Regripping w/ an air compressor

[bambam]

So when looking to order some grips, I came across some info that said one can use an air compressor to remove old grips and install new ones. No grip solution or grip tape required (can still use masking tape to build up the grip if you wish). This technique even supposedly saves the old grips should you want to reuse them.

I've installed my own grips before...the cutting, scraping, clamping, taping, solution, coaxing the new grips on...this air compressor technique looks pretty easy (I've already got a compressor).

Anybody ever use this method for removing and reinstalling grips? If so, do you have any tips/advice and/or know of any really good, illustrated how-to documents on the web?

[RickPinewild]

Yes, I just started using air. Last night I blew a set of grips onto bare graphite shafts. It took a little getting used to the technique, but it was very effective and they are ready to use immediately. I'll keep you posted. I need to make a protector sleeve to aid in blowing off the grips. Here is a link to some good info. http://www.clubmaker-online.com/arnie.gripblow.html

[bambam]

Yes, I just started using air. Last night I blew a set of grips onto bare graphite shafts. It took a little getting used to the technique, but it was very effective and they are ready to use immediately. I'll keep you posted. I need to make a protector sleeve to aid in blowing off the grips. Here is a link to some good info. http://www.clubmaker-online.com/arnie.gripblow.html

Tried this technique. Works great - grips go on very quickly, and you can't mess it up since you can easily re-adjust. You can even take the grips off once you've installed them to add/remove masking tape until they are just right.

[golfguru]

www.stargrips.com sell a great air tool. $30ish that clips onto a compressor. Simple stuff works great.

[bambam]

Paul,

I couldn't find the air tool on the website. can you provide a manufacturer/model number? Thank you.

I used a $10 blowgun with tapered tip for inflatables that I bought at Lowes. It worked perfectly. Grips went on in about 10 seconds per grip once you get the hang of it.

[EdZ]

I'm unclear on what is keeping the grip in place using this approach? Isn't there a good reason that grip tape and solvent are used (keeping the grip from slipping). It sounds like under wet/humid conditions there could be an issue?

I'd love to understand this better, it would be nice to not have to deal with getting old grips/tape off anymore!

Thanks

[bambam]

I'm unclear on what is keeping the grip in place using this approach? Isn't there a good reason that grip tape and solvent are used (keeping the grip from slipping). It sounds like under wet/humid conditions there could be an issue?

This is also a concern of mine! There is nothing "sticky" holding the grip to the club, so it could slip, although I was unable to twist or slide the grips even a little bit. I played a fairly wet round last weekend, and had no problems. We'll see how it works when it gets hot and humid. Also, my old grips came off very clean (had to cut them - they were old and stuck on pretty tight), so I just left the old grip tape on there. There's a little stickyness holding things in place on most of them, but even the ones that had just masking tape were tight.

I did find one downside to this method. I tried 2 wraps of tape on one club and after a couple days decided to switch back to one wrap. I had to use a different grip because, although tight, it seemed to stretch out just a little and I could twist it just a bit.

[golfguru]

Pressure/ friction holds the grips in place as they are always stretched over the surface. 2 way grip tape etc is only used with solvent to get the glue slippery to get the grip on. It does not actually hold the grip in place.

[RickPinewild]

I'm having the best success using the Star grips, they have a bigger hole in the grip cap and seem to go on and off easier.

[neil]

Pressure/ friction holds the grips in place as they are always stretched over the surface. 2 way grip tape etc is only used with solvent to get the glue slippery to get the grip on. It does not actually hold the grip in place.

Is that right ? I have asked that exact question of every grip fitter i have ever met and was always told that the adhesive on the tape took effect as soon as the solvent evaporated.I can feel an invention coming on!