How to Install New Golf Alignment Grips
By Bill Herrfeldt
With most golfers, two things happen. Either they play with grips on their clubs until they're smooth, then they spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on a new set of clubs. Or, when their grips get in bad shape, they pay someone else dearly to install new grips on their clubs. The fact is, replacing the grips on your golf clubs is very easy to do. So if the grips on your clubs are worn, or you want to take advantage of the latest craze in grips, install new ones.
Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Remove your old grips by cutting them three times length-wise with a sharp knife and peeling them off. Some grips have a so-called grip stop to secure the bottom of the grip. Simply cut it off and remove it because most grips today do not need it. The same goes for a plug at the top of the shaft. Most modern grips are solid at the top; so in most cases if your clubs have them, remove them as well. Then remove all the tape that's underneath the grips, being sure that you don't damage the shafts in the process. If you have difficulty in removing all the tape, apply either rubbing alcohol or grip solvent to the shaft to make it easier. However, be sure you dry the shafts thoroughly before taking the next step.
Apply new double-sided tape in a serpentine fashion from the top of the shaft to where the grip will end. If you do not have tape made especially for grips, anything like carpet tape that you may have in the house will do fine.
Pour grip solvent on the tape until it is completely saturated. If you haven't bought any, other chemicals such as nail polish remover or light fluid will do just as well as long as it doesn't contain oil. Once the tape is saturated, pour a bit of the liquid inside the grips, making sure they are totally saturated as well.
Slide each grip onto the shafts, and make sure that they go as far down the shaft as possible. Gently tap the tops of your shafts against something hard to make sure the grips are all the way on.
Make sure the grips are aligned properly because you have chosen grips that contain diagrams where your hands should be placed on the clubs. The grip solvent or other liquid you have used will dry in about 15 minutes, so you will have plenty of time to make the final adjustments.
Tips & Warnings
Don't use your clubs for about 24 hours because it will take about that long for the grips to be permanently set.
About The Author
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic." He graduated from the University of Louisville.
