Can I regrip my own golf clubs? Yes, you absolutely can regrip your own golf clubs. It is a straightforward process that saves money and lets you pick the exact grips you want. This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need for successful golf club grip replacement. We will cover preparation, removal, installation, and cleanup. Doing it yourself is easier than you think!
Why Regrip Your Golf Clubs?
Your grips are the only part of the club that touches you. Worn grips hurt your score. Old grips become slick from sweat, rain, or dirt. This makes you grip the club tighter. A tight grip stops your wrists from moving freely. This often causes slices or hooks. New grips give you confidence and better control. Regular golf club regripping is key for good golf.
How Often Should You Change Golf Grips?
Most pros change grips often. For the average golfer, aim to replace grips every one to two years. If you play a lot (more than 30 rounds a year), aim for yearly replacement. If you notice the grip feels hard, slick, or looks worn down, it is time for a change, no matter how old it is.
Gathering Your Golf Club Regripping Tools
To successfully complete the DIY golf club regripping job, you need the right equipment. Having all your golf club regripping tools ready makes the job fast and clean.
| Tool | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Grips | The star of the show! | Ensure correct size (standard, midsize, jumbo). |
| Grip Solvent | To soften old glue and install new grips. | Mineral spirits or specialized grip cleaner works well. |
| Utility Knife | For cutting away old grips. | Be very careful using this tool. |
| Vise with Rubber Clamp | Holds the club steady while you work. | Protects the club shaft finish. |
| Double-Sided Grip Tape | Secures the new grip onto the shaft. | This is the best golf grip tape for most jobs. |
| Towels/Rags | For cleanup and safety. | You will use these a lot! |
| Safety Glasses | Protects your eyes from flying debris or solvent. | Always a good idea when cutting or using chemicals. |
Step 1: How to Remove Old Golf Grips
The first big task is how to remove old golf grips. This step requires patience. You must clean the shaft surface well so the new tape sticks properly.
Preparing the Work Area
Set up your workspace first. Lay down plastic sheeting or old cardboard. Grip solvent can damage paint or concrete finishes. Put on your safety glasses now.
Loosening and Cutting the Old Grip
- Secure the Club: Place your golf club in the vise. Use the rubber clamp to hold the shaft firmly. Do not overtighten the vise.
- Apply Solvent: Pour a small amount of grip solvent into a cup. You only need a little.
- Saturate the Grip: Tip the club so the grip end points up. Pour some solvent under the bottom end of the grip. If the grip is very old and hard, you may need to pierce it slightly with a small awl or sharp nail to let the solvent seep in.
- Work the Solvent: Tilt the club back and forth. Rotate the shaft. Let the solvent run down the inside of the grip. This softens the old adhesive. This step might take a few minutes for very old grips.
- Cut the Grip: Take your sharp utility knife. Carefully cut lengthwise down the old grip. Start near the butt end (top) and cut towards the bottom. Do not cut into the shaft material. You are only cutting the rubber. Cut through just one layer of rubber.
- Peel it Off: Once cut, grab the edge of the rubber near the cut line. Pull the old grip off. It should slide off easily, especially if the solvent worked. If it sticks, add more solvent and work it in.
Cleaning the Shaft
This part is vital for proper golf grip installation. The shaft must be completely clean and dry.
- Scrape Residue: Use a plastic scraper or the edge of an old credit card to scrape off any remaining old tape or glue residue from the shaft. Be gentle to avoid scratching the metal.
- Wipe Down: Dampen a clean rag with grip solvent or mineral spirits. Wipe the entire area where the new grip will sit. This removes any oils or final bits of glue.
- Dry Completely: Use a dry towel to thoroughly dry the shaft. The shaft must be totally dry before you apply new tape or solvent. Any moisture will prevent the tape from sticking.
Step 2: Applying New Golf Grip Tape
New tape is what locks your new grip in place. Using the best golf grip tape correctly ensures your grips stay put when wet.
Tape Selection
Most new grips come with tape. If not, buy high-quality, double-sided tape specifically made for golf grips. Standard double-sided tape often fails under the stress of a golf swing.
Taping Technique
- Remove the Liner: Peel the paper backing off the double-sided tape strip. Be careful not to touch the sticky side with your fingers. Oils from your skin reduce stickiness.
- Measure the Tape: The tape needs to cover the area where the grip will sit. It should run from about a half-inch below the butt end of the shaft all the way down to the bottom end cap.
- Apply the Tape: Start at the bottom end of the shaft. Smooth the tape on firmly as you wrap it upward toward the top. Wrap it tightly without wrinkles. If the tape overlaps, make sure the overlap is smooth. Wrinkles can create bumps under the new grip.
- Trim the End: Once you reach the top, trim the excess tape flush with the butt end of the shaft.
- Cover the End Cap: Apply a small piece of tape over the open hole at the bottom of the shaft. This keeps solvent from leaking out during installation. Press this small piece down firmly.
Step 3: Installing New Golf Grips
This is where installing new golf grips comes together. Speed is essential here because the solvent will start evaporating quickly.
Preparing the New Grip
- Remove the Plug (If Necessary): Many grips come with a rubber plug in the butt end. Pull this plug out. If you skipped Step 2, Step 5, you must do this now to ensure the solvent can get in.
- Prepare the Solvent Bath: Get a small cup or container. Pour in enough grip solvent to cover the entire inside of the grip. You need a lot of solvent to ensure the grip slides on smoothly.
The Installation Process
- Saturate the Inside: Pour the solvent generously into the new grip. Swirl the grip around so the solvent coats the entire inner surface.
