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How to Regrip Golf Clubs at Home, Step by Step

By , owner and editor ·

Irons with worn chrome heads in a red golf bag

To regrip a golf club, cut off the old grip with a hook blade, strip the old tape, wrap the shaft in new double-sided grip tape, coat the tape and the inside of the new grip with grip solvent, and slide the grip on in one motion. Line up the logo, then let it dry, usually a few hours, before you play. Golf Pride's rule of thumb is to replace grips about once a year or every 40 rounds. Below are the tools, each step in detail, and the differences for putters and graphite shafts. It is part of our golf equipment care guide.

When to replace your grips

Grips harden and get slick as skin oil, sweat and sunlight break down the rubber. Change them when you notice any of these:

Golfer's gloved hand holding the grip of a club
A worn grip makes you squeeze harder to keep control of the club. Photo: u_18g8wob1 / Pixabay
  • The surface looks shiny or glazed and feels slippery even after a wash
  • Smooth, worn patches where your thumbs or fingers sit
  • Cracks, splits or a grip that twists on the shaft
  • You find yourself squeezing harder to keep control

Golf Pride says regrip once a year or every 40 rounds; play more and you will need to do it sooner. Cleaning grips regularly (see how to clean golf clubs) helps them last.

Tools and supplies

  • A hook-blade utility knife (the curved blade cuts away from the shaft)
  • Double-sided grip tape, in strips or a roll
  • Grip solvent; Golf Pride notes that odorless mineral spirits also work
  • A rubber shaft clamp and a vise, to hold the club (helpful but optional)
  • A tray or bucket to catch solvent, and a rag
  • New grips in the size you want: undersize, standard, midsize or jumbo

Step by step

  1. Cut off the old grip. Hold the club securely, with the shaft in a rubber clamp if you have one. Hook the blade under the bottom of the grip and pull it toward the butt end, cutting away from the shaft. Peel the grip off.
  2. Remove the old tape. Peel it off by hand. A hair dryer or heat gun softens stubborn tape. Clean any leftover adhesive with solvent and a rag.
  3. Apply new tape. Cut a strip about an inch longer than the grip and run it down the shaft lengthwise, leaving about half an inch hanging over the butt end. Peel off the backing, then twist the overhang and push it into the end of the shaft. Some players add extra wraps underneath to build up a thicker grip.
  4. Add solvent. Cover the hole at the end of the new grip with a finger or a tee, pour solvent inside, shake it around, and pour it out over the tape so the whole strip is coated.
  5. Slide on the grip. Quickly, before the solvent evaporates, push the grip onto the shaft in one smooth motion until the butt of the shaft meets the end cap.
  6. Align it. You have a minute or two to twist the grip so the logo or alignment marking sits square to the clubface. Check from the address position.
  7. Let it dry. Leave the club for a few hours, or as the solvent's maker says, before hitting balls.

MyGolfSpy estimates 10 to 15 minutes per club the first time you do it. With practice a full set takes under an hour.

Graphite shafts

Be careful with the knife. A nick in a graphite shaft can weaken it. Cut lightly through the grip only, or use a grip-removal tool that injects solvent under the grip so it slides off without cutting.

Putter grips

Most putter grips have a flat front and go on the same way, but alignment matters more: the flat side must face straight up the target line. Larger, non-tapered putter grips often need extra tape at the bottom of the shaft so they sit firmly. Some oversized putter grips are designed to go on with air or solvent only; follow the grip maker's instructions.

Doing it yourself or paying a shop

A shop charges for labor plus the grips, and many will regrip a set while you wait. Doing it yourself costs the grips, tape and solvent, and a hook blade and clamp you can reuse. It is a good first club-repair job: the only real risks are scoring a graphite shaft with the blade and putting the grip on crooked, and a crooked grip can be twisted straight before the solvent dries.

Frequently asked questions

How long should grips dry before playing?

A few hours is typical with standard grip solvent. Overnight is the safe choice.

Can I use water instead of grip solvent?

Some grips and tapes are designed for water installation, but standard double-sided tape needs solvent to activate. Use what the grip maker recommends.

Does grip size matter?

Yes. Grips that are too small can encourage too much hand action; too large can restrict it. A shop can measure your hand and glove size.

Back to the golf equipment care guide.

Sources

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