Removing grips without cutting and shortening shafts

[pinyo8]

Ok, I have read through old threads on how to regrip. However, I am still unsure of one thing so my apologies for asking again.

To take the grip off, they say you have to put in grip solvent in the butt end (where there is a little hole) so that it can come loose. What I dont get is, how the heck does it run through the entire grip? I would think that it would just drop straight to the bottom of the shaft and stay there. Can someone please explain?

Also, I would like to use an air compressor but which nozzle should I use for it to fit it in the little hole and how does the air goes through the grip to make it loose? I know you have to use a PVC pipe so the grip doesnt burst but I still dont see how air can run through between the inside of the grip and the shaft....

Now, once I get passed that, I would like to cut the shaft. Do I measure from the back end of sole to where I want to cut it? What would be a good way to cut other than a hacksaw as I want to make it clean and straight.....

Answers appreciated.

Thanks.

[peter3]

Re: Removing grips without cutting and shortening shafts

To take the grip off, they say you have to put in grip solvent in the butt end (where there is a little hole) so that it can come loose. What I dont get is, how the heck does it run through the entire grip? I would think that it would just drop straight to the bottom of the shaft and stay there. Can someone please explain?

When the club is gripped, the tape is installed so a part of it sticks up at the butt end. This is then folded to create a "tape cap" (to avoid water and dirt coming into the shaft). When you squirt solvent into the hole, it runs along the tape cap and down between the grip and the shaft. You will have to apply solvent multiple times, wiggling the grip loose bit by bit. Having a pan to collect the excess solvent in is not a bad idea.

[LowPost42]

Re: Removing grips without cutting and shortening shafts

Ok, I have read through old threads on how to regrip. However, I am still unsure of one thing so my apologies for asking again.

To take the grip off, they say you have to put in grip solvent in the butt end (where there is a little hole) so that it can come loose. What I dont get is, how the heck does it run through the entire grip? I would think that it would just drop straight to the bottom of the shaft and stay there. Can someone please explain?

Peter's explanation holds true, assuming that the clubbuilder used enough tape to create the 'tape cap' (never heard that one before - nice!) The other thing you do is get a syringe and shoot solvent back up the grip. It's a long, arduous process, IMO. The syringe is the ONLY method if the tape cap isn't in place (and it isn't on clubs I build).

Also, I would like to use an air compressor but which nozzle should I use for it to fit it in the little hole and how does the air goes through the grip to make it loose? I know you have to use a PVC pipe so the grip doesnt burst but I still dont see how air can run through between the inside of the grip and the shaft.

I use the 'barbed' end like the one here, second from the left. Works like a dream.

How it works is this: Make sure you poke a hole in the tape cap (A scratch awl or any small screwdriver will work. Metal coathangers are OK, too). The air runs down the shaft. Since it can't escape, it comes back up the shaft, and takes the path of least resistance - namely, between the grip and the shaft (as you've got the vent hole plugged with your air gun).

Now, once I get passed that, I would like to cut the shaft. Do I measure from the back end of sole to where I want to cut it? What would be a good way to cut other than a hacksaw as I want to make it clean and straight.....

You measure from the club properly soled in playing position. The way I did it (before my super-duper clubmakers ruler) was I would lay my 48" ruler down with the 'zero' end hanging off the table an inch or so, and lay my club on top of it, toe up. Then I'd take a block of wood and hold it against the sole of the club and the toe end. (This ensures that you get a proper 'address' measurement).

If you don't want to use a hacksaw, and assuming you're cutting steel, you can use a plumber's pipe cutter.


I've posted compressor gripping and grip removal instructions somewhere around here, I think. Or maybe I PM'ed them, I don't remember.

Anyway, here they are again:

Required tools: compressor with output of 70-90 PSI, blow gun with tapered nozzle used for inflatables, a 10" section of "shaft tube" (those silly things that "keep your clubs organized" in your bag) slide into a section of high pressure hose 1 3/4" O.D. to be referred to as "protector" (warm the section of high pressure hose to facilitate sliding in the "shaft tube").

To install grip: clamp shaft in vise, apply 8" section of masking tape to shaft butt, dip mouth of grip in solvent (mineral spirits) or soapy water to depth of 1/4 to 1/2", start mouth of grip onto shaft in usual way, put tapered nozzle into vent hole of grip, hold grip near mouth, apply burst of air while pushing grip onto shaft from the mouth end of the grip. Grip slides on. Takes a little practice to learn how long a burst of air to give it. Air goes down inside of shaft, tries to escape out of the grip, grip expands and slides on. Remove air gun from vent hole while holding grip fully down the shaft. To align grip apply short burst of air while rotating grip to desired alignment. Start it right and you can skip alignment! This method is the easiest for installing grips on oversize butt Taylor Made Bubble shafts. No special tools needed for installation This is all done faster than most can read the how to explanation!

To remove grip: IMPORTANT! Place "protector" over grip, punch through tape behind the vent hole, if grip tape was used to install grip shoot some solvent (mineral spirits) into the vent hole, put airgun nozzle into vent hole, apply long burst of air, grip will expand in the "protector" as air bubble travels down the shaft and tries to escape from the mouth of the grip and "pop" out the mouth (place a rag over shaft to catch the solvent (if used) spray. If air doesn't reach mouth of grip, remove airgun and reapply solvent. Once "popped" you can remove the "protector" apply bursts of air while twisting and gently pulling the grip off the shaft. Twist while applying air! You will know where the twisting is needed (if not needed, grip will just slide off shaft on cushion or air). Process is "testy" on thin grips like Callaway OEM, Tour Velvet, and! dried out corded (cut these off). All others can be saved 95% or more of the time as your skill at this method improves. If grips were installed by using MASKING TAPE as explained above you can easily save Winn grips. Winn grips on regular double stick have a save rate of approx. 90%.

With time savings, tape and solvent savings and ability to save and reinstall grips this is a very worthwhile investment! Get an oil lubricated compressor which will last many, many years! They run less and are quieter besides.

Please note these are Arnie's instructions - the man that introduced me to gripping with air (and ease!)

[peter3]

Re: Removing grips without cutting and shortening shafts

Peter's explanation holds true, assuming that the clubbuilder used enough tape to create the 'tape cap' (never heard that one before - nice!)

English is not my native language so when I don't know the correct word I...make one up

Glad you liked it.

[pinyo8]

Re: Removing grips without cutting and shortening shafts

thanks guys for all the great advice.

One more thing to confirm about using the syringe, do you actually stick the needle straight into the grip at different points to loosen up the glue?

That pipe cutter idea sounds good. Seems like a much easier way to cut the shaft in a nice clean fashion. Will look into that.

[LowPost42]

Re: Removing grips without cutting and shortening shafts

I tried the hacksaw on my first steel shaft, then said 'screw it', and used the pipe cutter. The only thing you have to be wary of is the shaft bending (into an oval) as you cut through the shaft. One way around this is to stick a piece of dowelling down the butt, or another piece of shaft.

As for the syringe, yes, you stick it in all over, spurting grip solvent in.

Too much work, IMO. Lay out the cash, buy a compressor.