How to blow up a basketball with your mouth

How to Inflate Any Ball Without a Pump or Needle « MacGyverisms :: WonderHowTo

• By Osas Obaiza
• 6/29/13 11:06 PM
• 6/23/17 7:24 PM

What happens when you find your ball deflated and there's no pump or needle in sight? You could always cancel your plans of kicking around the soccer ball or starting that pickup football game in the park. Better yet, you could be terribly clever and find another way to get air into the ball. From a pen to a balloon to a gas station, there are ways to inflate it.

While balls all have an ideal pounds per square inch or psi (a term we all learned during "Deflategate"), at this time, all we care about is getting some air into our balls to increase the air pressure. For future reference, however, the target psi is 7.5 to 8.5 for a basketball, 8.7 for a soccer ball, 4.26 to 4.61 for a volleyball, and 12.5 and 13.5 for a regular pigskin football. Exercise balls range in size, so it's impossible to give you a target psi for them.

But we don't need to be so precise at this time though. Any air will do!

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Method #1: Use Compressed Air to Pump Up Your Ball

If you haven't already wasted your entire supply blasting your friends in the face with freezing cold compressed air, you could use this standard office item to fill up a deflated ball. The most difficult part about inflating a ball without a pump or needle is finding something that will fit inside the small air hole. Well, with a compressed air canister, you have the perfect solution.

The small straw that comes with the canned air will fit inside the ball's hole perfectly. I'd suggest doing small bursts of air since the can will chill up rather quickly. This probably won't work if the ball is completely flat, and it would be pretty expensive to keep using this trick, so make sure it's just a one-time thing.

Method #2: Transfer Air from a Balloon into Your Flat Ball

Another repurpose idea is to use air from a balloon. As long as you have something to pass the air between the two, you've got an instant DIY solution. If you have a pump that's broken, the needle will still work. If you don't have one, though, you can use a very thin straw or ... a coffee stirrer. As for the balloon, the bigger and stronger the better. A punch balloon would work very well.

Blow up the balloon as much as possible. Then, using a paper clip or clamp, close off the balloon's lip to keep the air inside. Next, attach the pump needle or straw/stirrer to the balloon and insert the other end into the ball's hole. Release the paper clip or clamp, and the air will begin to transfer into the ball. You can squeeze the balloon to make the air transfer faster.

We ourselves have not tested this trick out. Commenters on the video have questioned the validity of this hack, noting that the balloon doesn't appear to be getting any smaller, though the ball is filling up very well, as you can see below. So if you test this one out, let us know if it worked or not.

Method #3: Fashion a Pen's Ink Tube as a Makeshift Needle

As said, one of the biggest challenges, if you're missing a pump needle, is to find an adequate stand-in. Well, if you have a pen nearby, you've found one. For this hack, courtesy of Wendel F., you'll also need a paper clip, scissors, and tape.

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The first step is taking apart the pen and separating the ink tube. Drain the ink by removing the writing point. Keep the writing cap nearby, as this will be used to hold your "needle" or entry point into the pump. With your scissors, cut a small piece out of the ink tube and insert it into the writing cap.

To create the "ball tube," you'll want to use a metal paper clip with a plastic coating. Straighten the paper clip and insert it into the air hole of the ball. Cut around the end that's sticking out and then pull the metal out, leaving the plastic "tube" mostly inside the ball. You will be placing your writing-cap "needle" (which you've now attached to an air pump) into this plastic casing. It will look like this:

Images by Wendel F. /Flickr

And the end result should be a pumped up ball. Note: You'll probably need help holding this fragile contraption together, but with teamwork, it should be fine.

Method #4: Visit a Gas Station to Refill Your Ball

I've had my fair share of flat tires, and as a lesson learned, I now make sure to always have a few quarters in my car for such emergencies. Many gas stations have air pumps that you can use to fill up your deflating tires. But, if you have a pump needle or straw/stirrer with you, you can also use these powerful pumps to inflate your ball... or rather balls.

