How To Apply Pine Tar

You've likely seen it before. Whether as a fan at a game or a hitter stepping into the on-deck circle. We're talking about pine tar. The sticky stuff used by baseball and softball players to gain a better grip on their bats. Today, we'll discuss: the purpose of pine tar, which bats need it, and how to apply it to your own.

Pine Tar | How to Apply

We get asked this question all the time... What is the purpose of pine tar?

Pine tar is used by baseball and softball players to enhance the grip on their bat. It is a naturally sticky substance that allows the hands to rest more comfortably, focusing more on quality of contact and less of handle grip. It's most commonly used by baseball players swinging wood baseball bats because wood bats don't come standard with a bat grip (unlike metal bats).

If you are looking to apply pine tar to your new baseball bat, the easiest method is to use a pine tar stick. It looks similar to a glue stick you've used in art class and applies in the same manner. Simply rub the pine tar on the tapered part of your bat to create an easy-to-access grip enhancer each time you step into the box.

Another method of applying pine tar is the one you'll see in the video below. If you have a can of pine tar, you'll want to invest in a pine tar rag to help apply it throughout the season. Scoop a small portion of pine tar onto your rag before rubbing it onto your bat. Both methods are easy and effective ways to improve your bat grip.

Now all that's left to do is touch your hands or batting gloves to sticky area before gripping the bat. This will improve your bat grip and help you control your barrel throughout the strikezone. 

Pine Tar Tips

• Start slow when applying to your baseball bat
• Use multiple coats when adding pine tar to a metal or glossy finished wood baseball bat
• Try a teammates bat that already has pine tar before you apply it to your own (there's little you can do once it's applied)
• Don't go beyond the taper - just ask George Brett

Where can I buy pine tar?

Pine tar is available for purchase at JustBats. You can add it to any purchase of a baseball or softball bat, or you can purchase one of our Batter's Boxes (great gift idea for baseball players!) If you are in need of sameday pine tar, most any sporting goods store will have sticks available for purchase.

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As always, if you have any questions please feel free to contact our team of Bat Experts. You can give us a call at 1-866-321-2287, email at batexperts@justbats.com or LIVE CHAT with us today. We're JustBats and we're with you from Click to Hit!