Gripping 101
Changing Golf Grips

What you need if you are personally into changing golf grips.

A device to hold your golf club. I use a gripping station, a complete grip station will set you back $449.95 with the option of a Grip Rip for $109.95 more. Save your money on the Grip Rip - I have never used mine (and that's a lie I have used it twice, the first and last time) they are a pain to use. There are several different ways to stabilize your club, a shaft vise clamp will set you back $1.95. Side Note: You need to use caution when clamping your graphite shafts - don't clamp it so tight that you crack the shaft.

A good sharp razor knife. I prefer a hawk bill blade, that way you do not cut into your graphite shafts. Side Note: If you are right handed keep your left hand out of the way. You do not need to hold the shaft as you pull a razor knife towards you. You will slip! I have seen it happen!

Grip Solvent. There are many grip solvents on the market for changing golf grips, and most will do the job. Before I go any further fellow grippers, petroleum jelly is not the preferred solvent to install grips. I had a guy come into my shop and asked me to see what is wrong with his grip job because the clubs kept turning in his hand. I choose odor-less mineral spirits, (Disclaimer: eye protection, don't drink it, keep it away from fire and use in well ventilated area) wash your hands after using. Side Note: Put some solvent into some type of squirt bottle, I like to use ketchup bottles they give a good squirt and have a flip lid to close it up. "DO NOT USE GASOLINE" to install your grips, if you have to ask why, please stay away from pointy objects.

Grip tape. You can't be changing golf grips without new grip tape.

Catch pan. Trust me - you need this.

Now lets cut the old grip and peel it from the shaft - no you can not reuse the old grip tape - get it off and clean the shaft. Don't be cheap or lazy. If you use a tape removal tool - once again be careful.

Put a piece of grip tape about 10" down the shaft with a 1/2" overhang. Grip tape comes in 2'' that you install long ways or 3/4" that you install in a spiral. Always tuck the 1/2" overhang into the butt of the shaft; it helps the grip slide on. Did you take the backing off the tape?

Have you got your solvent ready?

Take your grip and look at it, look through it - see the hole at the grip cap - well put your finger over it, otherwise the solvent that you are about to pour into the grip will run out. Now pour some solvent over the grip tape, put a finger into the grip and shake to coat the inside. Pour that solvent in the grip over the grip tape, aligning your label with your leading edge of the club and slip the grip over the end of the shaft. Push the grip all the way on - do not stop in the middle. Nothing to it right, well that's what I am being told all the time.

Lets review what we have -

First - the grip is only half way on and it's stuck. You did not use enough solvent. Single piece grips can be removed and reused. If you use any grips with an under-lament you just need to cut it off and start over. There is no do-over with this type of grip.

Second - your hands are all sticky from the tape adhesive that was activated by the solvent.

Third - you have a mess on the floor because you missed the catch pan for the solvent that squirted out of the end of the grip.

Fourth - go look in a mirror, you have solvent mixed with tape adhesive all over your shirt and that stuff will not wash out. I know what I am talking about.

It is really not that hard, changing golf grips, it just takes a little patience, common sense and practice. Watch a club fitter - ask questions - take a class.

The bottom line is unless you change your grips once a month you are not going to save any money doing it yourself; it still cost money to get tooled up.

But if you approach changing golf grips like a hobby - I do wish you luck and have fun!

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