You can try and fill as many as you can before your time runs out. Note: In California, since 1999, gas stations have been required by law to provide free "water, compressed air, and a gauge for measuring air pressure" if you've purchased gasoline. So keep that in mind next time you're at the pump.

Method #5: Or Visit a Bike Shop Instead

Speaking of being out and about, you can also call into your local bike repair store or shop to see if they'd be willing to use a bike pump to inflate a ball or two for you. Assuming they're not busy, a local shop may be amenable to such a request. Of course, out of courtesy, you should consider buying something small in exchange for their kind accommodation. You can always use a reflector or decal, right?

Method #6: You Can Even Siphon Air from Car Tires

We've seen photos of this in action, so it's totally possible, and Instructables user Aleksi has a tutorial on it. While his guide was geared toward transferring air from car tires to bike tires, it's not totally plausible to do so since bike tires require more psi than car tires, but it's perfect for filling up a tiny ball a tad. Just buy an air hose, a couple Schrader chucks, and an inflating needle, and keep them handy.

Alex Zakkas also has a tutorial on this, too, with a slightly different design and few different parts that may actually work better for you.

Method #7: Invest in an Infusion Ball for Anytime Inflation

Many major brands, such as Spalding, now have a line of balls with the air pump built right into them. To use this gadgety feature, simply pull out the rubber top to open the pump and then pump the device until the ball is the firmness you want it to be. It's as simple as that, as seen here in a 2001 ad:

As you can see, there are a number of clever ways to get air (and air pressure) back into a ball. Don't be discouraged because your basketball, football, or soccer ball is flat. Sure, your pump is broken and you can't find the needle, but that's okay. Grab a pen or a straw and go into MacGyver mode. You'll be playing ball again in no time!

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How to Pump a Basketball Without a Needle (3 Methods)

When shooting hoops by yourself or playing basketball with your friends, there are few things worse than your ball going flat. While it would be great if everyone had a needle and basketball pump at all times, that isn’t always the case.

I can think of several times where my friends and I had to cut a game short due to no one having a needle to inflate the ball. It’s annoying and also incredibly frustrating. Thankfully, there are a number of different ways you can pump up a basketball (whether indoor or outdoor) without needing to have a needle at all. This guide is going to look at a few of them.

Quick Navigation

Method 1: Use a Can of Compressed Air

Best to use for: If you are without a needle and pump, a can of compressed air is probably the quickest and easiest way to fill up your ball. It offers you something very similar to the needle, so getting the air in the ball will be simple. Of course, you likely need to be at home for this to work as very few people take compressed air out with them. Even then, however, it is easy enough to go to a store near where you are and get a can of compressed air for a very affordable price.

Things to prepare:

• The ball
• Can of compressed air (make sure it isn’t empty)
• Potentially a second can if your ball is incredibly flat

How to do:

1. Put the end of the straw of the can into the basketball. It should fit quite easily.
2. Slowly start to press the trigger to allow the air to go inside the ball. Do it slowly and carefully for the best results. Once the ball is inflated to the desired amount, take out the straw and hit the courts!

Method 2: Utilize a Balloon

Best to use for: This is great for people who are at home, as most of us have some balloons lying around. It is quite easy and quick but does require the use of a few other items like a thin straw, and a paper clip or clamp. It’s not great for those who are out at a public court, as you likely don’t have balloons with you.

Things to prepare:

• The ball itself
• The balloon (likely more than one to be safe)
• A paper clip or clamp
• A thin straw or a coffee stirrer

How to do:

1. The first thing to do is to blow up the balloon with an ample amount of air.
2. Once the balloon is blown up, don’t tie it like you normally would, but use the clamp or paper clip to close it up temporarily.
3. Next, you need to connect the thin straw or stirrer to the balloon, and put the other into or at the air hole of the ball.
4. Once the clip is taken off, the air should begin to flow through the straw into the opening of the ball, inflating it.
5. Do this as many times as it takes to get your ball to an air level that you are comfortable with. It might take a couple of balloons.

