Extending a Golf Putter Shaft

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Quick Answer

• Extend a golf putter shaft by adding a shaft extension to the existing grip end.
• This process typically involves removing the grip, inserting the extension, and securing it with specialized epoxy.
• Ensure proper alignment and adhesion for a stable and functional putter that fits your game.

Who This Is For

• Golfers seeking a more comfortable stance or swing by adjusting putter length. Maybe you’ve noticed yourself bending over too much or reaching too far.
• Players who have recently changed their swing mechanics and need a longer club to accommodate the new setup. Sometimes a slight adjustment makes all the difference.

What to Check First When Extending a Putter Shaft

• Shaft Material: Is it steel or graphite? Steel shafts are generally more forgiving for DIY work. Graphite shafts can be more brittle, so handle them with care. You’ll want to use the right epoxy for whichever you have.
• Desired Final Length: This is crucial. Stand in your normal putting stance and have someone measure from the butt of the grip to the ground. Add that measurement to your current putter length to find your target. Don’t guess!
• Existing Grip Condition: Check your current grip. Is it worn smooth? Is it cracked or peeling? If it’s in rough shape, you’ll need a new grip anyway. This is the perfect time to replace it.
• Shaft Extension Kit: Make sure you have a shaft extension that fits your putter shaft diameter. They come in different sizes. Also, grab a good quality, two-part epoxy specifically designed for golf club shafts. Don’t skimp here.
• Tools and Supplies: Gather everything you’ll need: a utility knife, grip solvent (like acetone or denatured alcohol), grip tape (if needed), a rubber mallet, and a clean rag.

Step-by-Step Plan: How to Extend a Putter Shaft

1. Action: Remove the existing putter grip.

• What to look for: The grip peeling away cleanly from the shaft. If it’s old and brittle, it might come off in pieces. If it’s stuck tight, you’ll need to slice it lengthwise with a sharp utility knife. Be careful not to cut yourself or the shaft.
• Mistake to avoid: Digging too deep with the knife and damaging the shaft itself, especially if it’s graphite. Also, avoid leaving excessive amounts of old grip tape stuck to the shaft.

2. Action: Clean the shaft end thoroughly.

• What to look for: A completely clean, smooth surface free of any old grip tape residue, dirt, or oils. Use your solvent and a clean rag to wipe it down until it shines.
• Mistake to avoid: Leaving any residue behind. This is a critical step for ensuring a strong bond. If the shaft isn’t clean, the epoxy won’t stick properly, and your extension could loosen up.

3. Action: Prepare the shaft extension.

• What to look for: The tip of the shaft extension is clean and ready to receive epoxy. Some extensions have a solid tip that might need a light sanding to create a better surface for the epoxy to adhere to.
• Mistake to avoid: Not preparing the extension tip. Just like the shaft, a dirty or smooth, un-prepped surface will result in a weak bond.

4. Action: Mix the two-part golf shaft epoxy.

• What to look for: A uniform color and smooth consistency, with no streaks of resin or hardener visible. Follow the epoxy manufacturer’s instructions precisely regarding the mix ratio and mixing time.
• Mistake to avoid: Incorrectly measuring or mixing the epoxy. Too much of one component or not mixing thoroughly will result in epoxy that doesn’t cure properly, leading to a weak connection.

5. Action: Apply epoxy to the shaft and extension.

• What to look for: Even coverage on both the tip of the putter shaft and inside the shaft extension. You want enough to create a solid bond without excessive overflow.
• Mistake to avoid: Using too little epoxy, which will create a weak bond, or too much, which will squeeze out and make a mess, potentially interfering with the grip installation.

6. Action: Insert the shaft extension.

• What to look for: The extension slides smoothly into the shaft and seats to the desired depth. Give it a slight twist as you insert it to help spread the epoxy evenly. Ensure it’s fully seated and flush with the end of the shaft.
• Mistake to avoid: Forcing the extension in if it’s too tight, which could damage the shaft. Also, not seating it fully means you’ll have a gap that can lead to instability.

7. Action: Re-grip the putter (or install a new one).

• What to look for: The grip slides on completely over the extension and is aligned straight. If you’re reusing an old grip, you might need to ream the inside opening to accommodate the extension. Use grip solvent to help it slide on smoothly.
• Mistake to avoid: Not sliding the grip all the way down to the butt end of the extension. A grip that’s not fully seated can feel odd and affect your feel on the club. Also, make sure it’s straight before the solvent dries.

8. Action: Allow the epoxy to cure completely.

• What to look for: The epoxy has hardened according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes 24 to 48 hours, depending on the type of epoxy and ambient temperature.
• Mistake to avoid: Rushing the curing process. If you try to use the putter before the epoxy is fully cured, you risk weakening the bond or even breaking the extension. Patience here pays off.

How to Extend a Putter Shaft with Confidence

You’ve got this. Extending your putter shaft is a really satisfying DIY project that can make a noticeable difference in your putting consistency. It’s all about getting that perfect fit so you can stand over the ball with confidence. A lot of golfers, myself included, have tinkered with their clubs to get them just right. This is a simple but effective way to do that.

