How to Regrip a Putter

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Quick Answer

• Regripping your putter is a DIY job: strip the old grip, prep the shaft, apply new tape, and slide on the new grip with solvent.
• A fresh, grippy putter can seriously boost your confidence on the greens.
• Take your time, use the right gear, and you’ll have a putter that feels like new.

Who This Guide Is For

• Anyone whose current putter grip feels slick, worn, or just plain wrong.
• Golfers who like to tinker and save a few bucks by doing their own club maintenance.

What to Check First: Putter Regripping Checklist

• Shaft Diameter: Ensure your new grip matches your putter shaft. Most are standard, but check if yours is midsize or jumbo. Don’t guess; check the manual or manufacturer’s site if you’re unsure.
• Grip Specs: Consider the texture, size, and weight of the new grip. This directly impacts feel and control, so pick something that suits your hands and stroke.
• Solvent Type: Grab some dedicated grip solvent. It’s designed to evaporate cleanly and safely, unlike mineral spirits or other harsh chemicals.
• Tape Quality: Use proper double-sided golf grip tape. It’s engineered to stick well and peel off cleanly.

Step-by-Step Plan: How to Regrip a Putter

Secure the Putter Properly

• Action: Clamp the putter shaft firmly in a vise. Use a rubber vise insert or a specialized grip clamp to protect the shaft from getting crushed or scratched.
• What to look for: The putter should be rock solid. No wiggling, no shifting. You want it stable enough that you can apply firm pressure without it moving.
• Mistake to avoid: Not securing the putter properly is a recipe for disaster. You could easily damage the shaft, or worse, have the putter slip and cause an injury. I’ve seen it happen.

Remove the Old Grip

• Action: Take a sharp utility knife and carefully slice along the underside of the old grip. Start at the butt end and work your way down towards the clubhead.
• What to look for: You’re aiming to cut through the grip material only. Keep the blade at a slight angle away from the shaft.
• Mistake to avoid: Cutting too deep is the main concern here. You don’t want to nick or gouge the shaft, especially if it’s graphite. Just slice the grip off.

Scrape Off Old Tape and Residue

• Action: Use your utility knife, a scraper tool, or even your fingernail to meticulously remove any remaining grip tape and sticky adhesive residue from the shaft.
• What to look for: A completely clean and smooth shaft surface. No bumps, no sticky spots. It should feel smooth to the touch.
• Mistake to avoid: Leaving any residue behind is a common pitfall. It can create an uneven surface, causing the new grip to adhere poorly or feel lumpy.

Apply New Grip Tape

• Action: Wrap double-sided golf grip tape around the shaft. Start about half an inch from the butt end and spiral down, overlapping the tape by roughly half its width. Ensure it’s snug and smooth.
• What to look for: Even coverage with no gaps or wrinkles. The tape should lie flat against the shaft. A smooth, consistent layer is key.
• Mistake to avoid: Inconsistent tape overlap is a sneaky one. It leads to an uneven feel under your hands and can create a weak spot where the grip might eventually slip. Think of it like wrapping a present – neat and tidy wins.

Install the New Grip

• Action: Pour a generous amount of grip solvent into the open end of the new grip. Quickly and firmly slide the grip onto the taped shaft. Wiggle it slightly to help it go on smoothly.
• What to look for: The grip should slide on relatively easily. Ensure the butt end cap is fully seated against the end of the shaft. You want it snug and straight.
• Mistake to avoid: Not using enough solvent is a classic error. It makes sliding the grip on a wrestling match, often resulting in tearing the grip or getting it on crooked. Trust me, more solvent is better.

Align and Dry

• Action: Once the grip is fully seated, make any final adjustments to ensure it’s perfectly straight from butt to tip. Let the putter rest on a flat surface, or stand it up in a corner, allowing the solvent to evaporate completely.
• What to look for: The grip should be perfectly aligned with the face of the putter. No twists or turns. The grip should feel secure and not move.
• Mistake to avoid: Rushing the drying process is tempting but detrimental. The grip needs adequate time to bond properly with the tape and shaft. Check the solvent manufacturer’s recommendation, but typically 15-30 minutes is a good starting point.

How to Regrip a Putter: A Practical Guide

Regripping your putter is one of the most satisfying DIY golf club maintenance tasks you can tackle. It’s not just about aesthetics; a worn-out grip can subtly alter your feel, your grip pressure, and ultimately, your stroke. Think about it: that grip is your only connection to the club. If it’s slick, sticky, or misshapen, your hands are going to compensate, and that’s rarely a good thing for consistent putting. This guide breaks down the process into simple, actionable steps, so you can get your putter feeling fresh and confident again.