Method 3: Go to a Bike Shop or Gas Station

Best to use for: This is a great option for you if you are out and about, and don’t have a pump, needle or anything like that at home. If you don’t have the materials for the other two methods, this could work. Going to a bike shop or gas station is a good idea as they have air pumps and might even have the attachment you need. This method is very easy and simple but could take a while to find a gas station or bike shop nearby. Also, they might not have the needle attachment so it couldn’t hurt to call ahead.

Things to prepare:

• The ball
• Find a safe way to get to the shop or station
• Potentially pick up a basketball needle if they don’t have them

How to do:

1. Get to the bike shop or gas station, after calling ahead to ensure they can help you.
2. Use the correct attachment to inflate the ball to your liking.
3. Be sure to thank them if they don’t charge you. Also, consider buying something small for their kindness.

Final Words

We hope that this guide has been able to help you learn how to pump up a basketball without a needle. When trying any of the aforementioned, be sure to do it safely to protect yourself and your basketball.

Have a method that wasn’t mentioned here? If so, let us know in the comments below.

Ball inflation pressure

Ball inflation pressure

A properly inflated ball is the key to a good game and durability. If the ball is not sufficiently inflated, then this will entail a low rebound, poor handling, and an incorrect flight path. If the ball is pumped over, it can burst, change shape, cause pain during the game, and even cause injury.

First of all, when buying, carefully check the ball for mechanical damage, whether the ball is new and how it is packaged. Most often, the cause of the pressure drop in the ball is a damaged nipple. If you purchased the ball in a deflated state, then be sure to inflate it according to the instructions, checking the pressure, and leave the ball overnight. Check the pressure again the next day. If you bought the ball in an inflated state, then leave it for a day and see if it went down during this time. You can also use the "old Russian way" to determine the health of the nipple. To do this, moisten your finger and attach to the nipple. A properly functioning nipple will not form bubbles. We draw your attention to the fact that if you purchased the ball and used it, then the guarantee for such a ball remains only after the provision of an expert opinion.

Back to pressure... The pressure in a ball depends on what sport the ball is for, what size it is, and what level of play it is. Different manufacturers measure pressure in different units, psi (pounds per square inch), bar (pressure unit approximately equal to one atmosphere), kgf / cm² (one kilogram of force per square centimeter), kPa (kilopascal). Pay attention to this!

The pressure in the ball is strongly influenced by the ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. If we recall physics, then at high temperatures the substance expands, and at low temperatures, on the contrary, it decreases. So if, in winter, we pump up the ball on the street at -10 to the desired pressure, then after we bring the ball into a warm room, the pressure in it will increase slightly. This is true, for example, for soccer balls for games in winter. Therefore, it is better to inflate the ball directly where games or training are planned. If the operating pressure recommended by the manufacturer is not observed, the performance of the ball will be significantly worse and the ball will become unusable very quickly.

Below are tables with average operating pressures for balls of various sizes and for various sports:

Pressure balls for classic volleyball

Beach Volleyball Pressure

Futsal pressure

Football pressure

Pressure in handballs

Pressure in basketballs

IMPORTANT! These tables are for reference only and may not meet the requirements of some manufacturers. As a rule, the manufacturer always indicates the working pressure of the ball at the nipple. Be sure to check this information.

We also recommend that you purchase and use a special silicone liquid for inflating sports balls with the ball and have a pressure gauge to check the pressure. Do not use liquids that destroy the material (latex, butyl) of the camera.

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Author Yulia Abdulbarova December 30, 2017

Almost every ball - football, volleyball, children's, basketball, gymnastics - is suitable for use only if it is properly inflated with air. Therefore, a special pump, a needle, and sometimes even silicone grease are often sold with it. But imagine that all this is simply not at hand. How to pump up a ball without a needle? We have selected for you several effective folk methods.

