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DIY Guide: How to Remove and Replace a Putter Grip

ByThe Golfer

← Golf Instruction & Improvement | Common Faults & Fixes


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Quick Answer

  • You’ll need grip solvent, a utility knife, and paper towels to cut off the old grip and clean the shaft.
  • Slide on the new grip using more solvent for lubrication and adhesion.
  • Let it dry fully; it’s a simple process that saves you cash and lets you customize your feel.

Who This Putter Grip Guide Is For

  • Golfers who want to save money on putter maintenance and get a hands-on feel for their equipment.
  • Anyone looking to customize the feel, size, or look of their putter for a better connection on the greens.

What to Check First

  • Putter Shaft Material: Confirm if your putter has a steel or graphite shaft. Graphite is lighter and more sensitive, so be gentler when working with it.
  • New Grip Specs: Verify the size (standard, midsize, jumbo) and weight of your new putter grip. This directly impacts your feel and stroke.
  • Old Grip Condition: Assess how worn or damaged your current grip is. This helps gauge how tough removal might be.
  • Workspace Suitability: Ensure you have a well-ventilated area with a surface you don’t mind getting a little messy.

Step-by-Step Plan: How to Remove and Replace a Putter Grip

1. Gather Your Tools and Supplies:

  • Action: Collect your essential items: a sharp utility knife (a hook blade is ideal for this job), golf grip solvent (mineral spirits can work in a pinch, but dedicated solvent is best), plenty of paper towels or shop rags, and your new putter grip. A vise with a rubber grip clamp can be a real game-changer for stability, but it’s not strictly required.
  • What to look for: All your tools are in good working order and readily accessible. The new grip is the correct size and type you want.
  • Mistake: Forgetting the grip solvent. Seriously, trying to peel off an old grip dry is a wrestling match you don’t want to start. It’s messy and ineffective.

2. Prepare Your Workspace:

  • Action: Find a spot with good airflow, preferably outdoors or in a garage. Lay down a generous amount of newspaper or paper towels to protect your work surface from solvent drips and old grip residue.
  • What to look for: A clean, well-lit area that’s easy to clean up afterward. Good ventilation is key to avoid inhaling too many fumes.
  • Mistake: Working in a confined, unventilated space like a small bathroom. The solvent smell can linger, and it’s just not pleasant.

3. Secure the Putter (Optional but Recommended):

  • Action: If you have a vise, gently clamp the putter shaft using a rubber grip clamp. This holds the putter steady, making the cutting and installation process much easier and safer.
  • What to look for: The putter is held firmly without any wobble, but the clamp isn’t crushing the shaft, especially if it’s graphite.
  • Mistake: Overtightening the vise, particularly on a graphite shaft. You risk cracking or deforming the shaft, which is a costly mistake.

4. Cut Off the Old Putter Grip:

  • Action: Carefully insert the tip of your utility knife under the edge of the grip, starting near the butt end. Slice along the length of the grip, cutting it away from the shaft. You might need to make a few passes to get it all off. Work slowly and deliberately.
  • What to look for: The grip material peeling away cleanly from the shaft. Your goal is to remove the grip, not to score or damage the shaft itself.
  • Mistake: Digging the knife too deep into the shaft. A sharp blade requires less pressure, reducing the risk of gouging the shaft.

5. Clean the Putter Shaft Thoroughly:

  • Action: Generously apply grip solvent to the shaft and use paper towels to scrub away every last bit of the old grip material and adhesive. Keep applying solvent and wiping until the shaft is completely smooth, clean, and free of any sticky residue. This is a critical step.
  • What to look for: A shaft that feels slick with solvent but has absolutely no tackiness or remnants of the old grip tape or glue. It should be perfectly smooth.
  • Mistake: Leaving any old tape or adhesive behind. This is the most common reason a new grip feels loose, spins, or doesn’t sit evenly.

6. Apply New Grip Tape (If Necessary):

  • Action: If your new grip doesn’t have built-in tape, wrap the shaft evenly with dedicated golf grip tape. Ensure it covers the area where the grip will sit, usually starting just below the butt end and extending down the shaft. Overlap slightly.
  • What to look for: The tape is smooth and free of wrinkles, providing a consistent surface for the new grip.
  • Mistake: Not covering the entire area where the grip will be, or leaving air bubbles in the tape. This can lead to an uneven feel or grip slippage.

7. Lubricate and Install the New Grip:

  • Action: Generously pour grip solvent into the open end of the new grip and swirl it around to coat the inside thoroughly. Also, apply some solvent to the shaft itself. Quickly and firmly slide the new grip onto the solvent-coated shaft, starting from the butt end.
  • What to look for: The grip slides on smoothly and easily. Make sure it’s aligned perfectly straight before it starts to set. You want it to go on straight the first time.
  • Mistake: Not using enough solvent. The solvent acts as a lubricant, allowing the grip to slide on easily, and it also helps the grip adhere to the shaft as it evaporates. If it feels like it’s sticking halfway, add more solvent.

8. Seat the Grip and Allow It to Dry:

  • Action: Once the grip is fully on and aligned, tap the butt end of the putter firmly on the ground a few times. This helps seat the grip completely and ensures there are no air pockets. Let the putter sit undisturbed in a cool, dry place for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight.
  • What to look for: The grip feels firm and securely attached to the shaft, with no looseness or shifting.
  • Mistake: Trying to putt with the club too soon. The solvent needs ample time to evaporate completely for the grip to bond properly to the shaft. Rushing this step can ruin the installation.

