Last Updated on June 2, 2023 by Kristen Ellis
A vise offers an easy solution to how to remove golf grips. However, it can be rather expensive to buy one. Consequently, many golfers adopt secondary solutions to replace their golf grips without using the vise. There are different available methods to apply grips without a vise. However, in each method, applying a new grip without a vise might take the following steps:
Steps of Regripping Golf Clubs without a Vice
- Removing Golf Grip: The first step involves the removal of the old grip. You can do so using different approaches. For instance, you can use a cutter, a solvent, or an air compressor. Once you know how you will do it, gather the necessary items. Now it is time to move to the next step.
- You must decide whether to apply a new tape in the second step. If you keep the old tape, proceed to step four; otherwise, go to step three.
- The third step involves the removal of the old tape. You can use a solvent and then a scraper to achieve optimum results.
- Installing Golf Grips: You will apply the new grip in the fourth step. You can again decide whether to do it using or without a solvent. This step is optional, but many golfers advise it to achieve proper regripping. However, if the tape is not sticky enough, the grip can come off while you are playing.
- In the fifth step, you must ensure the grip is aligned. Each grip has markings that help you do so. Make sure you align the grip immediately after applying. It will be difficult for you if you have used a solvent that dries before you align it.
- The sixth step depends on whether you used a solvent or not. Also, solvent use is optional, making your job easy. If you have used solvent, let the club dry for some hours, and you will be ready.
How to Regrip Golf Clubs at Home without a Vice
Once you know what you will do, it is time to look at how it will work. There are different ways to accomplish these steps. Here, we list some famous solutions to help your questions about changing golf grips at home. You can go through them one by one and decide which one you are going to use.
Use a cutter
Using a cutter is the cheapest alternative to the vise, and yes, it will also save you time. You can use a cutter along the length of the grip to cut it. Ensure you don’t cut too deep to leave a mark on the club’s handle. Anyways, a cutter does not pose any threat to the club’s metallic body. However, you do not want any marks on the club’s surface.
After cutting it, you can remove it using your hands. Moreover, don’t forget to scrape off the old tape before you move on with the steps. However, you can keep the old tape if you want to install Putter Grip without tape. In this case, apply the new grip on the old tape, and you are ready.
Use a solvent
A solvent has multiple purposes when it comes to regripping golf clubs. You can use a solvent to remove the old grip and install golf grips. A solvent loosens the grip. If you apply it to an older grip, it becomes loose enough to remove with your hands. Afterward, you can scrape off the old tape with a scraper.
Also, you can apply some solvent to the inner side of the new grip. You have to close one end of the grip with your finger and add some solvent from the other end. Shake it well, and it will become loose enough, and then you can apply it in a single push. After this, just let it dry for a few hours, and voila! You have done it.
Use your feet
Using your feet is perhaps the only solution to this problem. Try holding the golf club’s face firmly in between your feet. Afterward, gently cut the old grip or apply a solvent and remove the grip. Also, you can scrape off the old tape or keep it if you do not want to use a new tape. After this, you can lift the club, hold it vertically, and apply some solvent.
However, ensure not to do it on a floor or surface you cannot wash. Once you have done this step, hold the club again with your feet and apply the new grip. This method might seem a bit cumbersome if you know how to change golf grips using a vise. It’s inexpensive and effortless to adapt once you have enough practice.
Use the kitchen sink
Place the club handle on the sink shelf and use a cutter to cut the old grip. Bring the club to your kitchen sink after removing the old grip and scrapping off the tape. Now, you can position the club handle in the sink and apply some solvent. The excess solvent will drip into the sink rather than on the floor.
You can keep the club on the sink surface and apply the new grip. On the other hand, you can also pick up the club and place it in the middle of your feet. Any of these methods is effective and depends on your choice and ease. However, using a kitchen sink is a relatively cleaner process. Also, it becomes pretty easy to wash the excess solvent.
Use an air compressor
An air compressor helps you loosen the old grip and answers your question about how to install golf grips. Just insert the needle or the nozzle of the air compressor underneath the old grip. The grip will be loose, and you can easily remove it with your hands. Again, do not forget to scrape off the old tape and apply the new one before applying the new grip.
However, an air compressor is a viable method but a bit tricky for a beginner. But it can still be expensive if you do not have one. Therefore, do not buy a new air compressor just for this process; it will be better to buy a vise instead of an air compressor. Nonetheless, if you have one lying around in your home, you are good to use it.
Conclusion
All these solutions have their pros and cons, but some things are common to all of them. They are effortless to adapt to, inexpensive, and fast enough. However, it is entirely your choice which method you find the most suitable for you. Once you are used to any of these methods, you will not need a vise for regripping your clubs.