How to Extend a Putter Shaft

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Quick Answer

• Extend your putter shaft by adding a metal or graphite extension using strong, golf-specific epoxy.
• Careful measurement and proper surface preparation are key to a solid, lasting bond.
• This DIY modification can improve your comfort and consistency on the greens without buying a new club.

Who This Putter Extension Guide Is For

• Golfers who feel their current putter length is off, leading to an awkward stance or inconsistent stroke.
• Anyone looking to fine-tune their setup for better performance and comfort on the green, rather than investing in a new putter.

What to Check First for Putter Shaft Extension

• Shaft Material: Your putter shaft is likely steel or graphite. This is crucial because different extension types and epoxies work best with each. Steel is generally more forgiving, while graphite requires a lighter touch during preparation.
• Current Putter Length: Grab a tape measure. Accurately measure from the sole of the putter (where it rests on the ground) all the way up to the butt end of the grip. Knowing your starting point is non-negotiable.
• Desired Final Length: Think about your ideal putting stance. How tall are you? How do you naturally stand over the ball? Aim for a length that allows your eyes to be directly over the ball and your arms to hang comfortably. Even a quarter-inch adjustment can make a big difference.
• Extension Kit Components: Make sure you have the correct type of extension. They come in various lengths and materials, and some are designed for specific shaft types. Check that the extension fits snugly into your shaft.

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

1. Measure and Mark the Extension Point: Determine your desired final putter length. Subtract the current length from this desired length to find out how much you need to add. Measure this extension length from the butt end of your current putter shaft and make a clear, precise mark. This is where your extension will meet the existing shaft.

• What to look for: A crisp, visible mark on the shaft that accurately represents the addition needed.
• Mistake to avoid: Simply measuring the length of the extension piece and assuming that’s the measurement to make on the shaft. You need to account for the original length of your putter.

2. Prepare the Putter Shaft End: Gently roughen the very end of the putter shaft where the extension will be inserted. Use fine-grit sandpaper (around 120-grit is usually good) to scuff the surface. This creates microscopic grooves that the epoxy can grip onto, ensuring a strong bond. Don’t go crazy here; you’re just creating adhesion, not removing material.

• What to look for: A slightly dulled, uniformly textured surface on the tip of the shaft.
• Mistake to avoid: Over-sanding, which can weaken the shaft, especially if it’s a graphite shaft. You also don’t want to leave any smooth, shiny spots.

3. Prepare the Extension Piece: If you’re using a multi-piece extension, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing each part. Typically, this involves cleaning any oils or debris from the surfaces that will be joined. For single-piece extensions that fit inside the shaft, ensure the end that goes into the shaft is clean and free of any coatings that might interfere with the epoxy.

• What to look for: Clean, dry, and ready-to-bond surfaces on the extension.
• Mistake to avoid: Using an extension that has grease, dirt, or manufacturing residue on it. This contamination will compromise the bond strength.

4. Mix the Golf Club Epoxy: This is critical. Use a high-quality, two-part epoxy specifically designed for golf club shafts. Read the instructions carefully and mix the two components thoroughly until they are a uniform color and consistency. Work relatively quickly, as most golf epoxies have a limited working time.

• What to look for: A smooth, homogenous mixture with no streaks or unmixed portions.
• Mistake to avoid: Inaccurate mixing ratios, which can lead to the epoxy not curing properly or being too brittle. Also, not mixing enough epoxy for the job.

5. Apply the Epoxy: Apply a generous, even coat of the mixed epoxy to both the inside of the shaft extension (or the tip of the extension if it’s an internal type) and the prepared end of the putter shaft. Make sure you get good coverage without letting it drip excessively.

• What to look for: Full coverage on both surfaces that will be joined. You want enough to create a strong bond but not so much that it oozes out everywhere.
• Mistake to avoid: Under-applying epoxy, which leaves air gaps and weak spots. Conversely, over-applying can create a mess and potentially seep into the hosel.

