Reshafting a golf club might seem like an intimidating task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be relatively simple. Not only will reshafting your golf club save you money in the long run, but it can also add a personal touch to your equipment. Learning how to reshaft a golf club is a valuable skill for any golfer who wants to customize their clubs or repair worn-out shafts.
The process of reshafting a golf club may vary slightly depending on the type of club and shaft you are using, but there are general steps that apply to most situations. In this article, we’ll walk you through the secrets of pros so you can confidently perform this DIY technique at home.
“The beauty of doing it yourself is not just the satisfaction of accomplishing the task, but also the control over customization to suit your game.” -Unknown
We’ll cover everything from choosing the right tools and materials to removing the old shaft and installing the new one. We’ll even provide tips for troubleshooting common issues that may arise during the process.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge and skills necessary to reshaft your golf clubs like a pro, giving you more confidence on the course and potentially improving your overall game. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Tools Required for Reshafting
Shaft Extractor
A shaft extractor is a tool used to remove the old golf club shaft from the clubhead. It works by gripping onto the end of the shaft and using leverage to pull it out. This tool is essential for reshafting because it allows you to safely remove the old shaft without damaging the clubhead.
Hacksaw Blade
A hacksaw blade is needed to cut the new shaft to length once it has been inserted into the clubhead. This tool comes in different sizes and teeth per inch (TPI). A blade with 18-24 TPI will give you a clean cut on graphite or steel shafts.
Solvent
Solvent such as mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol is necessary to dissolve any adhesive residue left behind after removing the old golf club shaft. This helps ensure that the new shaft can be installed properly and securely. Be sure to use solvent only in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions when handling it.
Grip Tape Remover
A grip tape remover simplifies the process of removing the old grip tape from the club handle. Usually, heat and scraping are required if this tool is not present. However, with it, one can finish its job within seconds. With a good quality grip tape remover, there’s no chance you’ll damage your beloved clubs while still keeping them looking great.
“Reshafting a golf club requires specific tools for efficient and safe removal”- Golf Monthly
Having these tools before beginning the reshafting process ensures that everything that needs to be done would run smoothly; taking care of your equipment as well as helping execute the task at hand quicker. These tools could save you time, money, and help avoid damaging your irons or hybrid. Using these items will get the job done right on the first try.
Removing the Old Shaft
Heat the Clubhead
If your club has a graphite shaft, you need to heat the club head to soften the adhesive. Use a heat gun or boiling water to warm the area around the hosel. Be careful not to overheat and damage the finish on your club.
Clamp the Clubhead
You need to secure the clubhead in a vise or clamp before removing the old shaft. Use protective pads to avoid damaging the surface of your clubhead. Make sure it is stable so that the club does not move during the procedure.
Cut the Shaft
After clamping the clubhead, use a hacksaw to cut through the old shaft close to the hosel. Be cautious not to cut too deeply into the club head. The goal is to create space between the two pieces for the removal process.
Extract the Shaft
With the shaft cut free from the clubhead, you can now extract the remaining piece from the hosel. Apply penetrating oil at the end of the clubhead and let it sit overnight. The next day, use a vice-grip wrench to turn the clubhead while gripping the remaining piece firmly with pliers. Work slowly until the glue releases its hold and pulls out cleanly.
โIt’s all about getting more consistent. I can hit some great shots but you never know which swing is going to show up.โ -Jack Nicklaus
Re-gripping your golf clubs periodically enhances your performance as well as protecting against wear and tear. Here are steps to reshaft your golf club.
Preparing the Clubhead for the New Shaft
If you’re a golfer with some mechanical skills, you could replace an old or broken golf club shaft instead of buying a new one. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to reshaft a golf club.
Clean the Hosel
The first step in preparing the clubhead for the new shaft is to clean the hosel, which is where the shaft fits into the clubhead. Use a small wire brush or toothbrush to remove any dirt or rust inside the hosel. Cleaning the hosel ensures that the epoxy (the adhesive used to glue the shaft to the clubhead) will adhere properly and provide a strong bond.
Measure the Depth
Next, use a measuring tool to determine the depth of the hosel. This measurement will help you choose the proper length of the new golf club shaft and ensure that it will fit snugly into the clubhead. Insert the measuring tool into the hosel until it touches the bottom, then take note of the measurement.
โCorrect fitting is essential when replacing a broken or worn-out golf club shaft.โ -Golf Pro, Marcus Marcellus
Ream the Hosel
After measuring the depth of the hosel, you can ream it to create a better fit for the new shaft. A reamer is a specialized tool designed to widen the diameter of the hosel without removing too much material. Carefully insert the reamer into the hosel and twist it clockwise while applying slight pressure. Continue rotating the reamer until you have widened the hosel enough to accommodate the new shaft.
Before bonding the new shaft to the clubhead, make sure that it is the correct length. It’s best to measure and cut the new shaft before applying any adhesive.
That concludes our guide on how to reshaft a golf club; we hope you found it informative and helpful!
