How to Rewrap a Golf Club

Putting a fresh grip on a golf club is one of the most satisfying DIY jobs for any golfer. There's nothing like that perfectly tacky, comfortable feel to give you the confidence to swing freely. This guide will walk you through exactly how to rewrap your own clubs, step by step. We'll cover everything from the tools you need to the little tricks that make the job go smoothly, empowering you to take total control of your most important piece of golf equipment.

Why You Should Rewrap Your Own Golf Clubs

Your grip is your only connection to the golf club. When that connection is weak because of a worn, slick, or cracked grip, your hands will instinctively tighten up to maintain control. This extra tension is a swing-killer, restricting your motion and costing you both power and feel. Regripping your clubs isn't just about maintenance, it’s about restoring that seamless connection.

Most dedicated golfers should consider new grips at least once a year or every 40-50 rounds. If you play or practice more often, you might need to do it twice a year. The feel of the grip is the ultimate test. If it feels hard, shiny, or you see worn spots, it’s time for a change.

Learning to do it yourself not only saves you a significant amount of money over time but also gives you an incredible understanding of your equipment. It's rewarding work, and once you do it once, you'll feel confident doing it forever.

Gathering Your Tools and Supplies

Having everything laid out and ready to go before you start is the first step to a stress-free regripping session. You can buy all-in-one regripping kits, or purchase the components separately. Here’s what you need:

• New Golf Grips: The fun part! There are tons of options, but they generally fall into a few categories: classic rubber, corded for all-weather traction, super-soft composites, or traditional wrap-style. Pick one that feels good in your hands. Sizing is also important, they typically come in undersize, standard, midsize, and jumbo. Most golfers use standard, but if you have larger hands or struggle with hand tension, a midsize or jumbo grip can be a huge help.
• Hook Blade or Utility Knife: A hook blade is designed specifically for this job and is the safest option. A standard utility knife works, but you have to be extra careful not to scratch the shaft.
• Double-Sided Grip Tape: Get the 2-inch wide roll, which covers most shafts in one pass.
• Grip Solvent: This is a specially formulated, low-odor mineral spirit that activates the tape adhesive. It’s what makes the new grip slide on. You can use standard mineral spirits in a pinch, but grip solvent is less flammable and smells better.
• Bench Vise: While you *can* do the job without one, a vise makes everything infinitely easier and more precise. It holds the club steady so you can use both hands.
• Rubber Vise Clamp: This is a non-negotiable accessory if you're using a vise. It's a simple rubber sleeve that fits over the shaft, protecting it from being crushed or scratched by the vise jaws.
• Tray or Pan: A small paint tray or an old baking pan is perfect for placing under the club to catch the excess solvent.
• Rags or Paper Towels: You'll need these for wiping up solvent and cleaning the shaft.

Step-by-Step Guide to Rewrapping Your Golf Club

Once your workstation is set up and your tools are within reach, you’re ready to begin. We’ll go through the process for one club. Just repeat these steps for the rest of your set.

Step 1: Secure the Club

This is where the vise comes in so handy. Place the rubber vise clamp around the steel or graphite shaft, about two inches below the bottom of the old grip. Position the club in the vise so the shaft is horizontal and the clubface is perfectly square (the leading edge should be perpendicular to the floor). This orientation is a small detail that makes aligning the new grip much easier later on. Tighten the vise just enough to hold the club securely without it moving or rotating.

Step 2: Remove the Old Grip

Safety first - always cut away from your body. Take your hook blade, insert the tip under the bottom lip of the grip, and push it forward in one single motion, cutting a straight line all the way to the butt end. The blade shields the shaft, so you're unlikely to damage it. Once cut, the old grip will peel off easily. If using a utility knife, be much gentler and score the grip carefully to avoid gouging the shaft.

Step 3: Remove the Old Tape

Fair warning: this is often the most tedious part of the job. Some old tape will peel off easily, but most of the time it will leave behind shreds and sticky residue. Start by peeling off what you can with your fingers. For the stubborn parts, pour a little solvent on a rag and rub the tape. The solvent will help dissolve the adhesive. For really baked-on tape, you can also gently use a heat gun on its lowest setting to warm the adhesive. A plastic scraper or an old credit card can help scrape off the residue without scratching the shaft. Your goal is a perfectly clean, smooth shaft surface.

