A method of using a bowling ball fingertip insert removal tool which has a bladed section adapted to cut through the adhesive joint between a fingertip insert and the finger hole in the bowling ball and preserve the integrity of the fingertip insert. The bladed section is grooved and has a one-inch outside diameter coresponding to the diameter of a bowling ball finger hole. The edges of the bladed section are sharpened and merge into a point. The tool is first moved along the axis of the bowling ball finger hole to break the adhesive joint and is then turned about its axis to cut through the remainder of the adhesive joint.