To remove a putter grip, the most common and effective method involves carefully cutting the old grip off with a utility knife and then thoroughly cleaning the shaft to prepare it for a new grip.
Tools You'll Need
Before you begin, gather the following essential tools:
- Utility Knife or Hook Blade Knife: A sharp blade is crucial for safe and clean cuts.
- Vise with Rubber Clamp (optional but highly recommended): Secures the club without damaging the shaft.
- Solvent (mineral spirits, lighter fluid, or specialized grip solvent): Helps lubricate for easier removal of the old grip and residue.
- Rag or Towel: For wiping solvent and cleaning.
- Scraper (e.g., old credit card, plastic scraper, or a dedicated grip removal tool): For cleaning residue.
- Work Surface Protection: A mat or old newspaper to protect your workspace.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing a Putter Grip
Follow these steps for a smooth and efficient putter grip removal:
1. Secure the Putter
- Option 1 (Recommended): Place the putter shaft securely in a vise, using a rubber shaft clamp to prevent any damage. Position the club so the grip is facing away from you, with the club head resting on the floor or supported.
- Option 2 (Alternative): If you don't have a vise, you can carefully brace the club against a workbench or sturdy surface, ensuring it's stable and won't move during the process.
2. Make the Initial Cut
- Safety First: Always cut away from your body.
- Position the Blade: Start at the butt end of the grip (the thickest part) and place the utility knife blade on the underside of the grip, pointing towards the clubhead.
- Slice Downwards: Carefully apply pressure and make a single, long cut along the length of the grip, from the butt down to the shaft. Be extremely cautious not to cut into the graphite or steel shaft underneath. For graphite shafts, extra care is paramount as they can be easily damaged.
3. Peel Off the Old Grip
- Once the cut is made, the old grip should easily peel open.
- Grab one side of the cut grip and pull it away from the shaft. The grip should detach from the old adhesive tape underneath.
- Continue peeling until the entire grip material is removed from the shaft.
4. Clean the Shaft Thoroughly
This is a critical step to ensure proper adhesion for your new grip.
- Remove Old Tape: Begin by peeling off the old grip tape that remains on the shaft. Sometimes it comes off in strips, other times you might need to scrape it.
- Scrape Residue: After the tape is gone, you'll likely find a sticky residue left on the shaft. This old residue needs to be completely removed. Using a scraper, carefully shave off the sticky adhesive and any leftover tape fragments. This process can be a little time-consuming, but taking the time to thoroughly clean the shaft will ensure a perfectly smooth surface, which is essential for the new grip to adhere properly and evenly.
- Solvent Application: Apply a small amount of grip solvent (or mineral spirits/lighter fluid) to a rag and wipe down the shaft. This helps dissolve any remaining stickiness and cleans the shaft effectively.
- Final Wipe: Use a clean, dry rag to wipe off any excess solvent and ensure the shaft is completely dry and free of any debris before proceeding with new grip installation.
For visual guidance on putter grip removal and replacement, resources like this guide from Golf Pride or videos on platforms like YouTube can be very helpful.
Tips for Success
- Always use a sharp blade: A dull blade is more dangerous and less effective.
- Protect your shaft: Especially with graphite, cut away from the shaft as much as possible to avoid nicks.
- Work in a well-ventilated area: If using solvents like mineral spirits or lighter fluid.
- Patience is key: Rushing the residue removal can leave behind sticky spots that affect the new grip.
By following these steps, you can successfully remove your putter grip and prepare your club for a fresh feel.
