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How to Lengthen A Putter Shaft: Step-by-Step Guide

ByThe Golfer

← Golf Equipment | Golf Clubs


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Quick Answer

  • You can add a shaft extension, usually steel or graphite, to your existing putter shaft.
  • This DIY project requires careful measuring and precise installation to maintain your putter’s balance and feel.
  • It’s a great way to get a more comfortable stance and potentially improve your putting consistency without buying a new club.

Who This Guide Is For

  • Golfers who feel their current putter length is causing discomfort, leading to a hunched posture or inconsistent stroke.
  • DIY enthusiasts who enjoy working on their golf equipment and want a cost-effective way to customize their clubs for a better fit.

What to Check First

  • Shaft Material: Is your putter shaft made of steel or graphite? This is crucial because you’ll need the correct type of extension and potentially different preparation methods. Steel shafts are common, but some modern putters use graphite.
  • Current Putter Length: Grab a tape measure. Accurately measure the length of your putter from the sole (where it rests on the ground) all the way up to the butt end of the grip. Write this down.
  • Desired New Length: Stand in your normal putting stance. Have a buddy measure from the ground to your hands, or better yet, try a putter that feels comfortable and measure that. You need to know how much longer you want your putter to be.
  • Shaft Butt Diameter: Most putter shafts have a standard butt diameter, but it’s good to know. This ensures the extension you buy will fit properly. Check the extension’s specifications.
  • Extension Type: Are you going with a steel extension or a graphite one? Steel is generally heavier and can help maintain swing weight, while graphite is lighter. For putters, steel is often preferred.

Step-by-Step Plan for Putter Shaft Lengthening

This is where we get our hands dirty. It’s not rocket science, but you gotta be steady.

1. Measure and Mark the Extension Point:

  • Action: Using your tape measure, mark the exact point on your current putter shaft where you want the extension to begin. This is usually at the very top of the existing shaft, just below the grip.
  • What to look for: A clear, precise line that encircles the shaft. A fine-tip marker works best. Make sure the line is perpendicular to the shaft.
  • Mistake to avoid: Guessing the measurement or making a wobbly line. An inaccurate mark means an inaccurate final length, and you’ll be back to square one. I once eyeballed it on a driver and ended up way too long. Learned my lesson.

2. Prepare the Existing Shaft End:

  • Action: If you have a steel shaft, you might need to use a shaft reamer to slightly widen the butt end. This ensures the extension fits snugly without forcing it. For graphite shafts, ensure the butt end is clean and smooth. You might need to lightly sand it if there’s any rough material.
  • What to look for: The shaft extension should slide into the existing shaft’s butt end with minimal resistance, but it should feel tight and secure, not loose. It should go in up to your marked line.
  • Mistake to avoid: Over-reaming a steel shaft. You don’t want to compromise the shaft’s structural integrity. Just enough to get a snug fit is the goal.

3. Apply Golf Shaft Epoxy:

  • Action: Get some proper golf shaft epoxy. Mix it according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually a two-part system). Apply a generous, even coat to the inside of the shaft extension and the outside of the existing shaft’s butt end where the extension will insert.
  • What to look for: A consistent, smooth layer of epoxy covering the entire surface that will be joined. Make sure there are no dry spots or air bubbles.
  • Mistake to avoid: Using too little epoxy. This is the glue that holds your putter together. Insufficient epoxy means a weak bond that can fail under the stress of your swing.

4. Insert the Shaft Extension:

  • Action: Carefully and firmly push the shaft extension into the existing shaft’s butt end. Twist it slightly as you insert to help spread the epoxy evenly. Ensure it goes in straight and all the way to your marked line.
  • What to look for: The extension slides in smoothly and stops precisely at your marked line. The connection looks clean and straight.
  • Mistake to avoid: Forcing the extension in at an angle or not pushing it all the way. This can create a weak bond or misalign the shaft, affecting your putter’s performance.

5. Clean Up Excess Epoxy:

  • Action: Immediately after inserting the extension, use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe away any excess epoxy that squeezes out from the joint.
  • What to look for: A clean, seamless transition between the two shaft pieces. No drips or smears of epoxy on the shaft.
  • Mistake to avoid: Letting the epoxy dry on the shaft. Dried epoxy is tough to remove and can look sloppy. Get it while it’s wet.

6. Install the New Grip:

  • Action: Now, it’s time to put on your new, longer grip. Use grip solvent and double-sided grip tape as you normally would. Slide the grip onto the extended shaft, making sure it’s straight and fully seated.
  • What to look for: The grip slides on smoothly and is aligned perfectly with the shaft. There are no air bubbles or wrinkles.
  • Mistake to avoid: Forgetting to install the grip before the epoxy fully cures. You can’t putt without a grip, and trying to install one after the epoxy is hardened is a nightmare.

