You’ve arrived to the time when your golf club grips just aren’t doing it for you anymore and you need to replace them. Before reading any further, you should probably ask yourself if it is worth the money saved for you to replace your grips yourself vs a professional doing them for you. This post will mainly focus on replacing a putter grip, but the same principles apply to all golf club grips. Putter grips come in all shapes and sizes, so important to know what to look for in a new grip before you decide to make the switch.
If you know how often you should replace your putter grip and feel you are up to the challenge of do-it-yourself, please follow the steps below.
Step 1: Fix the club shaft
It is best to use a vise grip for this step.
Place a rubber sleeve on the upper third of the club shaft. This will protect it from being damaged by the vise. Orient your club face to be at ninety degrees to the floor, then gently tighten the vise. Attempt to twist or move the shaft to ensure it will not slip loose.
Place a rubber sleeve on the upper third of the club shaft. This will protect it from being damaged by the vise. Orient your club face to be at ninety degrees to the floor, then gently tighten the vise. Attempt to twist or move the shaft to ensure it will not slip loose.
Step 2: Remove the grip and tape.
Using a utility knife (a hooked blade works best) cut from the bottom of the grip to the top end of the club. Always ensure you are cutting away from yourself to avoid injury. Remove the grip and use a razor blade or the utility knife to peel any remaining tape away. Do not leave tape on the shaft. Removal of the remaining adhesive can be facilitated by using grip solvent.
Step 3: Apply new tape
Gently dry the shaft and using your grip as a guide, measure out a piece of 2" double-sided grip tape approximately 1/2" shorter than the length of the grip. Place the tape on the shaft with a 1/4" overhang at the top of the shaft. Remove the tape backing, then gently wrap the edges around the end of the shaft being careful not to leave any creases or bubbles. If you prefer a thicker grip, you may apply a second wrap of tape at this time.
Step 4: Apply solvent to the new grip
Leave the plastic wrap on the grip. A standard size putter grip should have a ½” hole to fit the end of a standard putter club shaft. Place a liberal amount of solvent into the grip, plug the hole at either end with a finger, then shake it to coat the inside of the grip. Lack of adequate solvent is a main cause of failure when installing grips, so don't be afraid to use lots. Take your finger off the large hole and allow the solvent to pour over the surface of the tape. Ensure copious solvent and good wetting of the tape surface. We advise that you place a drip tray underneath the shaft to catch the excess solvent.
Step 4: Install Your New Putter Grip
Hold the grip parallel to the shaft and in one smooth motion slide the grip onto the shaft. Any tilting or angular pressure on the grip while installing can tear the inside of the grip and undermine the integrity of the putter grip. A very important part of this step is to ensure that the front side of the putter grip is oriented exactly parallel with the club face. A putter grip out of alignment can wreak havoc on your putting stroke consistency by causing your wrists to twist to compensate for the alignment.
Step 5: Clean the Club and Let Dry
Release the putter shaft from the vise and hold the club as if you were addressing a ball. Make sure the writing on the grip is lined up straight with the shaft and the grip is square to the club face. Wipe off any solvent that may have run down the club shaft and set the club somewhere to dry.
Allow 24 hours for the solvent to evaporate and the adhesive to take hold on the grip.
Step 6: GOLF!
Congratulations! You have replaced your own putter grip. It’s now time to score low! No more 3 putts for you.
