Basketball Backboard Repair

Introduction

Every year I see 6+- portable basketball systems being thrown away. I retrieved this one because it is a nice looking unit with the clear backboard. Even though the backboard was cracked with a piece missing, it was worth taking it home. This instructable is how I repaired the backboard at no cost using supplies I had on hand.

The Story

I dismantled, placed it into my beetle and brought it home because it was a nice unit. I put the base and pole next to the garage then the backboard in the basement to repair. After a year of other projects and life, I moved the backboard to the garage, then to the shed and then back to the garage. After 5 years of moving it around the kids were now interested in playing. I considered many different repairs, but they were all expensive, time and labor intensive or not practical.

One day, I was moving stuff around the garage when I came across a clear Polycarbonate Sheet. I said to myself, “Wow, I forgot I had that.” Then I wondered if I could use it to repair the backboard. I decided, yes, I could.

You will notice I did not glue the Polycarbonate Sheet to the backboard. I didn’t see the need. I believe that would have over engineered the repair and added additional time and cost. With little overall benefit, if any. In addition, with this design any moisture shouldn’t become trapped between the backboard and the Polycarbonate Sheet.

When moisture accumulates it will heat up, vaporize and be released. If the Polycarbonate Sheet was glued the moisture would expand during freezing and high temps. Potentially warping the Polycarbonate Sheet.

Yes, I did leave the protective cover over the Polycarbonate Sheet.

When you find a broken backboard,

Here's a quick way to be restored.

Use a jig saw and a poly sheet,

Measure and cut to keep it neat.

With a drill and bit ready,

Keep your hand firm and steady.

Insert the rivets in hand,

Things are going just as planned.

3, 2, 1 blind they lock,

Completing this you rock.

Through the net with a swoop,

High fives from all the group.

The time has come, this rhyme I share,

A Basketball backboard I repair.

Supplies

Supplies

1. 36” x 24” Polycarbonate Sheet and
2. Blind Pop rivets.

Tools

1. Jig saw,
2. Drill,
3. 1/8" & 1/16" bits and
4. Pop Rivet gun.

Skill Level

Easy

Time to Complete

20 minutes +-

Let’s go repair a Basketball Backboard.

Step 1: Backboard Prep

The backboard had a hole 5x9 with cracks spread out in multiple directions. The way to stop further webbing, cracks continuing outward, I used the 1/4" bit to drill a hole at the tip of each line.

Step 2: Polycarbonet Cut

1. Use the Jig saw to cut the Polycarbonet sheet to the length of the backboard.
2. Use the Jig saw to cut around the rim.

The Poly sheet cracked during installation, I added a stop crack hole.

Step 3: Attach to Backboard

1. Use the 1/8" bit and drill holes thru the Polycarbonate Sheet, Polycarbonate backboard into plastic frame.
2. Insert pop rivets into the gun then thru the sheet, backboard and frame.
3. Lock the pop rivets in place.

Step 4: Observations & Summary

Observation

Since repairing the backboard, I am the only one who has spent anytime shooting hoops. I am out there at least 5 nights a week. I am OK with that; the youngest came out a couple of times since being repaired.

The benefits of this design are:

1. Easy repair. Cut, drill and rivet.
2. Low cost. Stuff I had on hand.
3. Quick fix. No need to wait for glue or epoxy to dry.

Summary

I am enjoying shooting hoops and I am satisfied with the results.