Overview
Regripping your clubs is one of the simplest ways to refresh feel, dial in size, and extend the life of your clubs. In our “Regripping technique and equipment advice” thread, members shared clear advice on what to buy, which method to use, and how to avoid common mistakes. Below is a professional, step-by-step summary built on quotes from the discussion.
It is designed to help you complete the job confidently and safely while staying connected to the Life At The Turn community that made this guide possible.
What started the “regripping your clubs” thread
RickM71 framed the core questions many golfers have right before their first grip change:
“I’m debating regripping my clubs myself. I already have the grips. I’m trying to decide what equipment I should buy. I have a work bench and assume it would be best to have a vice that can hold the club, although I’ve also heard it isn’t really necessary.
What vice to get? I’d rather not bolt it to my work bench, and I assume they’d just clamp on.
I have the cigarette lighter powered tire pumps. Should I figure out how to use that to blow on and off the grips? Or should I just buy a hooked razor, grip tape, and solvent?
From those who regrip their own clubs, what do you suggest, what tools / supplies do you use, and what is your process?”
Essential tools and supplies
- Small bench vise or clamp-on vise
- Rubber shaft clamp for the vise
- Hooked blade utility knife for safe grip removal
- Tape options
- Painter’s tape or masking tape for air installs
- Double-sided grip tape if using solvent or for a small anti-twist strip near the butt
- Painter’s tape or masking tape for air installs
- Solvent catch tray or bucket if you choose the tape and solvent method
- Air source and nozzle if you choose the air method
Golfer TJ on a simple starter kit:
“Wedgeguys have a kit that comes with a clamp on vice…worked for what I needed. Also recommend a good cutting blade to remove the old grips.
You will also need a bucket/tray to catch the solvent. Some new grip tape is needed as well.”
JP_Pivot on air installs and the basic shopping list:
“Buy a small vice, $5 rubber clamp for shafts, hooked blade for removing grip and do air install. You can buy the attachment from Star grips or use one of these attachments.
Personally, air is the way to go.”
Shrekman on building a reliable budget setup:
“There are several rubber shaft holders that go into a vise, and usually under $10. I got a utility knife and the hook blades from Amazon… I use cheap painters tape from Amazon as the base. Others use masking tape. Still others use double-sided tape, but I don’t see the need for that… I’ve played the entire season with my current blown on grips. They don’t move once on, from my experience.”
Two proven methods
Method 1: Air install
Why use it: Clean workspace, adjustable fit, quick on and off for experiments.
Step-by-step
- Secure the club in a vise using a rubber shaft clamp.
- Prep the shaft with painter’s or masking tape to your preferred build-up.
- Place an air nozzle at the grip butt.
- Start the grip onto the shaft, apply short bursts of air, and slide the grip into final position.
- Align logos and reminder ribs immediately while a small amount of air is still expanding the inner wall.
- Let the grip relax before use.
Helpful notes from members:
- JP_Pivot on sourcing and tape reuse:
“Amazon. You can get traditional grip kits for pretty cheap. You can also get the air chuck blower for under $10
I personally leave the old tape on if its not damaged when I use air.” - RichL on a hybrid trick to buy alignment time when using a tire inflator:
“I will say that I do add a few drops of grip solvent into the grip before I use air to blow it on. This helps me to get the end started and gives me a few seconds where I can straighten things out after I pull the air off.” - Rearviewmirror on anti-twist insurance:
“I do masking tape for most of the grip, and then 1″ of double sided tape at the very top (with another 1/2″ to squeeze together inside the top of the grip.”
Pressure caution:
“I have put on just about any brand or type of grip with air. You just have to pay attention to what the grip is doing. You can blow them out with to much pressure.” — JP_Pivot
Grip types:
“Oh, and don’t believe anyone that tells you that you can’t/shouldn’t use air to blow on corded grips like MCCs.” — RichL
“On a side note, I found out last week I could install a Super Stroke putter grip with air. Shocked the hell out of me. But it worked.” — Shrekman
Method 2: Tape and solvent
Why use it: Classic method, very secure when done correctly, no compressor required.
Step-by-step
- Secure the club in a vise with a rubber clamp.
- Cut off the old grip using a hooked blade. Always cut away from yourself.
- Remove old tape if bumpy or uneven.
“I remove the old tape, if it’s a little messy. You will feel the little bumps and wads of tape under the grip.” — Shrekman - Wrap double-sided grip tape, leaving a small overhang to cap the butt end.
- Wet the tape and the inside of the grip with solvent, slide the grip on in one smooth motion, align, and let it set.
Tape widths and build-up:
“I have pretty standard 3M 2″wide masking tape. You could use the 1/2″ but might want to spiral wrap it around the shaft instead of the vertical strips like you would do with wider tape… I would estimate 2 layers of masking tape is close to a normal single layer of double sided tape.” — RichL
Safety checklist
- Use a rubber shaft clamp in the vise to protect shafts.
- With a hook knife, always cut away from your body.
“Be very careful with the hook knife and always cut away from yourself. It’s very easy for the knife to slip and knick you.” — Rearviewmirror - If using air, start with modest pressure and short bursts.
- Catch solvent in a tray or bucket and dispose of properly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a vise at all?
Not strictly, but it makes the job safer and easier.
“Vice and rubber clamp insert aren’t absolutely necessary, but they are cheap and make things a lot easier.” — RichL
Painter’s tape or masking tape for air installs?
Both work. Several members reported success with painter’s tape.
“I use the 2″ wide cheap painters tape. No slippage with my grips in 2 dozen rounds.” — Shrekman
Can I air-install corded grips or Align styles?
Yes, members have done so successfully.
“I installed 10 MCC+4s and 11 MCC+4 Aligns just this morning.” — RichL
What about Winn grips with air?
They can be more delicate. If removal by air is tough, cut carefully with a hook blade and start clean, as Rick planned for his set.
Community spirit
This thread is a great example of why Life At The Turn exists. A simple question turned into a practical, step-by-step guide powered by golfers who enjoy helping other golfers. If you try an install at home, share what worked, what did not, and any tweaks you discovered. Your post might be the tip that helps the next member finish the job with confidence.
If you are just getting started, begin with one wedge, go slow, and follow the methods above. The community is here when you need a second opinion or a sanity check.