How to Remove a Putter Grip Safely

Removing an old putter grip is the first step in giving your flatstick a fresh feel. The key is using the right solvent and a sharp blade to avoid damaging your putter’s shaft.

  • Use Plenty of Solvent: Douse the grip and shaft liberally with grip solvent. This breaks down the old adhesive and makes removal much easier. Don’t be shy with the solvent; it’s designed to evaporate.
  • Cut Carefully: Start near the butt end and slice along the length of the grip. Use a sharp utility knife or a hook blade. The goal is to cut through the grip material, not dig into the shaft. You might need to make two parallel cuts and peel away a strip.
  • Scrape Away Residue: Once the grip is off, use solvent and paper towels to meticulously remove all remaining tape and adhesive from the shaft. A clean shaft is crucial for the new grip to adhere properly. If you feel any stickiness, keep cleaning.

Common Mistakes When Replacing a Putter Grip

  • Using the Wrong Solvent — Using something other than dedicated golf grip solvent or mineral spirits can potentially damage certain shaft materials (especially graphite) or simply not break down the old adhesive effectively. — Always opt for golf grip solvent or mineral spirits. If using mineral spirits, ensure they are pure and not mixed with other additives.
  • Cutting Too Deep into the Shaft — A common error, especially with less experienced DIYers, is applying too much pressure with the knife, leading to nicks or gouges in the putter shaft. This is particularly risky with graphite shafts. — Use a very sharp blade and let the blade do the work. Make shallow, controlled cuts. It’s better to make multiple passes than to cut too deep on the first try.
  • Not Cleaning the Shaft Thoroughly — This is arguably the most critical mistake. Any residual tape, glue, or old grip material left on the shaft will prevent the new grip from adhering properly, leading to a loose or uneven feel. — Be patient and persistent. Scrape and wipe until the shaft is perfectly smooth and feels clean to the touch. A solvent wipe-down at the end is a good final step.
  • Not Using Enough Solvent for Installation — The grip solvent is essential for both lubricating the shaft to allow the grip to slide on easily and for creating the bond as it evaporates. Insufficient solvent means a difficult installation and a poor bond. — Don’t be stingy. Generously coat the inside of the new grip and the shaft with solvent. It’s designed to evaporate, so a little extra won’t hurt.
  • Trying to Peel Off the Old Grip Dry — This is a futile and messy endeavor. The adhesive is designed to hold, and without solvent to break it down, you’ll end up with torn pieces and a lot of frustration. — Always use grip solvent to soften and dissolve the adhesive before attempting to remove the grip.
  • Not Aligning the Grip Correctly — A crooked grip can negatively impact your putting alignment and stroke. Once the solvent starts to evaporate, it becomes very difficult to adjust. — Take your time during installation. Ensure the grip’s logo or alignment lines are perfectly straight before you start sliding it on, and make any final adjustments immediately.
  • Rushing the Drying Process — The grip needs time for the solvent to fully evaporate and for the bonding process to complete. Putting the club back into play too soon can result in a grip that feels loose or even spins on the shaft. — Allow at least a few hours, and ideally overnight, for the grip to cure properly in a cool, dry environment.

FAQ: Putter Grip Replacement

  • How long does it take to replace a putter grip?

The actual removal and installation process typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes per grip, assuming you have all your supplies ready. The longest part is the drying time, which should be at least a few hours, but overnight is best for a secure bond.

  • What tools are essential for changing a putter grip?

You absolutely need a sharp utility knife (a hook blade is highly recommended) and golf grip solvent. Plenty of paper towels or shop rags are also a must for cleaning the shaft thoroughly.

  • Can I reuse an old putter grip?

Generally, no. Once a grip is removed, the adhesive is broken, and the grip material itself is often stretched or deformed. It’s best practice to use a new grip for optimal performance and feel.

  • How do I know if I need a new putter grip?

Look for signs of wear: if the grip feels hard, slick, or slippery, it’s time for a change. Cracks, tears, or excessive smoothing of the texture are also clear indicators that your grip is past its prime and needs replacing.

  • Can I use double-sided tape and contact cement instead of grip solvent?

While some golfers have experimented with alternative methods like double-sided tape and contact cement, using dedicated golf grip solvent and tape is the industry standard and the recommended approach. This method is specifically designed for golf grips, ensuring proper adhesion, feel, and longevity without damaging the shaft.

  • How tight should the new grip feel?

A properly installed new grip should feel firm and securely attached to the shaft. It shouldn’t twist or slip under normal pressure. If it feels loose or spins, it usually indicates that the shaft wasn’t cleaned thoroughly enough or that not enough solvent was used during installation.

  • Can I do this DIY putter grip replacement with any putter?

Yes, this method is suitable for most putters with steel or graphite shafts. Just remember to be extra cautious and gentle when working with graphite shafts to avoid any damage. The principles of using solvent and a sharp blade remain the same.

Sources

  • DIY Guide: Replacing Your Putter Grip | https://golfhubz.com/diy-guide-replacing-your-putter-grip

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