Many of us are happy to hand our clubs over to a trusty PGA professional when they need a regrip; others enjoy the satisfaction of a bit of DIY, which also saves a few quid.
It’s a simple enough procedure to do at home, but there are a few important dos and don’ts. So, here’s our guide on how to regrip your golf clubs in five steps.
What you need
- White spirit (or similar mineral spirit)
- Small knife, such as a Stanley
- Double-sided tape
- Towel
- Vice
Step 1: Remove the old grip
First comes the removal of the worn grips. Ideally, you need a vice, as this will help keep the club steady and prevent injury. Make an incision at the narrower end with your knife. This should enable you to pull the old grip off without too much difficulty, although you may need to repeat this process a few times if it proves a little stubborn. It’s important that you cut away from your body. The last thing you want to do is rule yourself out of the weekend medal.
Step 2: Remove the old tape
Now remove the old tape underneath. If you leave it on and put the new tape over it, you’re going to end up with a bigger grip. You can use the Stanley to scrape the old tape off as though you’re peeling an apple. When it’s all removed, dab an old towel or cloth in white spirit and give the shaft a good rub, removing any debris and grime.
Step 3: Install the new tape
Now to install the new double-sided tape. First, lock the shaft into the vice. At this stage, it’s a good idea to use a shaft protector to avoid causing any damage as you tighten it in the vice. It’s crucial that you line up the clubface square. It’s also a good idea to measure the tape to the correct length – so do that by lining up a grip next to the tape.
Be sure to leave a slight bit of overhang (approximately half an inch); this will make it easier to slip the new grip on. Finish this step off by smoothing out the tape, making sure there are no wrinkles or bubbles. Pinch together the overhanging bit of tape and poke it into the end of the shaft.
Step 4: Coat in white spirit
Next, apply the white spirit to the tape. Then, take your new grip, cover the little hole at the end, and pour some in. Be generous, as you can’t use too much. Use your fingers to cover both ends of the grip and swill the liquid around to coat the whole of the inside.
Step 5: Put on the new grip
Now to slide the new grip on. You need to put it on quickly. Make sure it’s seated firmly at the end of the grip – the end cap should not be moving around. The alignment guides, logo, and texture should all be perpendicular to the clubface. You have a limited time here to make any minor adjustments before it sets firmly. Finish off by tapping down the end of the grip on the ground to make sure that the cap is seated correctly.
One down, 13 to go.