Installing the New Shaft
If you want to improve your golf game and are looking for ways to make your clubs perform better, reshafting them could be an option. Whether youโre a professional golfer or just enjoy playing in your free time, knowing how to reshaft a golf club can save you money and give you more control over your equipment.
Apply Epoxy
The first thing you need to do is apply epoxy to the inside of the hosel on the clubhead. Hosel is the area where the shaft will fit into the head. You should fill up as much space as possible with epoxy while making sure it does not overflow onto the outer surface of the clubhead. This ensures that the new shaft bonds correctly to the clubhead once inserted. Mix the two parts of the epoxy according to instructions before applying it gently.
Insert the Shaft
Carefully insert the new shaft into the hole you have made in the base of the grip. When inserting the replacement shaft, ensure that it’s still aligned as correctly as possible with the face of the clubhead. If the white makers on the new shaft faces at 12 o’clock position you should align it accordingly when fixing into the shaft seat*. Itโs important to remember not to use too much force when inserting the shaft โ it shouldnโt be too tight or loose.
“Reshafting is typically necessary either because of damage to the original shaft or simply because the player wants one that feels softer, stiffer, lighter, or heavier.” – PGA
Align the Clubhead
Take a small mirror that gives decent visibility of alignment markers, hold it behind (face side away) the clubhead such that through reflection you see the actual sole plate or ground stop of the clubhead. If you observe that it is thin along one edge and thicker on the other, then adjust the head accordingly to flatten out the plate. When the sole appears to sit flat on an imaginary surface may be your putting green’s turf align the body markings above its centerline in a vertical fashion.
Finding the correct position for reshafting will improve your game by making your clubs work better according to your playing style. Once youโve done it once, it becomes easier over time โ so give it a go!
“Itโs important to know that sometimes it makes more sense just to get a new club; if youโre thinking about replacing the shaft, consider whether the club is worth repairing.” – Golf.com
Finishing Touches to the Reshafted Club
Trim the Shaft
After you have reshafted your golf club and glued it securely, it’s time to trim the shaft. Trimming the new shaft is an important step in the process that ensures your golf club will fit your body perfectly.
To begin with this step, mark where you want the actual length of the grip to end on the new shaft. Itโs important to accurately measure the length of the club from the top of the hosel to the point where the shaft meets the bottom of the clubhead. Use a marker or sharpie to make this line since it will be permanently visible once the club has been cut.
You can use a rotary saw to carefully cut through the marked area. Be sure not to over-cut because this could cause issues for the final finishing touches, leading to extra work later on.
Finally, smooth down the newly cut tip of your golf club by removing any burrs created during the cutting process.
Install the Grip
The next essential step in refurbishing your golf club after replacing its shaft is installing the grip. Most importantly, consider placing double-sided tape along the whole length of the shaft to avoid slippage inside of the grip. To install the grip:
- Clean the inner part of the grip before installing into the shaft.
- Place the bottom hand on the table and apply grip solvent to the interior of the new grip.
- Pull the grip firmly down onto the shaft until the grip slides past the shaft edge.
- A single wrap of masking tape around the end of each grip helps prevent the slagging off towards the head. Also, it proves to be more beneficial when you are about to remove the grip.
- Before using it, give the club a good clean and polish.
“Grips should never be overlooked as they’re the only connection between your body and the golf club itself.” -TaylorMade
You can experiment with different textures, thicknesses, weights, and materials of grips until you find the perfect fit for you. Ensure that the new grip doesn’t have any wrinkles where two edges overlap by hand pressing down on the seam area or inspecting it visually through running fingers over it.
The above steps will ensure proper replacement of your golf club’s shaft and grip leading to better gameplay and confidence during play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Tools Do I Need To Reshaft A Golf Club?
You will need a heat gun, shaft extractor, grip tape, epoxy, a shaft cutter, sandpaper, and a vise. These tools will help you remove the old shaft, cut the new one to size, and securely attach it to the clubhead.
How Do I Remove The Old Shaft From My Golf Club?
Use a heat gun to soften the epoxy bond between the shaft and clubhead. Then, use a shaft extractor to carefully pull the old shaft out of the clubhead. Be gentle to avoid damaging the clubhead or grip.
What Type Of Shaft Should I Use To Reshaft My Golf Club?
The type of shaft you choose will depend on your swing speed and personal preference. Steel shafts are typically more durable and provide better control, while graphite shafts offer more distance and forgiveness. Consult with a professional fitter or your local golf shop for recommendations.
How Do I Cut The New Shaft To The Correct Length?
Measure the length of the old shaft and subtract the length of the clubhead. Then, use a shaft cutter to trim the new shaft to the desired length. Double check the length before attaching it to the clubhead.
What Is The Best Adhesive To Use When Reshafting A Golf Club?
Epoxy is the most commonly used adhesive for reshafting golf clubs. Look for a high-strength, two-part epoxy that is designed specifically for golf club repair. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure a secure bond.