Like any club, putter grips can wear down over time. That’s because oily residue, dirt, sweat, and heat combine together, which degrades the grip.
As a result, the putter grip won’t have the same sticky feeling. The decrease in traction between the putter and your hands will affect the feel of the club. You may even feel like the putter is slipping as you swing the club. This may affect the tension in your forearms, wrists, and hands, which can wreck your putting motion. Suffice to say; a worn-down putter grip can cost you shots on the green.
Many golf experts recommend changing their putter grip at least once every season. This means you should regrip your club every 30 to 40 rounds or 12 to 18 months. If the grips are cracking, shiny or hard, it’s time to remove the grip and replace them. The grip’s shelf life can last longer if you frequently clean them.
In this article, we’ll share how to remove the putter grip and how to re-use them or add new ones on.
Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Can You Remove a Putter Grip and Reuse It?
Most people believe you’ll need to replace the putter grip if it’s removed completely. However, it’s possible to remove the grip and reuse it. However, it’s important to note you may not get the full benefit of reusing golf putter grips compared to new grips. That will depend on the level of traction and wear that the grip has.
How Do You Remove Golf Grips Without Destroying Them?
Golf grips can be easily removed and reused. If they’re in good condition, you’ll be able to remove them without causing damage. However, if the grips are worn-out, damaged, or old, you’re the best option is to cut them off.
We’ll discuss the best methods for you to neatly take off the golf grips without ruining the material or tearing them apart so that you can reuse them for future clubs.
Use a grip remover with a spring-rod
To remove the grip off of the club, you’ll need an adhesive-removing solvent such as a paint thinner or acetone along with a grip remover and spring rod. Position your club upside down, and insert the spring-rod grip underneath the grip. Gently insert it down the material by slowly twisting it to create space between the club and the grip. Now you can pour a small amount of the adhesive-removing solvent into the space. As a result, the adhesive will weaken,, and you’ll be able to slide the grip off of the club easily.
Use air compression
One of the best ways to remove golf grips is to place the air compression nozzle in the vent hole of the golf grip. This works by inserting the inflation need under the old grip and adding air pressure to expand the grip. Using their technique will blow the grip off of the club by separating the adhesive from the grip. Once the grip is loose, remove the compressor nozzle and carefully take off the grip. Make sure to start off with a low air setting to prevent damaging the shaft. If the air is too strong, the grip can be torn apart.
Materials Used for Removing Grip Solvent
Getting rid of the old putter grip can be tricky. However, many materials can be used to eliminate the grip solvent.
Paint Thinner, Acetone, or Mineral Spirits
Paint thinners, Acetone, and mineral spirits are affordable alternatives to golf grip solvents. When using them, you’ll want to wear a mask since they can release toxic fumes. However, they are excellent solvents to dissolve adhesive.
Rubber Cement
Rubber cement is another substitute and won’t require grip tape, thus saving you more money. With cement, you’ll use a paintbrush to apply the liquid onto the shaft and slide the grip onto it. Then, wipe any excess cement off the shaft and grip before it dries. Please note that this material takes at least 24 hours to dry.
Water
You may be surprised to know that water can work as a substitute solvent when combined with water-soluble tape. Once the old grip is removed, apply the water-soluble tape onto the shaft. Pour water over the taped area to activate the tape and inside of the grip.
Water-soluble tape tends to dry fast, meaning you may need extra water if the grip isn’t applied fast enough. The benefit of using water as a solvent is that you can use the club almost immediately after applying.
Air Compressor
One of the most common ways to remove and add on a putter grip is to use an air compressor. Most golfers tend to use a 120 volt or higher air compressor to have the grips removed. It works by increasing the size of the grip and allowing it to slide down from the shaft.
WD-40
WD-40 is an all-purpose lubricant that serves many purposes, such as lubricate, protect, and remove. In this case, we’ll use the lubricant to dissolve the adhesive, enabling easy removal of the bonding material.
What Can I Use As Grip Solvent?
Replacing your golf grips can save you a lot of money. This skill can come in handy when you don’t have the time to take your clubs to a professional golf repair shop. There are a few types of solvents that you can use. The safest and most versatile one is the traditional golf grip solvent. However, if you ever run out, there are other alternative household solvents that can be used. Alternative solutions you can also use are mineral spirits and paint thinner for the grip solvent.
How Long Does It Take for Grip Solvent to Dry?
Generally, it takes the grip solvent about 4 hours to dry. The adhesive melts on the insides of the grip. As a result, the double-sided tape is joined onto the grip creating a strong bond.
Once the solvent hits, it creates a slipperiness before it dries. It’s imperative that you don’t immediately use your putter before the adhesive dries off. Most professionals recommend even leaving the putter to dry overnight before using it. This prevents any chance of the grip slipping off while in use.
How Long Does It Take to Regrip a Putter?
Re-gripping, the putter, can be done at home, and you won’t need to pay a lot of money for a professional club repairer to do it for you. In general, it’ll take about 4 hours since that’s how long it takes for the new adhesive on the tape to dry off.
A good grip on a putter can provide many benefits such as improving putting accuracy since it helps lessen the wrist impact and offer a more consistent roll on the ball. Furthermore, a strong grip can correct a swing issue by aligning the body and hips to enable to torso to be more dominant as you putt. It also encourages the larger muscles in the arms to resemble the perfect pendulum swing.
How Do You Regrip a Putter?
Now that you know the benefits of a good grip and how long it takes, we’ll break down how to regrip the putter yourself.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A new putter grip
- A cloth
- A bucket
- 30 fl oz or 100 ml of solvent
- Double-sided grip tape
- A utility knife
Follow these steps to add a new grip to your putter:
1. Cut the old grip off
Using the utility knife, cut the old grip straight through, starting from the bottom. Always move the knife away from you to prevent accidentally harming yourself.
2. Clean the shaft and the area underneath the grip
Carefully scrape off the tape remaining after the old grip has been removed. Again, make sure to keep the blade facing away from you. Use some solvent and cloth to wipe away the remaining bits of adhesive and tape off of the club shaft. Before adding a new grip, you should ensure that the shaft is completely clean.
3. Wind the new tape around the club shaft
Most golf retailers sell the double-sided tape for your grip. Slowly wind the new tape in a spiral shape down the grip. It should not overlap, and the tape should be evenly spaced out. Make sure to leave a small gap between each wind of tape to achieve a regular grip thickness.
The excess tape can be tucked onto the end of the shaft to create a seal. If the grip tape is extremely wide such as two to three inches, you can fold it around the shaft to be completely covered.
4. Slip the new grip on
Pour some solvent into the new grip. Hold a finger over the grip hole to prevent the solvent from leaking out. The solvent helps the grip slide over the tape, and the adhesive will slowly activate.
Slowly twist and turn the grip so that all areas inside of the grip are well-applied with solvent.
You can use a bucket to catch any excess solvent that may fall out. Then push the grip firmly onto the shaft. Make sure you wiggle the grip into alignment. You’ll want to line up the little mark located on the base of the grip with the top.
How To Remove Putter Grip – Conclusion
Now that you know how to remove the putter grip without damaging it and you know how to install new ones (or reuse old ones), you’ll always have a good grip for your putters. Putting allows you to sink the golf ball into the hole with as few strokes as possible. There’s nothing more frustrating than to take a few extra attempts due to poor putting. It’s vital that you take advantage of everything in your control, including the putting grip, to improve your performance.