Common Mistakes When Extending a Putter Shaft

• Mistake: Using the wrong type of adhesive.
• Why it matters: Standard super glue or household glues are not designed to withstand the forces and vibrations a golf shaft experiences. They can crack, become brittle, or fail entirely under pressure, leading to a loose or broken extension.
• Fix: Always use a high-quality, two-part epoxy specifically formulated for bonding golf club shafts. These epoxies are designed to be strong, flexible, and durable.
• Mistake: Not cleaning the shaft end and extension tip properly.
• Why it matters: Even microscopic amounts of oil, dirt, or old grip residue on the surfaces will prevent the epoxy from forming a strong, permanent bond. This is one of the most common reasons for an extension failure.
• Fix: Thoroughly clean both the end of the putter shaft and the interior of the shaft extension with a solvent like acetone or denatured alcohol. Use a clean rag and ensure both surfaces are completely dry and free of contaminants before applying epoxy.
• Mistake: Insufficiently reaming an old grip if you plan to reuse it.
• Why it matters: When you extend a shaft, the overall diameter at the grip end increases. If you’re putting an old grip back on, the inner diameter needs to be enlarged to fit smoothly over the extended shaft. If it’s too tight, you’ll struggle to get it on, or it won’t slide all the way down.
• Fix: Use a grip reamer tool or a dull blade to carefully enlarge the opening of the old grip. Test fit it periodically until it slides onto the extended shaft without excessive force.
• Mistake: Not dry-fitting and measuring the final length before applying epoxy.
• Why it matters: Once the epoxy starts to set, it’s very difficult to adjust the position of the extension. If you haven’t confirmed the length is correct beforehand, you could end up with a putter that’s too long or too short, requiring you to start the process over.
• Fix: Before you mix any epoxy, slide the extension into the shaft and put the grip (or a test grip) on. Measure the total length carefully to ensure it matches your desired measurement. Make any necessary adjustments to the extension’s depth at this stage.
• Mistake: Over-sanding the shaft or extension.
• Why it matters: While a light scuffing can help epoxy adhesion, aggressive sanding can remove too much material, especially from a graphite shaft. This can weaken the shaft or the extension, or make it difficult to get a snug fit.
• Fix: If sanding is necessary, do it very lightly. The goal is just to create a slightly rough surface, not to remove significant material. For most modern extensions and shafts, thorough cleaning with solvent is sufficient.
• Mistake: Not allowing adequate curing time for the epoxy.
• Why it matters: Golf shafts and extensions are subjected to significant torque and pressure during the swing and when putting. If the epoxy hasn’t fully cured, it won’t have reached its maximum strength, and the extension could loosen or break.
• Fix: Follow the epoxy manufacturer’s recommended curing time strictly. This typically ranges from 24 to 48 hours. Store the putter in a temperature-controlled environment during this period for best results.

FAQ

• Can I extend any type of golf putter shaft?

Generally, yes. Most steel and graphite putter shafts can be extended. The process is similar for both, but you need to be a bit more careful with graphite shafts as they are more prone to damage. Always use the correct epoxy for your shaft material.

• What is the ideal length for a putter shaft?

There’s no single “ideal” length for everyone. It’s highly personal and depends on your height, your typical putting stance (whether you stand upright or crouch more), and your swing mechanics. A common range for standard putters is 33 to 35 inches, but many golfers benefit from longer (e.g., 37-39 inches for a counterbalanced putter) or shorter lengths. The best way to find yours is through experimentation and measuring your comfortable setup.

• How much weight does a shaft extension add?

Shaft extensions are designed to be lightweight. Most standard metal or composite extensions add only a few grams (often 5-15 grams) to the overall weight of the putter. This minimal addition usually has little impact on the putter’s swing weight or overall feel, though some golfers do notice a slight difference. If weight is a major concern, you can find lighter-weight extensions.

• Do I need a special tool to remove the grip?

For most grips, a sharp utility knife is sufficient. You’ll want a blade that’s easy to control. Be cautious not to cut yourself or the shaft. Some grips might be more stubborn, but a good knife and a steady hand usually do the trick.

• Can I extend a putter shaft myself, or should I go to a professional?

You can absolutely extend a putter shaft yourself. With the right materials, a bit of patience, and careful execution of these steps, it’s a very manageable DIY project. Many golfers save money and gain satisfaction by doing it themselves. If you’re uncomfortable with any step or want a professional finish, a local golf club repair shop can do it for a fee.

• What if I don’t have grip solvent? Can I use something else?

While grip solvent (like acetone or denatured alcohol) is ideal because it evaporates quickly and cleanly, some people have had success with lighter fluid or even rubbing alcohol. The key is to use something that helps the grip slide on easily and then dries without leaving a residue that would interfere with the grip’s tackiness or adhesion. Avoid anything oily.

• How do I know if my putter shaft is steel or graphite?

Steel shafts are typically silver or chrome-colored and have a more solid, metallic feel. Graphite shafts are usually black or a composite material, are lighter, and can sometimes have a painted or patterned finish. If you’re unsure, tap the shaft gently with a metal object; steel will make a more metallic sound than graphite.

Sources:

• How to Extend a Putter Shaft