Can You Regrip a Golf Club at Home?

Changing your own golf grips is one of the most satisfying and impactful DIY jobs a golfer can do, and yes, you can absolutely do it at home. It’s a simple process that directly connects you to your equipment, boosts your confidence, and saves you a few bucks. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the tools required to a clear, step-by-step process for getting it done right the first time.

Why Bother Regripping Your a Golf Club in the First Place?

Before we get our hands dirty, let's talk about why this is such an important piece of equipment maintenance. Your grip is your only point of contact with the golf club. If that connection isn't solid, your entire swing can suffer. Over time, grips get hard, slick, and worn down from exposure to sweat, sunlight, and general use. A worn-out grip will force you to hold the club tighter than you should.

This excess tension is a swing-killer. It restricts the natural flow of your swing, reduces your clubhead speed, and makes it incredibly difficult to deliver the clubface squarely at impact. It's the reason why a brand-new grip often feels like you have a brand-new club in your hands. The fresh, tacky surface allows you to hold your grip with a much lighter, more relaxed pressure. This helps you have a more rounded backswing, allowing your body to rotate better rather than relying on an armsy 'up and down' chopping motion. You’ll feel more control, which directly translates to more confidence standing over the ball.

As a general rule, you should consider regripping your clubs about once a year, or every 40 rounds, whichever comes first. If you practice a lot, you might need to do it more often. Don't wait until they look like they’ve been chewed on by a dog, even a grip that looks okay can lose its tackiness and become firm.

The Essential DIY Golf Regripping Toolkit

You don't need a full-blown workshop to regrip your clubs, but having the right tools makes the job a thousand times easier, faster, and safer. Here's a checklist of what you'll need to gather before you start.

• New Grips: The most important part! Choose the size (standard, midsize, jumbo) and style (cord, wrap, all-weather) that feels best for you.
• Double-Sided Grip Tape: This special tape goes on the shaft first and provides the adhesive layer for the new grip. You can buy it in pre-cut strips or on a roll.
• Grip Solvent: This is a non-toxic liquid that activates the adhesive on the tape, allowing the grip to slide on smoothly. In a pinch, mineral spirits or a charcoal lighter fluid can work, but a dedicated grip solvent is designed to evaporate cleanly without leaving a residue.
• Hook Blade or Utility Knife: A hook blade is the preferred tool because it allows you to cut the old grip without risking a deep scratch on the shaft underneath. A standard utility knife works too, but you need to be much more careful. Always use a fresh, sharp blade.
• Vise: While you can technically do this without one, a bench vise makes the job immeasurably easier. It holds the club firmly in place while you work, freeing up both of your hands.
• Rubber Shaft Clamp: This is a must-have if you are using a vise. It's a simple rubber block that wraps around the shaft, protecting it from being crushed or scratched by the vise's metal jaws. Never put a golf shaft directly into a vise.
• Rags or Paper Towels: This can be a messy job. Having towels handy to clean up any spilled solvent and wipe down your hands is a good idea. A drip pan under your vise is also a smart move.

Step-by-Step: How to Regrip a Golf Club at Home

Alright, you’ve got your tools and you’re ready to go. Find a well-ventilated space, like a garage or patio, and let’s get started. We'll do one club from start to finish. Once you do one, the rest are just repetition.

Step 1: Secure the Club and Remove the Old Grip

Place the rubber shaft clamp around the shaft of your club, a few inches below where the old grip ends. Position the club in the vise so it's parallel to the floor and gently tighten the vise until the club is secure but not crushed. The club should not rotate inside the clamp.

Take your hook blade or utility knife. Position the blade at the very bottom edge of the grip. With the blade facing up and away from you, carefully push it forward, cutting a straight line through the grip from bottom to top. Your hand should always be behind the blade, never in front of it. The old grip should then peel off easily, like a jacket.

