Removing a Grip Master putter grip

[Robert L.]

A few months ago I bought from GolfWorks a Grip Master Tour Classic Wrap putter grip to install on my Otey Crisman putter with a hickory shaft. It wasn't much longer afterwards that I realized I made a mistake. The grip was way too tacky for my liking. I tried all kinds of things to make the grip less tacky, but to no avail. Now I'm thinking of removing the grip, but I can't get it off. I tried using a long flat metal grip remover and mineral spirits, but it just won't come off. How can I remove this grip? A Dremel? Tin snips? Anyone have any ideas?

[HISPL]

If you aren’t worried about maintaining the grip for future use a hook blade will get it off.

 

This is the reason why they should be installed with rubber cement (contact adhesive) as using this method makes them simple to remove and reuse

[NRJyzr]

1 hour ago, HISPL said:

If you aren’t worried about maintaining the grip for future use a hook blade will get it off.

 

This is the reason why they should be installed with rubber cement (contact adhesive) as using this method makes them simple to remove and reuse

 

I've been using contact cement, which is not quite the same, but otherwise the same concept.

 

I've even started using it with rubber grips I've installed

(for clarity's sake, I'm also using an air compressor)

 

Edited June 10, 2021 by NRJyzr

[HateTheHighDraw]

May have to inject it

[WanLefty]

Compressed air will do it - especially if installed with rubber cement. 

[Robert L.]

This grip installs just like a regular grip, with two-sided tape and mineral spirits. However it is so inflexible that I was only able to get the grip removal tools about halfway down before it jammed up and wouldn't go any further. I'm actually thinking of going to Harbor Tools and picking up some tin snips and seeing if that will work, just cut it all off.

[chrisbellaire]

Unwrap the leather wrap portion.  It is held in place by the grip cap, which simply unfolds out of the way.  With the leather wrap removed you can try again to get some solvent between the underlisting and the shaft.  If that doesn't work then cut off the underlisting with a utility knife, taking care not to damage the shaft (or your other hand !!).

You can buy another underlisting at Gripmaster or Golfworks, install with double-stick tape, and re-wrap the leather strap.

[rp4golf]

1 hour ago, Robert L. said:

This grip installs just like a regular grip, with two-sided tape and mineral spirits. However it is so inflexible that I was only able to get the grip removal tools about halfway down before it jammed up and wouldn't go any further. I'm actually thinking of going to Harbor Tools and picking up some tin snips and seeing if that will work, just cut it all off.

Snips?
Using any grip removal tools and such or compressed air is because one plans on reusing the grip.
If you just want to get it off use a hook knife (blade) as are sold in literally any hardware store.

[Robert L.]

33 minutes ago, rp4golf said:

Snips?
Using any grip removal tools and such or compressed air is because one plans on reusing the grip.
If you just want to get it off use a hook knife (blade) as are sold in literally any hardware store.

I'll try it, but I don't think it'll succeed. That leather is tough!

[rp4golf]

32 minutes ago, Robert L. said:

I'll try it, but I don't think it'll succeed. That leather is tough!

I'd guess the outer leather layer can be unwrapped.

[Nixhex524]

Hook blade right down the seam.  I have removed a couple, just put it in a vice and rip that hook blade down the seam..  This is why I blow ALL my grips on with painters tape...  It's nice to be able to save them easily.

[Mustard_Tiger]

44 minutes ago, Robert L. said:

I'll try it, but I don't think it'll succeed. That leather is tough!

 

 

A hook blade utility knife will cut it off easily. Especially if it's a new blade. I've done it multiple times with a leather wrapped Gripmaster.

Edited June 10, 2021 by Mustard_Tiger

[VNutz]

1 hour ago, Robert L. said:

I'll try it, but I don't think it'll succeed. That leather is tough!

Make sure to cut away from yourself.

[Robert L.]

4 hours ago, Mustard_Tiger said:

 

 

A hook blade utility knife will cut it off easily. Especially if it's a new blade. I've done it multiple times with a leather wrapped Gripmaster.

Well whaddya know! I tried it, and it was a lot easier than I expected. That hook blade cut through it like butter! Now it's time to install a new grip. It's going to be a Winn midsize grip. It feels tacky right out of the package, but not as tacky as the Grip Master grip.

[RobotDoctor]

If recycling the grip is the goal it probably will not happen with double sided grip tape.  That is how I had installed my GripmasterUSA/BestGrips leather slip on grips from 2006 through late last fall.  I have never been able to remove one of these grips either with solvent under the underlisting (using solvent and grip removal blade) or with compressed air (up to 100 psi).  I now use painters tape to build up what I want and grip solvent.  I had used rubber cement along with it but now don't.  Then I use compressed air (~50-60 psi) to blow them on.  The solvent allows for positioning the seam as I want it.  Grips installed in this manner also are able to be removed with little effort by the air compressor.  

[Robert L.]

I want to say thank you to everyone who posted here. You were all very helpful with your advice. The new grip is on now, and I can't wait to try it! It's tacky, but nowhere near as tacky as the Grip Master grip.