The Importance of a Good Putter Grip

Your putter grip is arguably the most critical grip on your entire set of clubs. While a driver grip needs to handle speed and torque, and an iron grip needs to offer feedback, your putter grip needs to provide consistent comfort, control, and a reliable feel shot after shot. A fresh grip ensures that your hands are making consistent contact with the club, reducing the need for excessive grip pressure, which is a common culprit for a tense, jerky putting stroke. It allows you to focus on your read, your tempo, and your line, rather than worrying about whether your hands are going to slip or feel awkward.

Choosing the Right Grip

Before you even think about removing the old one, take some time to select your new grip. There are tons of options out there, and the “best” one is highly personal.

• Size: This is paramount. Grips come in standard, midsize, and jumbo. A grip that’s too small might lead to excessive hand action and wrist manipulation. A grip that’s too large can make it difficult to get your hands fully around the grip, potentially leading to too much pressure. A good rule of thumb is to try holding your putter with your eyes closed and see what feels natural and stable.
• Texture and Material: Different textures offer varying levels of tackiness and feedback. Some golfers prefer a smoother, softer feel, while others like a more aggressive texture for maximum grip. Materials like rubber, polyurethane, and corded options all offer a different experience.
• Weight: Some modern putter grips are heavier, designed to help stabilize the stroke by adding counterbalance. This can be beneficial for players who struggle with tempo or feel they have too much hand action.

Don’t underestimate the impact of a new grip. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your putting performance and enjoyment of the game.

Common Mistakes in Putter Regripping

• Mistake: Using the wrong type of tape.
• Why it matters: Standard masking tape or duct tape won’t adhere properly to the shaft or the grip, and they can leave a sticky, gooey mess that’s a pain to remove.
• Fix: Always use double-sided golf grip tape specifically designed for club regripping. It’s engineered to stick securely and peel off cleanly.

• Mistake: Not using enough solvent.
• Why it matters: This is a major one. Insufficient solvent makes sliding the grip onto the shaft a near-impossible task. You risk tearing the grip, getting it on crooked, or not seating it fully.
• Fix: Be generous with the solvent. You want to saturate the inside of the grip and the taped shaft. It’s better to use too much than too little. It all evaporates.

• Mistake: Inconsistent tape overlap.
• Why it matters: If your tape is applied unevenly, with gaps or thick overlaps, you’ll feel it under your hands. This can lead to an uncomfortable feel, inconsistent grip pressure, and even a potential weak spot for slippage down the line.
• Fix: Aim for a smooth, consistent overlap of about half the tape’s width as you spiral it down the shaft. Make sure it’s applied snugly against the shaft.

• Mistake: Not securing the putter properly in the vise.
• Why it matters: This is a safety and equipment protection issue. An unsecured putter can spin or slip, potentially damaging the shaft or causing you to cut yourself.
• Fix: Always use a rubber vise insert or a specialized grip clamp. This protects the shaft from the vise jaws and provides a much more secure hold.

• Mistake: Forgetting to check the alignment before the solvent dries.
• Why it matters: Once the solvent starts to evaporate, the grip will become very difficult to move. If it’s not straight, you’re stuck with a crooked grip.
• Fix: Take a moment to visually check the alignment from multiple angles immediately after sliding the grip on. Make any necessary minor adjustments while it’s still slick.

• Mistake: Using heat to remove the old grip.
• Why it matters: While heat might seem like a quick fix, it can damage the shaft material, especially graphite shafts. It can weaken the epoxy or even warp the shaft itself.
• Fix: Stick to the cutting method with a utility knife. It’s safer for your equipment and just as effective.

FAQ: Putter Regripping Questions

• How often should I regrip my putter?

It varies, but most golfers should consider regripping their putter every 1-2 years, or sooner if the grip feels slick, worn, cracked, or doesn’t feel comfortable anymore. Heavy use and practice will accelerate wear.

• What is the best way to remove an old putter grip?

The safest and most recommended method is to carefully cut along the underside of the grip with a sharp utility knife. Work from the butt end down towards the clubhead, making sure not to cut into the shaft itself.

• Can I use heat to remove a putter grip?

No, it’s generally not recommended. Applying heat, especially to graphite shafts, can damage the shaft material, weaken the epoxy bond, or even cause warping. Cutting the grip off is the preferred and safer method.

• How long does it take to regrip a putter?

If you’re organized and have all your supplies ready, you can regrip a single putter in about 15-20 minutes, not including the drying time for the solvent. Doing multiple putters at once can speed up the process.

• Can I reuse an old putter grip?

While technically possible with a lot of effort and solvent, it’s usually not worth the hassle. Old grips lose their tackiness, shape, and cushioning over time. New grips are relatively inexpensive and provide a fresh, reliable feel.

• What kind of solvent should I use for regripping?

Dedicated golf grip solvent is the best choice. It’s specifically formulated to work with grip tape and rubber, evaporates cleanly, and is safe for most club components. Mineral spirits can sometimes work, but they may leave an oily residue and aren’t always ideal for all grip materials.

Sources:

• How to Regrip a Golf Putter
• How to Regrip Your Golf Putter