Step 2: Scrape Off the Old Tape

This is often the most tedious part of the process. The old grip tape will likely be frayed and stuck firmly to the shaft. Do your best to peel off the big pieces with your fingers. For the stubborn remnants, you can use a dull scraper (a plastic one is safest for graphite shafts) or the back of your knife blade. A little bit of solvent or a heat gun on low can also help loosen the old adhesive, making it much easier to scrape off. Aim to get the shaft as clean and smooth as possible.

Step 3: Apply the New Double-Sided Tape

Take one strip of double-sided tape. Leaving about a half-inch of shaft bare at the top (butt end), apply the tape lengthwise down the shaft where the new grip will sit. Peel off the paper backing. Then, starting from the bottom end of the tape, spiral it around the shaft, making sure there are no wrinkles or bubbles. Tuck the excess half-inch of tape from the other end into the opening at the butt of the shaft. This creates a seal to prevent solvent from getting inside.

Pro Tip: Want a thicker grip? This is where you can customize. By adding additional layers of tape (most players add one or two) underneath your main layer, you can build up the grip to fit your hands perfectly.

Step 4: Prepare the New Grip with Solvent

Place a finger or a tee over the small hole at the end of your new grip. Hold the grip upright and pour a generous amount of grip solvent into the main opening. Fill it about halfway. Now, cover the large opening with your other thumb and shake the grip vigorously for about 10 seconds. This coats the entire inside surface.

Uncover the large opening and generously pour the excess solvent directly over the entire length of the double-sided tape you just applied. Be sure to coat it all. This is what activates the glue and creates a super slick surface for the next step.

Step 5: Slide the New Grip On!

This step requires you to move smoothly and confidently. Timing is important. Align the opening of the grip with the butt end of the shaft. In one fluid motion, push the grip all the way onto the shaft until the end of the grip is snug against the end of the shaft. You may have to use a little force. It's better to use a firm, continuous "pushing" motion rather than trying to pull it down from the bottom.

Step 6: Align and Let It Dry

Before the solvent evaporates, you have about a minute to make final adjustments. Look at the grip's alignment patterns or logo. If you're using a standard club, you'll want the main logo to be on top, facing you at address. Rotate the grip until it's perfectly straight. You can eyeball it by setting the club down in the address position on the floor.

Once you're happy with the alignment, simply let it be. Wipe off any excess solvent from the shaft and grip. While the grip might feel set in as little as 30 minutes, it's best to let it dry for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight, before you go swing it. This allows the adhesive to cure completely for a rock-solid bond.

Common Regripping Mistakes to Avoid

Becoming a pro at regripping is mostly about avoiding a few common stumbles. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Not Using Enough Solvent: This is the number one mistake. If the tape isn't properly lubricated, the grip can get stuck halfway on. It's almost impossible to move it once that happens. Don’t be shy with the solvent!
• Sloppy Tape Removal: Leaving old lumps of tape on the shaft will translate into lumps you can feel through the new grip. Take the time to get the shaft clean.
• Working Too Slowly: Once you pour the solvent over the tape, the clock is ticking. Have the grip ready to go and slide it on without hesitation.
• Damaging the Shaft: Always use a rubber clamp in the vise and cut away from yourself with a sharp blade to protect both you and your equipment. This is especially important for graphite shafts, as a deep scratch can weaken them.

Regripping your clubs is a learned skill, and you’ll get faster and more efficient with each one you do. It's a great way to better understand your equipment and it gives you a sense of pride every time you pull a club from your bag.

Final Thoughts

Stepping up to a shot with fresh grips is an instant confidence booster, and now you know that doing it yourself is well within your reach. Taking ownership of this small part of your golf equipment can have an outsized impact on how your clubs feel and perform, allowing you to focus on a smoother, tension-free swing.

Just as a fresh grip improves your physical connection to the club, understanding your strategy improves your mental connection to the game. We designed Caddie AI to deliver that same sense of confidence. Our app provides you with on-demand access to a 24/7 golf coach and on-course strategist. Whether you need a smart plan for a tricky par 5 or immediate advice on a tough lie in the rough, we give you the expert guidance you need in seconds, helping you take the guesswork out of the game.