reshafting composite heads

[kauaigolf]

i've reshafted tons of clubs before, but never a composite head. i kinda dont want the risk of ruining a head due to overheating. the only way i've done a comp is cutting the shaft and drilling it out. i know some people have used a heat gun on low heat w/ a damp towel on the head, and some have used a hot rod. what do you guys think is the best way to do it? i've never used a hot rod before, but it seems like that way would take a really long time. has anyone had a bad experience doing a comp head?

[kiwidave]

yes I sent mine away to a clubfitter to have my done because i didn't really want to do it myself. He f*&^#d it up and the head cracked. But to give the guy credit he did give me a new head and did the whole job for nothing. Class act on his part

[longskate87]

I've reshafted my Comp 460 about 5 times, and i'm no professional. TAKE YOUR TIME. Wrap a dripping wet towel around the head, and only heat the area under the hosel. Use a good shaft puller, try as much as possible to use the puller more than the heat. It's not impossible, you just have to be careful.

[Dyno]

Wet chamois, direct heat to hosel. Use a hot rod if the insertion is deep. For FT3's, use a Ping style pusher tool and hot rod along with wet chamois.

 

Hot rod method is pretty simple. Drill out the shaft with a 48" bit to ensure there is no glue plug. Heat the tip of the rod til red hot, cool 20sec then insert 20 sec. Repeat and put some pressure on the head. If you can, heat the head a bit from the outside, all the better. I use nothing but propane but if you want to be careful use heat gun or butane. It might take 4 or 5 insertions for the glue to let go....sometimes it takes as little as 2.

 

Key is to wrap the head well with the wet chamois to kill any heat heading towards the graphite/metal junction and to use a good shaft puller. I have a JB Pro hydraulic but a Mitchell or a Kennedy would do just fine.

 

The Cleveland is the easiest Comp head you can pull. The FT3 can be alittle dicey unless you have the feel for it.

[Texan]

IMHO a "hot rod" and wet cloth is by far the best and safest way to go. When doing conventional heads without a wet cloth, the head remains cool enough to hold in your hand, except around the hosel. With composite heads just keep the head wraped in a wet cloth, especially the area where the two materials meet. Another no no is to put the hot rod in while it is red hot. I heat it until it is red and slowly count to 15 before inserting it into the shaft. Sometimes it takes 2 or 3 applications of heat. On the second application I give it a little help by applying a little heat to the hosel with a butane micro torch. Just use a good shaft puller and take your time, more force and less heat.