6. Insert and Align the Extension: Carefully slide the extension into the putter shaft. If it’s a multi-piece extension, assemble the parts as directed. Give it a slight twist as you insert it to help spread the epoxy evenly and ensure a good fit. Make sure the extension is aligned straight with the shaft.

• What to look for: The extension seating fully and smoothly, with the shaft remaining perfectly straight.
• Mistake to avoid: Forcing the extension, which can damage the shaft or push epoxy into unwanted areas. Misalignment here will affect your putting stroke.

7. Clean Up and Cure: Immediately wipe away any excess epoxy that squeezes out with a clean cloth or paper towel. Then, let the putter sit undisturbed to cure fully. Most golf epoxies require at least 24 hours for a complete cure. Resist the urge to test it or put the grip back on too soon.

• What to look for: A clean joint with no visible excess epoxy after wiping. Once cured, the extension should feel completely solid.
• Mistake to avoid: Not cleaning up excess epoxy before it cures, which makes for a messy appearance. The biggest mistake here is not allowing adequate cure time; this is where many DIY repairs fail.

8. Re-grip the Putter: Once the epoxy has fully cured, it’s time to put a fresh grip on. If you removed the old grip earlier, install a new one using grip tape and solvent according to standard club-building procedures. Ensure the grip is aligned straight.

• What to look for: A securely attached grip that is aligned perfectly with the shaft.
• Mistake to avoid: Re-gripping before the epoxy is fully cured, or installing the grip crooked, which defeats the purpose of a precise extension.

How to Extend a Putter Shaft: Best Practices and Tips

Extending a putter shaft is a straightforward process, but paying attention to the details can make all the difference between a successful modification and a wobbly disaster. Beyond the basic steps, consider these points to ensure your extended putter performs as intended.

• Shaft Material Nuances: Extending a steel shaft is generally more robust. Graphite shafts, however, are hollow and can be more susceptible to damage if not handled carefully. When preparing a graphite shaft, use very fine sandpaper and apply minimal pressure. Some extensions are specifically designed for graphite and may offer a slightly different fitting mechanism. Always check the compatibility of your extension with your shaft material.
• Extension Types: You’ll find two main types of extensions: internal and external. Internal extensions slide into the butt end of the existing shaft. External extensions often involve a sleeve that fits over the end of the shaft. Internal extensions are more common for putters and often provide a cleaner look. If you’re using a two-piece internal extension, ensure the pieces fit together snugly before installation.
• Epoxy Selection is Paramount: Do not skimp on the epoxy. Standard household epoxies are not designed to withstand the flexing forces a golf club experiences. You need a high-strength, two-part epoxy formulated specifically for bonding golf club shafts. These epoxies are designed to be flexible enough to handle impact yet strong enough to maintain a permanent bond. Look for brands like GolfWorks, J-B Weld (specific golf formulations), or similar reputable golf club repair suppliers.
• The Importance of a Dry Environment: Ensure both the shaft and the extension are completely dry before applying epoxy. Moisture can interfere with the curing process and weaken the bond. If you’re working in a humid environment, try to find a dry space.
• Checking for Straightness: As you insert the extension, constantly check that the shaft remains perfectly straight. A slight bend or misalignment at this stage will translate to an inconsistent putter face angle on the green. A visual check from multiple angles is essential.
• Grip Installation: When reinstalling the grip, make sure it’s perfectly aligned. A crooked grip can easily throw off your aim, regardless of how well the shaft extension was done. Use a grip alignment aid or a level if you’re unsure.

