Removing a golf grip without destroying it is one of those skills that feels a little like a secret handshake among club-building hobbyists. But it doesn't have to be. With a bit of patience and the right technique, you can easily save your favorite grips to live another day on another club. This guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step, covering the tools you’ll need and the exact methods to get that grip off clean and ready for its next round.
Before we get our hands dirty, let's talk about why you’d even want to save a used grip. For many golfers, it’s not just about saving a few bucks on a new grip, though that’s certainly a nice bonus. Sometimes, you just find a grip that feels perfect - the texture, the firmness, the size - and then the company discontinues it. Being able to salvage that feel is fantastic.
Others need to perform maintenance under the hood. Maybe you want to add an extension to lengthen a club you bought secondhand or need to check a rattling sound coming from inside the shaft. By preserving the grip, you avoid the extra cost and hassle of replacing it. Whatever your reason, mastering this skill gives you more control over your equipment and a deeper connection to how your clubs are built.
Like any sound golf shot, a good result here starts with the right setup. Trying to wrestle a grip off by hand usually ends in a torn grip and a lot of frustration. Gather these items first to make the job smooth and safe.
Essential Gear:
Safety First:
Even when using a non-toxic solvent, it’s a smart move to work in a well-ventilated area like a garage with the door open. Wearing safety glasses is also a good habit to get into whenever you're working on clubs. The an injector tool is sharp, so always be mindful of where your hands are and where the needle is pointing.
This is the most common and reliable method for saving a grip. The key here isn't brute force, it's patience. The solvent needs time to work its magic on the double-sided tape holding the grip in place. Rushing almost always leads to a ripped grip.
Open your vise wide enough for the rubber shaft clamp to fit around the golf shaft. Place the club in the clamp, about six inches below the grip, and tighten the vise. You want it snug enough that the club won’t spin, but not so tight that you risk damaging the shaft. The logos on the club head should be facing up, just as they would be at address.
The first point of injection is often the most important. Many people start by plunging the needle right into the side of the grip, but a better technique is to begin at the very top. Gently insert the tip of your grip remover tool into the small hole in the center of the grip cap (the end of the grip). Squeeze a small amount of solvent into the cap. This initial dose starts to dissolve the tape right at the butt end of the shaft, making the whole process easier.
Now it's time to apply solvent down the length of the grip. The most important thing here is to slide the needle between the inner wall of the grip and the steel or graphite shaft. You are not trying to puncture the rubber itself.
Pull the grip's "mouth" (the bottom edge) away from the shaft slightly to create a small opening. Carefully slide your remover tool into this opening, keeping the needle as flat against the shaft as possible.
Wait a minute or two for the solvent to do its work. It needs time to penetrate the tape and break down the adhesive. Rushing this step is the number one reason grips tear.
After waiting, grab the grip firmly with both hands and begin to twist it back and forth. You should feel the adhesive seal start to break. It will feel sticky and then gradually become looser. If you encounter a stubborn spot that won't twist, do not force it. Simply identify the stuck area, insert your remover tool there, and give it another shot of solvent. Be patient and work that area until it releases.
Once the entire grip is freely twisting, you can begin to pull it off. Maintain a twisting motion as you pull it straight off the end of the shaft. It should slide off smoothly with a satisfying "pop." Congratulations, you’ve just saved your grip!
If you have an air compressor in your workshop, you can use a much faster (and cleaner) method. This technique uses a blast of air to instantly expand the grip like a balloon, breaking the tape’s seal allows you to slide it right off. It’s slick, but it requires a bit more care and the right equipment.
In addition to the vise and shaft clamp, you'll need an air compressor with a blower nozzle that has a small, tapered rubber or plastic tip. This tip helps create a seal against the grip cap's hole.
This method is fantastic because it's solvent-free and takes seconds. However, it can be a bit more finicky, especially on older grips or on grips that were installed with an excessive amount of adhesive.
Once the grip is off, your job isn't quite done. You’ll need to clean both the grip and the shaft before you can reinstall it.
Learning how to pull a grip safely gives you a new level of confidence in managing your own golf gear. Whether you're using the patient solvent method or the quick blast of an air compressor, the key is having the right tools and not trying to force anything. Take your time, and you'll be able to save and swap grips whenever you need.
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