7. Allow Epoxy to Cure Fully:

  • Action: This is the hardest part – waiting. Let the epoxy cure completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes at least 24 hours, sometimes up to 48 hours, depending on the epoxy and temperature.
  • What to look for: A solid, fused connection between the two shaft pieces. The putter should feel like a single, unified club.
  • Mistake to avoid: Rushing the cure time. Swinging the putter too soon, even gently, can put stress on the fresh bond and cause it to fail. Patience is key here. Trust me, I’ve been tempted to test it out too early.

How to Lengthen A Putter Shaft: What to Consider After

Once your putter is lengthened and the epoxy has cured, take it to the practice green. How does it feel? Does your stance feel more natural? Are your eyes directly over the ball? Sometimes, lengthening a golf shaft can subtly change the feel or balance, and it might take a few practice sessions to get used to it. If it feels a bit off, don’t worry. Minor adjustments are sometimes needed, and it’s a process of fine-tuning [1].

Common Mistakes When Lengthening A Putter Shaft

  • Incorrect Measurement — Leads to a putter that is still too short, too long, or unevenly extended — Double-check all measurements multiple times before making any cuts or applying epoxy. Measure from the sole to the butt end, and then determine your desired final length.
  • Using the Wrong Epoxy — Results in a weak bond that can fail during a swing, leading to a broken shaft — Always use specialized two-part golf shaft epoxy. Standard super glues or household adhesives are not strong enough for this application.
  • Not Reaming Steel Shafts Properly — The extension won’t fit snugly, or it might fit too loosely, creating a weak connection — Use a shaft reamer carefully to achieve a snug fit for the extension. You should feel resistance, but not have to force it excessively.
  • Over-reaming Steel Shafts — Weakens the shaft integrity, making it prone to breaking, especially at the butt end — Ream only as much as is necessary to allow the extension to slide in for a snug fit. It’s better to ream a little too little and add more material than to ream too much.
  • Rushing the Cure Time — The epoxy bond can fail under the stress of a swing, leading to a broken or loose extension — Allow the epoxy to cure fully as per the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 24-48 hours. Avoid testing the putter until the cure is complete.
  • Improper Grip Installation — The grip can slip, be misaligned, or not sit flush, affecting your feel and control — Ensure you use enough grip solvent and double-sided tape, and slide the grip on straight and all the way down.
  • Ignoring Swing Weight Changes — Adding length and potentially a heavier extension can increase swing weight, altering the putter’s feel — Be aware that the putter might feel heavier or more head-light. This can be a positive or negative change depending on your preference.

FAQ

  • Can I lengthen any type of putter shaft?

Generally, yes. Most steel and graphite putter shafts can be extended. The key is to use the correct type of shaft extension (steel or graphite) that matches your existing shaft material and to prepare the shaft end properly for a secure bond.

  • What tools are essential for lengthening a putter shaft?

You’ll need a shaft extension (steel or graphite, appropriate for your shaft), a reliable two-part golf shaft epoxy, a tape measure, a marker, a clean cloth for wiping excess epoxy, and a grip kit (solvent, tape) for installing the new grip. If you have a steel shaft, you’ll also need a shaft reamer.

  • How much does it typically cost to lengthen a putter shaft as a DIY project?

For a DIY job, the cost is quite low. Shaft extensions typically range from $5 to $15, and a set of golf shaft epoxy is about $10-$20. So, you’re looking at roughly $15 to $35 for materials, plus the cost of a new grip if you don’t already have one.

  • Will lengthening my putter affect its swing weight?

Yes, it will. Adding length to a putter shaft will generally increase its swing weight. This is because the putter head is now further from your hands. Some golfers find this increased swing weight makes the putter feel more stable, while others may prefer to add weight to the putter head or use a lighter extension to compensate.

  • How do I know if my putter is too short for me?

Several signs indicate your putter might be too short. You might feel like you’re hunching over the ball, your eyes aren’t directly over the target line, or your arms feel cramped and uncomfortable during your stroke. A common test is to stand at address; if your hands are significantly below your shoulders, it’s likely too short.

  • Can I use a regular drill bit to ream a steel shaft?

It’s not recommended. A dedicated shaft reamer is designed to create a smooth, precise opening without damaging the shaft. Using a standard drill bit can easily over-ream the shaft, weaken it, or create an uneven surface, leading to a poor fit for the extension.

  • How much extra length can I add to a putter shaft?

Most golfers add between 1 to 3 inches to their putter length. Adding too much can significantly alter the putter’s balance and feel, and may not be comfortable to stroke. It’s best to start with a smaller increment and test it out before committing to a larger change.

Sources:

[1] Lengthening a Golf Shaft: A Step-by-Step Guide: https://golfhubz.com/lengthening-a-golf-shaft-a-step-by-step-guide/

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