How to Remove a Super Stroke Putter Grip
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Quick Answer
- Grab a hook blade or utility knife and some grip solvent. Cut and peel the old Super Stroke grip right off the shaft.
- Ventilation is key, and safety glasses are a must. Don’t skip these.
- Have your new grip and double-sided tape ready before you start cutting.
Who This Guide Is For
- Golfers whose Super Stroke putter grips are worn out, torn, or just feel… off. Time for an upgrade.
- Anyone who likes to tinker with their gear and wants to save a few bucks by doing this simple job themselves.
What to Check First When Removing a Super Stroke Putter Grip
- Safety First, Always. Find a spot with plenty of fresh air. Seriously, grip solvent fumes are no joke. And don’t forget your safety glasses. Your eyeballs will thank you.
- Gather Your Arsenal. You’ll need a sharp hook blade or a sturdy utility knife. Grip solvent is your best friend here. And a clean rag for wiping things down.
- New Grip and Tape Ready? Before you even think about slicing into that old grip, make sure your shiny new Super Stroke (or whatever you choose) and a fresh roll of double-sided grip tape are within easy reach. No stopping mid-job to run to the store.
Step-by-Step Plan: Removing Your Super Stroke Putter Grip
1. Set Up Your Battle Station. Pick a well-ventilated area. An open garage or even outdoors is ideal. Lay down some old newspaper, cardboard, or a drop cloth to catch any drips and protect your floor. Mistake to Avoid: Trying to do this in a closed-off room. You’ll regret breathing those fumes.
2. Don Your Protective Gear. Put on your safety glasses. This is non-negotiable. You’re working with sharp tools and chemicals. Mistake to Avoid: Skipping the eye protection. A stray splash or a flying piece of rubber could seriously mess up your vision.
3. Unleash the Solvent Power. Generously apply the grip solvent. Start at the top of the grip and let it work its way down, especially focusing on the area where the grip meets the putter shaft. You want it saturated. Mistake to Avoid: Being too conservative with the solvent. It’s the magic ingredient that makes the grip slide off easily.
4. Make the First Cut. Carefully insert the tip of your hook blade or utility knife under the edge of the Super Stroke grip. You’re not trying to hack through it in one go. Gently slide the blade along the shaft, cutting the grip lengthwise. Go slow and steady. Mistake to Avoid: Using a straight blade and sawing away. This increases your risk of cutting yourself or, worse, gouging the putter shaft itself.
5. Peel Away the Old Guard. Once you’ve made a good cut down the length of the grip, you should be able to start peeling it away from the shaft. Keep applying solvent as needed if it feels like it’s sticking. Work your way around the grip, peeling and cutting as necessary. Mistake to Avoid: Trying to rip the grip off with brute force. If it’s not coming easily, you probably need more solvent or another cut.
6. Scrape Off the Residue. After the old grip is completely removed, you’ll likely have some sticky residue from the old double-sided tape left on the shaft. Use your rag, perhaps with a little more solvent, to thoroughly clean the shaft until it’s smooth and clean. Mistake to Avoid: Leaving any of that sticky tape behind. It will prevent your new grip from adhering properly and could lead to it slipping later.
How to Remove a Super Stroke Putter Grip Like a Pro
Alright, you’ve got the old grip off. Now comes the satisfying part: getting ready for a fresh feel on the greens. This process is straightforward, but paying attention to the details makes all the difference between a quick win and a frustrating mess.
Common Mistakes When Removing a Super Stroke Putter Grip
- Insufficient Ventilation — Why it matters: Grip solvent fumes can be potent and unpleasant. Working in a confined space can lead to headaches, dizziness, and a generally bad time. — Fix: Always perform this task in an open, airy environment like outdoors or a well-ventilated garage.
- Using a Straight Blade — Why it matters: A straight razor or utility knife blade is much harder to control than a hook blade. This significantly increases the risk of accidentally cutting yourself or, more importantly, damaging the putter shaft by digging into it. — Fix: Opt for a hook blade specifically designed for grip removal, or a utility knife with a curved blade. These allow for a smoother, safer cutting action.