- Cover the Shaft: Quickly take the solvent-soaked grip and slide it over the taped shaft.
- The Slide: You must work fast! Place your thumbs over the butt end of the grip to keep solvent inside. Slide the grip down the shaft firmly. If it sticks, stop. Pull it back slightly and add more solvent inside.
- Positioning: Once the grip is mostly on, use your hands to push and twist it into its final position. You should be able to move it slightly, but not easily.
- Align the Logos: If your grips have alignment aids or logos, check that they are straight before the grip sets fully. For woods and irons, the logo usually faces up toward the sky when the clubface is square (straight).
- Finalizing the Fit: Once positioned correctly, use your palms to press down firmly on the butt end of the grip. This forces the remaining solvent out the bottom hole, ensuring the grip seats fully against the shaft.
Cleaning Up After Installation
- Wipe Excess: Wipe away the excess solvent that squeezed out around the bottom end and the top end of the grip.
- Check Alignment: Look down the shaft again to make sure the grip logo or alignment lines are perfectly straight.
Step 4: Curing Time and Final Checks
The solvent must evaporate for the bond to become permanent. This is a critical part of proper golf grip installation.
Drying Time
Allow the clubs to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight. Heat can cause the rubber to warp or dry too fast, leading to a poor bond.
- Light Use: Wait at least 2–3 hours before very light practice swings.
- Full Cure: For the strongest bond, wait 24 hours before taking them to the course. This ensures all the solvent has fully evaporated, leaving a tight, secure bond between the tape and the grip.
Post-Installation Inspection
Once dry, give each grip a hard tug. It should feel completely solid on the shaft. There should be no twisting or slipping. If a grip feels loose, it likely means you did not use enough solvent or the shaft was dirty. In that rare case, you must remove it and start over with new tape and solvent.
Deciphering Different Types of Golf Grips
Not all grips feel the same or perform the same way. Choosing the right types of golf grips affects comfort and performance.
Material Types
| Material | Feel | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber | Classic, reliable feel. | Good, but can get slick when wet. | All-around players. |
| Synthetic (Polymer) | Softer, often tackier in wet conditions. | Excellent, resists cracking better than rubber. | Players in wet climates. |
| Cord | Has built-in fibers for excellent traction. | Very durable. | Players with sweaty hands; wet conditions. |
Style and Size
Grip size is very important for swing mechanics. A grip that is too small makes you squeeze hard. A grip that is too large prevents proper finger rotation.
- Standard: The most common size for average hands.
- Midsize/Oversize: Good for golfers with larger hands or those who tend to use their lower hands too much.
- Taper Profile: Some grips have less taper (less difference in thickness between the top and bottom). These are popular for golfers trying to reduce wrist action.
When regripping golf shafts, always match the new grip size to your hand size for the best results.
Advanced Tip: Regripping Golf Shafts Without a Vise
What if you don’t have a vise or a rubber clamp? It is still possible to do golf club regripping, but it requires extra care.
Using a Workbench or Table Edge
You can use a solid table edge to brace the clubhead.
- Protect the Head: Place a thick towel over the edge of the table.
- Brace: Carefully rest the clubhead (the sole or toe) against the towel on the edge. Hold the shaft firmly with your non-dominant hand.
- Work Quickly: Because you are using less pressure, you must work even faster when installing the new grip. Ensure the shaft is held securely before sliding the grip on.
Installing Grips on Clubs with Counterbalanced Weights
Some modern clubs have weights built into the butt end. When installing new golf grips, make sure the new grip fits snugly over the counterweight. If the grip feels too tight at the top, you might need a slightly longer grip or one with a wider opening to accommodate the weight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use rubbing alcohol instead of specialized grip solvent?
A: Yes, rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) works very well as a temporary solvent for loosening old grips and for cleaning surfaces before taping. It evaporates quickly, which is good, but you must work very fast when installing new golf grips with alcohol as the lubricant.
Q: How do I know if my new grip is installed straight?
A: Before the grip fully sets, check the logo or alignment markings. If you do not have a logo, look down the line of the shaft toward the clubface. The grip should look perfectly perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the clubface when the face is square to your target line. Make minor adjustments until it looks perfect.
Q: Do I need to remove the old grip tape before applying new tape?
A: Yes, you absolutely must remove all the old tape and adhesive residue. Applying new tape over old, gummy tape will result in a lumpy grip that twists or slips during installation or use. Thorough cleaning is essential for proper tape adhesion.
Q: Can I regrip woods and irons in the same way?
A: Generally, yes. The process of golf club grip replacement is the same for both. However, driver heads are hollow and often have internal weights. Be gentle when bracing the driver in the vise. Also, when regripping golf shafts, remember that driver grips often have a stronger taper profile to assist with clubhead speed.
Q: What is the best way to dispose of the old grips and used solvent?
A: Old rubber grips can usually be placed in your regular household trash. For the used grip solvent, it is best to let it evaporate in a well-ventilated, safe area outdoors. Do not pour large amounts down the drain, as mineral spirits or paint thinner-based solvents can cause plumbing issues or environmental harm. Small amounts soaked into rags should be left out to dry completely before disposal.
Q: My new grip feels too tight even after using solvent. What should I do?
A: If the grip is stuck halfway, stop pulling hard. Pull it back slightly. Pour more solvent into the gap between the shaft and the grip. Twist the grip to work the solvent in, let it sit for 30 seconds, and try sliding it again. Remember, the goal of applying golf grip solvent is lubrication, not force. If you pull too hard, you can tear the new grip.