Help Regripping Putter Shaft

[danglingangler]

Hi Everyone,

 

I recently purchased a used SIK C-Series armlock putter that came with a steel shaft and JumboMax Flat 17 grip. I additionally bought a LA Golf Shaft to replace the steel shaft. I had no issues pulling the steel shaft and putting in the graphite shaft. Everything went fine and I thought I was home free. After the epoxy dried, I set out to cut the shaft down to length and put a new JumboMax grip on the new putter. This is where I ran into my issues.

 

I followed all instructions on regripping a putter but I could never get the new grip on. I fought like crazy to just get it halfway before giving up and having to cut it off. So now I have to order a new grip but want to make sure I do it right before ruining another $30 grip.

 

What am I doing wrong? I place the tape on the shaft and smooth it out. I take the backside of the tape off and twist the 1" or so additional tape to cover the end of the shaft. Then I plug the hole on the grip and fill it with grip solvent from Golf Works. Give it a good shake to coat the inside of the grip. After that I empty the grip of solvent onto the tape that is on the shaft. I am using a vise clamp and rubber shaft clamp. The one thing that I can see is that the 2" tape from Golf Works does not completely wrap around the butt end of the shaft and there is a little graphite still showing. I did notice that some solvent was able to get under the tape in that area so when I push the grip on, it causes the tape to bunch and add more resistance.

 

Would I be better off wrapping the shaft with tape like a candy cane?

 

Thank you for your help,

 

Derek

[TommyRam]

Im gonna give my 2 cents...I've never installed or used a jumbo max putter grip, (but in looking at pics of them), if the grip has one of those seperate cores that is a different and firmer material than the grip surface itself, like a Super Stroke, they can be tough to install in my experience. They won't stretch like a more traditional grip. Gotta move quick once the tape is wet. One thing I didn't see in your description was wetting down the grip tape real good with solvent on the shaft before doing the grip wetting and solvent dump. Every little bit of tape needs to be wet before attempting the install. Also, make sure every bit of exposed edge on the grip tape is firmly and completely flattened to the shaft before applying solvent. I like to take the backing paper from the tape and use it around a couple of my fingers to press the tape down. I'm also assuming the butt diameter of your graphite shaft isn't grossly larger than the grip, but that can play a factor too if that is the case. I've not used narrow grip tape thats done in the spiral wrap fashion, so can't answer on that. Good luck on Take 2...

 

[bekgolf]

Ha!

 

I recently regripped a friends putter with a jumbo grip.  It was difficult.

 

With that said I've never had a problem regripping clubs in the past.  Lots of solvent (I use goo gone) and much more force than usual got it done.

 

The tape bunching comment has me wondering if you have water activated tape?  The only time I've had bunching was with water activated tape.

[jt2gt]

Just did a long grip on an armlock and you literally have to go nuts on the solvent...tons.  I even sprayed myself in the eye trying to get every part of the tape soaked with solvent. 🤣

 

Then its a helluva push to get that baby on.  Good Luck

[5 O'Clock Charlie]

Douse the tape with solvent and then, like you did, put solvent in the grip and slosh it around, then pour that over the tape. You need more solvent.

 

FWIW, I've been re-gripping clubs for more than 20 years, I don't use a vise at home (did when I was in the business), but I have become fond with lighter fluid. Maybe your solvent is bunk?

Edited July 29, 2021 by 5 O'Clock Charlie

[Socrates]

Having done 100's of these types of grips, the trick is to make sure the butt of the shaft does not have any sharp edges.  A few seconds with sanding block will take care of that.   Next you have to make sure the butt end has a second piece of tape on it.  You do this to make sure the grip doesn't break through the tape and bind.  I would warm up the grip a little (put it out in the sun for a while to make it more pliable.  As others have said, you need to use a fair amount of solvent to make sure it slides on easily.  Apply solvents and make sure you do it quickly so the solvent doesn't flash away.

[skraly]

I don’t like the Golfworks grip solvent at all.  I had some of the same issues while using this product even with standard grips.  I highly recommend deodorized mineral spirits instead.  I never have a problem with any grip using this.  You can buy it at any hardware store.

Edited July 29, 2021 by skraly

[PorkChopExpress]

Golfworks had a batch of grip solvent and tape that didn’t work well with each other. Or formula changed something. 
went through it myself, couldn’t get a grip past half way up without fighting the rest of the way 
 

Personally use Brampton’s nontoxic cause Of tight spaces

And intertape 591 and don’t have any issues

 

Edited July 29, 2021 by desaille

[zachillusions]

I feel this because I've done this several times. I would recommend putting a generous amount of solvent on the tape and the grip, not just putting it in the grip and pouring it on the tape. 

 

Also, its worth mentioning not all solvents are created equal. I've had better luck with some vs others but for the most part, the Golf Works solvent has worked for me. 

 

One last thing - I know I just said to put solvent on the tape AND the grip to help get it on, but I've also been in a position where I've put too much on and the tape never fully stuck to the grip so the grip would move even days after installation. Its kinda a trial and error thing until you get some experience with it 

[denkea]

Here's what I've done in the past.  Used an old shaft lying around and heated, with a torch, the first 10" of the tip.  Heat for about 10 seconds.  Insert the shaft tip into the grip.  Squeeze the grip softly with both hands to transfer the heat to the core of the grip.  Then put the grip on as you normally would.

 

Also found that using a solvent that doesn't evaporate too fast is helpful. (I normally use Naptha but would switch to mineral spirits for this).   Also compressed air is helpful if available.  

[Ri_Redneck]

Get an air compressor. They help no matter how you install your grips. It would have allowed you to remove the last one without ruining it. It also has other uses around the home. Tractor Supply has small ones for less than $100.

 

BT

[adamnbomb]

need to use a disgusting amount of solvent to get those grips on

[Phabs]

I’ve always used a ton of solvent and feathered them on with air 

[ChronicSlicer]

A wrap of cheap old masking tape, a spritz of Simple Green inside the grip, and an air compressor. No messy solvents, no fancy tape, no struggles. This makes changing them out a breeze too, a blast of air and off they come in one piece. Never had one twist or slip either.