- Not Enough Solvent — Why it matters: Grip solvent is designed to break down the adhesive holding the grip to the shaft. Skimping on it means the grip will be much harder to cut and peel, turning a simple job into a difficult wrestling match. — Fix: Be generous with the solvent. Saturate the grip thoroughly, especially along the seam and where it meets the shaft. Let it soak in for a minute or two.
- Rushing the Process — Why it matters: Impatience is the enemy here. Trying to force the grip off or cut too aggressively can lead to tearing, uneven removal, and potential damage to the putter shaft. — Fix: Take your time. Let the solvent do its work. Make controlled cuts and peel gently. Patience will result in a cleaner removal.
- Forgetting Eye Protection — Why it matters: When you’re cutting and peeling, there’s always a chance of solvent splashing or small pieces of rubber flying off. Your eyes are delicate. — Fix: Wear safety glasses or goggles throughout the entire process. It’s a simple precaution that offers significant protection.
- Not Cleaning the Shaft Thoroughly — Why it matters: Old grip tape residue is sticky and uneven. If you don’t remove it completely, your new grip won’t go on smoothly, and it might not adhere properly, potentially leading to slippage during your swing. — Fix: Use a rag, a bit of solvent, and some elbow grease to ensure the putter shaft is completely clean and smooth before applying new tape.
FAQ
- What tools do I need to remove a Super Stroke putter grip?
You’ll need a sharp hook blade or utility knife, grip solvent (designed for golf grips), safety glasses, a clean rag, and some newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your work surface.
- How long does it take to remove a Super Stroke putter grip?
If you have all your supplies ready and follow the steps, removing a Super Stroke grip typically takes about 5 to 15 minutes. The solvent is the key to speed.
- Can I reuse the old grip tape?
Absolutely not. The old double-sided grip tape is almost always degraded, loses its tackiness, and will not hold a new grip securely. Always use fresh double-sided grip tape for a proper installation.
- What if the Super Stroke grip is really stuck and won’t peel?
Apply more grip solvent, making sure it gets under the edges and into the cut you made. Let it sit for a few more minutes to really break down the adhesive. Gentle persuasion with the knife might be needed, but avoid excessive force.
- Can I use a heat gun or hairdryer to remove the grip?
While heat can sometimes help with certain types of grips, it’s generally not recommended for Super Stroke grips. They are often made of materials that could be damaged by excessive heat, and solvent is a much safer and more effective method for this specific type of grip.
- Is there a specific type of solvent I should use?
Yes, it’s best to use a solvent specifically designed for golf grip removal. These are formulated to be effective on golf grip adhesives without damaging the putter shaft. Avoid harsh industrial solvents that could harm the metal or graphite.
- What do I do if I accidentally cut into the putter shaft?
If you made a minor nick, it might not be a huge deal, but you should try to smooth it out as best you can with fine-grit sandpaper. If the damage is significant, it could affect the integrity of the shaft or the grip installation. For serious damage, you might need to consult a club repair professional.
Michael Reeves is a PGA Professional with over 20 years of experience in competitive golf and instruction. A former Division I collegiate player at the University of Texas, he competed on the mini-tours before transitioning to full-time coaching and golf journalism. He has been a certified PGA teaching professional since 2005 and has worked with players at every level, from absolute beginners to collegiate champions.
His writing has appeared in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and The Left Rough. At GolfHubz, Michael leads the editorial team, overseeing fact-checking and ensuring every answer meets the same standard he demands on the lesson tee: clear, evidence-based, and immediately useful.
When he’s not writing or teaching, Michael plays to a +1.4 handicap at his home club in Austin, Texas. He has attended over 40 major championships as a journalist and fan, and has played more than 200 courses across 15 countries.
You can reach Michael at [email protected] or follow his occasional swing analysis posts on the site.