Step 4: Apply New Double-Sided Tape

Measure a strip of your double-sided grip tape against the shaft. You want it to be about a half-inch shorter than the length of your new grip. Apply the tape lengthwise down the top of the shaft, leaving about an inch of extra tape hanging over the butt end. Wrap the tape smoothly around the shaft, avoiding any creases or air bubbles. Now, take that one-inch overhang and carefully twist and push it into the hole at the butt end of the shaft. This creates a seal that prevents solvent from draining down into the shaft. Finally, peel off the waxy backing from the tape to expose the adhesive.

Step 5: Prepare the New Grip

Take your shiny new grip and place a finger (or a golf tee) over the small hole at its end to seal it. Position the open end of the grip over your catch pan and pour a generous amount of solvent inside. You want enough to swish around, probably about a tablespoon or so. Cover the open mouth of the grip with your other thumb and shake it for a few seconds, making sure the solvent has coated every part of the interior surface.

Step 6: Activate the Tape and Install the Grip

This is the moment of truth. You need to work quickly here. Pour the excess solvent from inside the grip out over the entire length of the double-sided tape you applied to the shaft. This double-lubrication makes all the difference. The tape is now extremely slick.

Immediately, line up the opening of the grip with the butt end of the shaft. Give it a visual check to roughly align the grip's logo or markings with the square clubface. Now, push. Use one smooth, confident, and continuous motion to slide the grip all the way onto the shaft until the end of the grip bumps up snugly against the end of the shaft. You may need to use a little muscle, but thanks to the solvent, it should glide on.

Step 7: Align and Set the Grip

You have a minute or two before the solvent starts to evaporate and the tape begins to tack up. With the club still in the vise, stand behind it as if you were addressing a ball and make your final micro-adjustments to the alignment. Twist the grip until the logo or pattern is perfectly square to your eyes. This attention to detail ensures your hands go on the club correctly every time.

Once you’re happy with the alignment, you can remove the club from the vise. Give it one last wipe down to clean off any excess solvent. Now, let it be. The club needs to sit for at least a few hours, but it’s best to leave it overnight to allow the adhesive to fully cure before you swing it.

Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips

• "The grip got stuck halfway on!": This is almost always caused by using too little solvent or not working fast enough. Don't panic. Quickly pull the grip off (if you can) and reapply more solvent to both the tape and the inside of the grip, then try again immediately.
• Building up grip size: If you want a slightly larger grip without buying a midsize model, you can build it up with tape. Before applying the double-sided tape, simply wrap layers of standard masking tape around the shaft until you reach your desired thickness. Then apply the double-sided tape over it as the final layer.
• "I don’t have a vise.": You can try bracing the clubhead against the floor in a corner of a room to hold it steady, but it's much more difficult to apply consistent force and align the grip perfectly. A vise is a worthwhile investment for any garage or workshop - and it makes this job 10 times easier.
• Generous is best with solvent: Don't be shy with the solvent. Using too little is the number one cause of frustration. Any excess will spill into your catch pan, so it is better to use too much than not enough. This stuff is the secret to a smooth installation.

Final Thoughts

Learning to rewrap your own clubs is a simple, mechanical process that puts control of your game's feel right back in your hands. Taking the time to master this skill makes you a more knowledgeable golfer and gives you a greater appreciation for how your equipment performs.

Just like understanding how a fresh grip affects your shot consistency, having an expert opinion on golf equipment can transform your game. That’s the entire idea behind my work with Caddie AI. While you're working on your gear, questions might pop up like, "How much does grip size actually impact ball flight?" or, "What type of grip material is best for humid conditions?" With Caddie AI, you can ask anything, anytime, and get plain-spoken, tour-level advice in seconds, helping you make smarter, more informed decisions about how to set up your gear and play your best.