To regrip a golf club, cut off the old grip, strip away the old tape and residue, wrap a strip of new double-sided grip tape along the top of the shaft, coat the tape and the inside of the new grip with grip solvent, then slide the grip on in one smooth push. Align the grip’s logo or alignment marks with the clubface before the solvent dries, and let the club sit for several hours before hitting it. With basic tools, most golfers can regrip a club at home in about 5 to 10 minutes. Many regular players regrip about once a year, or whenever grips feel hard, slick or worn.
Why regripping matters
Grips are your only contact with the club. Over time, sweat, skin oils, sunlight and heat break down the rubber, making it harder and slicker. Worn grips encourage you to squeeze tighter, which adds tension to your arms and shoulders and can affect your swing and feel. New grips restore tackiness and comfort for a fraction of the cost of new clubs. Regripping is also a chance to change grip size, texture or material to better suit your hands and playing conditions.
When to regrip your clubs
| Sign | What it means |
|---|---|
| Grip feels hard or smooth | The rubber has aged and lost tackiness |
| Shiny spots where your hands go | Worn surface reduces traction |
| Cracks or splits | The grip is breaking down |
| You grip harder to control the club | Traction is no longer holding the club securely |
| Grips twist on the shaft | Tape or adhesive has failed |
| It has been about a year of regular play | A common guideline for frequent golfers |
Supplies you will need
- New grips in your chosen size and style.
- Double-sided grip tape, available in strips or rolls.
- Grip solvent made for regripping.
- Hook blade utility knife, which cuts grips away from the shaft more safely.
- Bench vise with a rubber shaft clamp, optional but helpful for holding the club steady.
- Tray or bucket to catch excess solvent.
- Rag or towel for cleanup.
How to regrip a golf club step by step
- Secure the club. Place the shaft in a vise using a rubber shaft clamp so you do not damage it, with the clubface square.
- Cut off the old grip. Using a hook blade, cut along the length of the grip with the blade pointing away from you and away from the shaft, then peel the grip off.
- Remove old tape. Peel away all the old tape. Solvent or a scraper can help loosen stubborn residue.
- Clean the shaft. Wipe away adhesive and dirt so the new tape sticks evenly.
- Apply new tape. Stick a strip of double-sided tape lengthwise down the shaft, leaving about half an inch hanging over the butt end. Wrap the tape around the shaft and tuck the overhang into the end of the shaft.
- Add solvent. Cover the small hole at the end of the new grip with a finger, pour solvent inside, cover the open end and shake. Pour the solvent out over the full length of the tape.
- Slide on the grip. Quickly push the grip onto the shaft in one smooth motion until the end of the shaft reaches the end of the grip.
- Align the grip. Line up the logo or alignment marks with the clubface while the solvent is still wet.
- Let it dry. Leave the club for several hours, or as long as the solvent maker recommends, before playing.
Choosing the right grip size
Grip size affects comfort and control. A grip that is too small can make it easy for the hands to become overactive, while a grip that is too large can make it harder to release the club. Many brands offer undersize, standard, midsize and jumbo options. You can also increase grip size by adding extra layers of tape under a standard grip. A club fitter can measure your hands and recommend a size, which is especially useful if you have larger or smaller hands than average or conditions such as arthritis that make gripping uncomfortable.
| Grip size | Typical fit |
|---|---|
| Undersize | Smaller hands, some women’s and junior clubs |
| Standard | Most adult hands |
| Midsize | Larger hands or golfers wanting less hand action |
| Jumbo | Very large hands or golfers who prefer a thicker feel |
Grip materials and styles
Rubber grips are the most common and offer a good balance of tack, durability and value. Corded grips have fabric threads woven into the rubber for extra traction in hot, humid or wet conditions, though they feel firmer and can be rough on the hands. Hybrid grips combine a corded upper section with a softer rubber lower section. Wrapped grips imitate old leather wraps and give a softer, cushioned feel. Putter grips come in many shapes and sizes, from thin to oversized, and choosing one is largely about feel and stroke preference.
Safety tips
Always cut away from your body and hands, and keep the blade angled away from the shaft. A hook blade is designed to reduce the risk of slipping and scoring the shaft, which matters especially with graphite shafts, where a cut or scratch can weaken the shaft. Many grip solvents are flammable, so work in a well-ventilated area away from sparks or flames, and store solvent safely out of reach of children. Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin.
Rules on grips
Grips must conform to the Equipment Rules. In general, grips on clubs other than putters must be circular in cross-section, though a continuous, straight, slightly raised rib along the full length is allowed. Putter grips have more freedom and may have a non-circular shape, such as a flat front. Standard grips from major manufacturers are designed to conform. Rules note: this follows the Equipment Rules published by the R&A and USGA; check the current official documents for exact specifications.
DIY or professional regripping
Regripping at home saves money and lets you change grips whenever you like, and many golfers find it satisfying once they have done a few clubs. A golf shop or club repair specialist can do it quickly, often while you wait, and may help you choose the right size and style. Professional regripping is a good option if you are regripping graphite shafts for the first time, adding build-up tape for a custom size, or simply prefer not to buy the tools.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Cutting toward yourself or the shaft. This risks injury and shaft damage.
- Leaving old tape residue. It creates lumps under the new grip.
- Using too little solvent. The grip can stick halfway down the shaft.
- Taking too long to install. Solvent evaporates quickly, so push the grip on in one motion.
- Forgetting to align the grip. A crooked logo can affect how you set the clubface.
- Playing too soon. Give the tape time to set before hitting balls.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you regrip golf clubs?
Many regular golfers regrip about once a year, or when grips feel hard, slick or worn.
How long after regripping can I play?
Allow several hours, or follow the solvent maker’s guidance, before hitting balls.
Can I regrip golf clubs without a vise?
Yes, though a vise with a rubber shaft clamp makes the job easier and more consistent.