Common Mistakes in Putter Shaft Extension

• Incorrect Measurement — Leads to a putter that is too long or too short, which can throw off your entire setup and stroke mechanics. This is the most common and frustrating mistake. — Double-check all measurements before cutting or assembling. Measure twice, extend once. Consider using a temporary extension to test lengths before committing.
• Using the Wrong Epoxy — Standard glues or epoxies not designed for golf clubs may not cure properly or bond strongly enough, leading to a loose or broken extension under the stress of a swing. — Always use a two-part epoxy specifically formulated for golf club shafts. Check the product description carefully.
• Poor Surface Preparation — Insufficient sanding on the shaft end means the epoxy has nothing solid to grip, resulting in a weak bond that can fail over time or with impact. — Lightly but thoroughly rough up the shaft end with fine-grit sandpaper for optimal adhesion.
• Not Enough Epoxy — Leaving air pockets or dry spots in the bond creates weak points and potential failure points, making the extension unstable. — Ensure complete and even coverage of epoxy on both surfaces being joined.
• Too Much Epoxy — While you need enough, excessive epoxy can ooze out, creating a messy appearance and potentially seeping into the hosel (the part where the shaft connects to the clubhead), which can be difficult to clean and might affect the club’s performance. — Apply a sufficient amount for good coverage, but be mindful of excess. Wipe away drips immediately with a clean cloth.
• Rushing the Cure Time — The epoxy needs sufficient time to fully harden and achieve its maximum strength. Trying to use the putter or put the grip on too soon can compromise the bond before it’s fully set. — Follow the manufacturer’s recommended cure time precisely. This usually means waiting at least 24 hours. Patience is a virtue here.
• Ignoring Shaft Material Differences — Treating a graphite shaft the same way as a steel shaft during preparation can lead to damage. — Be extra gentle when sanding graphite shafts. Use finer grit sandpaper and less pressure.

FAQ on Extending Your Putter Shaft

• What tools are necessary for extending a putter shaft?

You’ll need a reliable tape measure for accurate measurements, fine-grit sandpaper (like 120-grit) for shaft preparation, a high-quality two-part golf club epoxy, mixing sticks or a small container for mixing, and a clean cloth for wiping excess epoxy. If you’re replacing the grip, you’ll also need grip tape, solvent, and a vise with a shaft clamp.

• Can I extend a graphite putter shaft?

Yes, you absolutely can extend a graphite putter shaft, but you need to be more careful than with steel. Graphite is lighter and more brittle. When sanding, use very fine sandpaper and apply minimal pressure to avoid cracking or damaging the shaft. Some extensions are specifically designed for graphite and might offer a slightly different fitting method. Always check the compatibility.

• How much longer should my putter be?

This is highly personal and depends on your height, stance, and swing. A common starting point is to add 1 to 2 inches. The goal is to achieve a comfortable posture where your eyes are directly over the ball and your arms hang naturally. Experimenting is key. Some golfers use temporary extensions or even just hold the club higher to gauge the ideal length before making a permanent change.

• Will extending my putter affect its swing weight?

Yes, adding any weight to the butt end of the club, like a shaft extension, will increase the swing weight. For most golfers, this increase is usually minimal and often unnoticeable, especially if the extension is lightweight. However, for players who are very sensitive to club feel or are meticulous about their club specifications, this change might be a consideration.

• How do I know if the extension is secure after curing?

Once the epoxy has fully cured (typically after 24 hours), gently but firmly try to wiggle the extension where it meets the original shaft. It should feel like a solid, single piece of metal with no movement, creaking, or looseness whatsoever. If you feel any play or hear any sounds, the bond has likely not set properly, and you may need to re-do the process.

• What if I mess up the epoxy job? Can it be fixed?

If the epoxy doesn’t cure properly or the bond is weak, you might be able to carefully remove the extension. This can be tricky, and sometimes heat is required to soften the epoxy, but it risks damaging the shaft. It’s best to try and get it right the first time by following the steps carefully and using the correct materials. If it’s a complete failure, you might need to cut the shaft and start over, or seek professional help.

Sources:

Extending a Golf Putter Shaft
How to Lengthen A Putter Shaft: Step-by-Step Guide