave for 30 minutes before removing the pan and the weights.
Unwarping A Bent Disc Golf Disc Method #4
This method is ideal for unwarping a flattened disc.
First, boil a kettle. Then get a large pie tin that your disc will fit in and place your disc right in the middle of it.
Pour the boiling water, so it fills the pie tin completely and even spills over the edges a bit. Take another pie tin and place it on top without it touching the edges. Leave for 30 minutes before removing the pie tin. When you wipe the disc dry you should notice it’s flat.
Final Thoughts
Many disc golfers use the same discs for years, but after hours of gameplay and practicing, these discs are likely to sustain some wear and tear, and maybe even bend. But this isn’t the end of the world.
These simple methods can help you unwarp any bent disc with items you would have lying around the house, saving you money on buying new discs!
