How to Regrip A Golf Club

How to Regrip a Golf Club: A Simple and Cost-Effective Guide

Regripping your golf clubs doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of regripping, providing insights into not only the technique but the tools you need and where to find them. Not only can regripping be easy but it also allows golfers to potentially save money and customize their clubs.

Tools You’ll Need

Before diving into the regripping process, gather the following essential tools. If you need to purchase some of these tools we have provided links to some of our favorite sources.

• Knife (preferably with a hook blade) – Hook Utility Knife
• Vise with a shaft holder (rubber vise clamp) – Table Vise 
• Two-sided grip tape or strips – Grip Tape
• New golf grips (read about our favorite grips here)
• Grip solvent or lubricant – Grip Solvent
• Scissors (for cutting grip tape)
• Marker (to mark grip length)
• Garbage bag or bin for old grips and excess tape
• Consider having a towel or clean cloth
• Drip tray nearby to make the process smoother.
• Grip tape stripper.
• Heat Gun – While not a hard requirement, it can help make the most tedious step a lot easier. It will also come in handy for other club-building projects. – Heat Gun

Most of the essential tools and materials can be purchased as an All-In-One Bundle

Time Required

For first-timers, allocate 10 to15 minutes per club. As you become more practiced, the process will become faster.

Step-by-Step Regripping:

Step 1 – Prepare Your Workstation

Set up your workstation by organizing your golf clubs, placing new grips within reach and having grip tape ready. Taking a few extra minutes to organize your workstation will help with getting into a rhythm and allow the whole process to go smoother.

 Step 2 – Remove Old Grips

Use a knife with a hook blade to cut through the old grip. Place the hook under the grip and cut away from you from the bottom of the grip to the top of the shaft. This can be done with the shaft in a vise or in hand. Both are effective methods but the vise is more secure and by hand being slightly faster. For stubborn grips, a second cut may be necessary. Once cut, peel away the grip, exposing the old grip tape.

Important! With graphite shafts, be careful to not tear through the tape or apply pressure with the edge of the knife into the shaft because you can potentially damage it. This is also where using a hook-blade utility knife versus standard utility knife with a straight blade is far superior.

Step 3 – Remove Old Grip Tape

Remove old tape using a heat gun for an efficient process. Keeping the heat gun or grip moving, apply enough heat to evenly loosen the tape’s bond to the shaft. This will allow for the tape to be removed far easier.

Important! Do not apply too much heat to graphite shafts as it can affect the integrity of the materials. While not as affected, steel shafts should also not be overheated.

This is often the most tedious and annoying part of regripping. However, it is important as extra tape will lead to the grip playing thicker than normal. For some, this is not an issue but it will also affect how soft the grip plays and feels. 

Step 4 – Install New Grip Tape

If you have not already, place the shaft into the table vise. Ensure the head of the club is aligned properly and the shaft is secure and will not twist.

Important! Do not over-tighten steel or graphite shafts and risk damaging them. Using the proper shaft holder will help protect them from damage and twisting.

Mark the grip length on the shaft using a marker. Doing this ensures proper placement of the tape and appropriate length of tape if you are not using a precut strip. It will also help with grip thickness consistency when installing.

Apply the grip tape and ensure it’s smooth without wrinkles. There should be about a half-inch of tape overhanging the end of the golf shaft. Remove a portion of the peel from the double-sided tape, wrap it around the shaft and smooth out before removing and discarding the rest of the peel. Finish by twisting excess tape into the shaft.

Step 5 – Install the New Grip

Spray grip solvent on the shaft and inside of the grip. Shake and pour excess solvent back onto the grip tape. Using more solvent will allow the grip to go on easier; however, it will also take longer to dry. Slide the open end of the grip onto the shaft smoothly and in one motion. Make sure the grip extends to the end of the tape and over the mark on the shaft which you made previously. Grips that are stretched are thinner while grips that are not inserted all the way will be thicker.

There should be no play or overhang in the butt end of the grip at the end of the shaft. The grip should be snug right to the end of the shaft. Align the grip and make any adjustments before the solvent dries. Wipe off excess solvent.

(Quick Tip: Grip gets stuck halfway? All is not lost! Grips can be removed easily at this stage using an air compressor or grip removal tool. At worst, the grip can be cut and removed to start over.)

Step 6 – Final Touches

Tap the grip on the ground to remove extra solvent or residue from the bottom of the grip. Double-check alignment visually and let the club dry in a warm area for 10 to 15 minutes with the grip facing down.

Other Quick Tips

While the described method is considered the standard to regrip golf clubs, it is not the only method. Many DIY golfers will use an air compressor for quick grip installation but you must exercise caution. Keep an eye out for our upcoming guide on how to use this procedure.

Grip solvent can help remove stubborn bits of tape. A rag with a little solvent can loosen difficult tape and help clean the golf shaft. Important before installing new tape: Wipe off all solvent and dry thoroughly so the new tape will adhere properly.

If grip solvent is unavailable, other options include mineral spirits or white spirits which will dry quickly. 

Again, marking the shaft ensures consistent grip length and thickness.

Another consideration is grip size. Typically, grips come in four sizes: ladies, standard, mid size and jumbo. For additional customization, adding wraps of tape or layers can provide the perfect feel and thickness. 

Putter grips may need more solvent for easy installation. Their construction is different and they are often more difficult to install due to a more rigid nature.

Expect a learning curve. Practice and learn from your mistakes.

To extend the life of fresh grips, cleaning them regularly is key. Use warm soapy water, a nylon bristle brush and rinse thoroughly.

Cost and Savings

If you are new to this and do not have any supplies, the basic cost to get started will be roughly $50 (regripping kit and table vise). Additional costs which are optional but can make the process simpler long-term are a roll of grip tape (roughly $12) and a heat gun as mentioned ($29.99). Costs of the grips will vary depending on their quality. 

After initial start-up, regripping your clubs can lead to significant savings. By regripping independently, you could save up to a couple of hundred dollars per season, depending on the number of clubs and the cost of grips.

In my case, using the Saplize grip kit from Amazon, I saved roughly $140 compared to having my grips done at a local shop.

Have questions? Ask below in the comments section for us to help you through your regripping journey!

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