Method no. 1: compressor

How to inflate a ball without a needle? Contact any of the car services in your locality - workers will help you for free or for a nominal amount. Do not ignore tire shops: there will definitely be powerful compressors for pumping car tires. One thing: there is a risk of pumping the product with air, which will lead to its damage or even explosion.

Compressor - equipment from which air is released under pressure. Therefore, this is a perfect answer to the question: "How to inflate a ball without a needle and a pump?" If possible, it is recommended to carry out the procedure together: one person will turn the compressor on and off, and the second person will hold the ball and press the cord, controlling the process of air intake. The hose with the nozzle is pressed tightly against the valve, after which the device turns on at full power. It must be deactivated immediately as soon as the surface of the ball becomes hard. That's all!

We also draw your attention to the fact that many models of car compressors have special nozzles for pumping balls with air.

Method No. 2: electrical tape, syringe needle, bicycle pump

The tools here are among the most affordable: a bicycle pump is in almost every home, you can easily buy electrical tape in a manufactured goods store, hypermarket, a syringe in a pharmacy. How to pump up a ball without a needle in this way? Easier than simple:

1. Take a needle from a syringe - first of all, you need to sharpen its sharp tip on asphalt, brick, stone, curb or with a special knife. Too sharp, it will easily pierce the nipple, which will make the ball unusable. The best would be a needle for blood transfusion systems - it is thick, durable, does not bend.
2. In the second step, you make a kind of adapter from electrical tape - 10-12 layers of it are enough. They need to be wound tightly so that the air does not come out when pumping back.
3. How to inflate a ball without a needle? Attach the invention to a bicycle pump and proceed with the procedure.

Method No. 3: syringe

How to inflate a ball without a needle - volleyball, basketball, football? Use a large medical syringe! This is in the most extreme case, because the method is quite exhausting - you will spend about 2 hours on the procedure.

As in the second method, you will need to blunt the needle, otherwise you will damage the nipple and the ball will deflate all the time. Which syringe to choose? The more the better:

• 20cc can really pump up the ball in 30-40 minutes.
• 10cc syringe will keep you busy with the ball for an hour to two hours.

Before starting the procedure, we recommend that you treat the nipple with silicone grease - this will protect it from damage by an imperfect needle from a syringe. It is simple to act: insert the needle into the hole, pressing the lever of the syringe, release the air. Then remove the tool, return the lever to its original position and repeat the procedure.

Method 4: Needle, but no pump

We figured out how to inflate a ball without a needle (basketball, volleyball, football, etc.) But what if you have one (or you made your own needle), but is there no pump? We offer the following instructions:

1. The pump will be replaced by an ordinary plastic bottle from a carbonated drink. As a last resort - a dense plastic bag without holes.
2. Now you need to screw the needle into the cork of the container or solder it. This will be the switch. Check that it does not let air through.
3. Then lubricate the ball nipple with silicone grease.
4. But now you need to pump air with your hands (or, if you prefer, with your feet) into our homemade pump, from where it will flow through the needle into the ball.

Other ways

Here are some more tips:

• If you can't find a medical syringe, you can replace its needle with an empty ballpoint pen.
• If you managed to pump up the ball a little, then you can restore its hardness and elasticity like this: just hold it for a while in hot water. From this, the air inside the product will heat up, which will expand, which will complement the effect of jumping.
• Silicone nipple grease can be replaced with machine oil.
• The needle can be attached to the cap of a plastic bottle for a homemade pump with a glue gun.
• Instead of a compressor, bicycle pump, bag or bottle, you can also use a regular rubber bulb.
• A compressed air bottle, car spare tire or trash bag can also act as a pump.

So we have sorted out all the available ways to pump any ball with an air valve, if there was no pump and a special needle nearby. Contact a car repair shop, wield a medical syringe, build your own tool - choose what is most suitable for you.

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