How often you replace your grips depends on how often you play and what climate you live in.
It may also depend on where you keep your clubs stored.
If you play four times a week or more in extreme temperatures and humidity, then you will likely need to change the grips every six months or so because the sweat, heat, humidity, dirt and sand will all tend to break down the grip finish.
They will lose their elasticity quickly when you use them that much.
If you leave your clubs in the trunk of your car on a hot day the extreme heat will deteriorate material even more quickly.
If you only play occasionally and store your clubs away you can go longer but most golf experts indicate that you should replace the grips every 18 months to two years at the longest.
Replacing your own grips is fairly easy repair, you just need a few simple tools.
Replacing grips is not expensive even when you take them in to your local golf shop, but if you are like me its the taking them in and waiting the two or three days for them to come back that is the problem.
Now I simply select the grips that I want at my local golf shop and then make the repair myself.
Materials required: - New grips.
- A tee.
- Bench vise (will make it easier).
- Rubber shaft holder for the vice to protect them from damage while the shaft is clamped in the vise.
- Double-sided grip tape.
- Scissors.
- A grip tape scraper.
- Utility knife with a hooked, rather than a pointed, blade (pointed blade might damage graphite shafts.
- Grip solvent.
- Container to catch the solvent.
- Old rag.
Preparation: Pick out the grips that you like at your local golf shop, you can pick up double sided grip tape and any other materials that you need.
The first time I replaced my grips I was slightly nervous about cutting my grips off, I started with my least used club which for me is my 3 iron, my thinking was that if I messed it up, I could at least still play and take the one club in to repair at the shop.
After the first 3 iron I realized it was fairly simple, but if you have the same concern go ahead and try just one first.
The process is fairly simple but its important to plan out the steps.
The grips are held on with double sided tape, the tricky part is sliding the new grip over this tape, and for that you simply use grip solvent which allows the grip to slide onto the sticky tape and then it quickly evaporates.
STEP 1 Hold one end of the golf club securely under your arm, grip end facing forward.
Hook the utility knife under the grip (remember to use a hooked blade) and cut away from the shaft.
Be careful not to nick the shaft, particularly if it is graphite.
Peel off the old grip.
Caution: Ensure that no part of your body is in the way in case the knife slips, and that nobody is in front of you or to your side.
Always cut away from your body.
STEP 2 Remove the old grip tape underneath, this will mean peeling and scraping.
You may also use solvent, such as grip solvent or paint thinner, to wipe off any remaining residue.
STEP 3 Allow the shaft to completely dry.
STEP 4 Place the golf club into the vice ensure that you use a rubber shaft holder so as not to damage the finish.
Be careful not to over tighten, especially if you are working with graphite shafts.
Just make sure the shaft does not move.
Position the club perpendicular to the floor.
Apply the double sided grip tape to the shaft the same length as the new grip.
Wrap around the shaft, and leave a half-inch overhanging the end.
Remove the backing from the double sided tape.
Twist the overhanging half-inch and push inside of the shaft.
STEP 6 Push a golf tee into the vent hole of your new grip and pour grip solvent into the the other (open) end.
Now pour the solvent from the grip over the entire length of the new grip tape (you will need a container under the club to catch the excess solvent).
Remove tee from grip hole STEP 7 Quickly position the opening of the new grip over the shaft (align carefully facing up).
Squeeze the grip and slide the grip onto the shaft.
Continue sliding and pushing until you feel the end of shaft against the end.
STEP 8 Remove your re-gripped club from the bench vise.
Hold the club in your normal playing stance and position and ensure that the grip is on straight.
If adjustments need to be made, twist the grip to achieve the desired alignments.
Wipe the grip and shaft with a clean cloth.
STEP 9 Let the re-gripped club sit and dry out.
I always let my clubs sit for 12 hours to ensure that they are completely set.
That's it, you now have a whole new feel for your clubs.
Once you realize how easy it is you will likely replace them more often, and that should help you lower you golf scores.