Playing your best golf requires a good feel for your clubs. Over time, your golf grips can wear out, becoming slick and less effective. Regripping your golf clubs yourself is a simple and cost-effective way to revitalize your equipment. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of ‘how to regrip Golf Clubs!
Materials Needed
Before starting, it’s essential to have the following tools ready:
- Rubber vise clamp: To secure the golf club during the regripping process.
- Hook blade or utility knife: Remove the old grips.
- Grip tape (double-sided): To ensure the new grips.
- Grip solvent: This is used to lubricate the inside of the grip and the video for easier installation.
- New golf grips: A fresh set of grips of your preferred brand and style (e.g., Golf Pride).
- Towel: For cleaning and drying.
- Optional: Heat gun, mineral spirits (for residue removal)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Remove the Old Grip
- Secure your golf club in the rubber vise clamp.
- If you have a graphite shaft, be extra careful. Start by rolling back a tiny portion of the old grip, then carefully use your hook blade or utility knife to create a small lengthwise cut. Avoid cutting into the graphite shaft.
- You can make a more extended cut along the entire grip for steel shafts.
- Gently peel the old grip off the shaft.
2. Remove Old Tape and Prepare the Shaft
- Remove the old grip tape. A heat gun or mineral spirits can help if it’s too sticky.
- Clean the shaft with a towel and mineral spirits to remove leftover residue.
3. Apply New Grip Tape
- Measure and cut a double-sided grip tape that covers the entire shaft, leaving a slight overhang at the butt end.
- Apply the tape evenly along the shaft, starting at the butt end. Leave a slight overlap of the video over the end of the post and fold it inward to create a small plug.
4. Activate the Grip Tape
- Put a few drops of grip solvent into the small hole at the end of the new grip.
- Cover the shaft hole with your finger and shake the grip to distribute the solvent inside.
- Pour a generous amount of solvent onto the new grip tape.
5. Install the New Grip
- Working quickly, slide the new grip onto the club shaft. Ensure it goes all the way down and the butt end of the shaft seats correctly into the end of the grip.
- Align the logo or markings on the grip so the clubface is square. You have a short window to make adjustments before the tape dries.
6. Finishing Up
- Wipe excess solvent off the grip with a towel.
- Let the grip fully dry for at least a few hours before using your club.
Additional Tips
- Air compressor: If you have an air compressor, blowing air into the open end of the grip can help with a faster installation.
- Tape buildup: Add extra wraps of grip tape for a thicker grip.
- Graphite shafts: Be very cautious cutting into graphite shafts to avoid injury.
- Customizations: Experiment with different grip sizes and extra wraps until you find your perfect fit.
Why Regrip Your Golf Clubs?
- Improved feel and control: Fresh grips offer better traction and reduce slipping.
- Cost-effective: Doing it yourself saves compared to having a golf shop replace your grips.
- Customization: Choose grips in various styles, colors, and thicknesses to suit your needs.
With a bit of practice, regripping your clubs will be a breeze! Making your golf clubs feel new only takes some essential tools, the proper steps, and patience.
From Personal Experience
Regripping my clubs every few years significantly impacts my grip and overall game. The whole process is simple, and I recommend buying a few extra grips to practice on some old clubs before tackling your entire set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular double-sided tape for regripping?
While doable, it could be better. Specialized golf grip tape is designed to resist moisture and hold up better long-term. It ensures your grips remain secure and don’t twist during play.
How far should a new grip extend past the shaft butt?
Aim for approximately half an inch of the new grip to extend beyond the butt end of the shaft. This allows you to create a small plug with the grip tape and offers comfortable hand placement.
Can I build my grips with extra tape for a more oversized feel?
Yes! Add extra double-sided grip tape wraps where you want a thicker grip. This is a great way to customize the feel of your clubs and achieve a more comfortable hold.
Is there an easier way to remove old grips from graphite shafts?
Use a straight blade or a specially designed grip removal tool, exercising caution not to damage the shaft. Some golfers use solvents or compressed air to make removing old grips from graphite shafts much easier.
What’s the most crucial step when regripping golf clubs?
The most crucial step is ensuring the grip is correctly aligned and pushed thoroughly onto the shaft. A misaligned grip can drastically affect your shots, and a loosely secured grip might slip during your swing.
