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How to Remove a Putter Grip (Without Cutting It!)

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Over time, putter grips will show signs of wear and can eventually need replacing. Or perhaps you want to try a new grip to improve your confidence on the greens.

Either way, you might want to reuse the old grip later on if you change your mind.

In this article, you’ll learn how to remove a putter grip without cutting or damaging it.

How to Remove a Putter Grip

To remove a putter grip without cutting it, you will need to use an air compressor and some mineral spirits as a lubricant. By applying both air pressure and lubricant between the rubber grip and the putter shaft, you will be able to twist the grip off without damaging it.

how to remove a putter grip without cutting it

Before You Start

You will need a few tools and items to remove a putter grip:

  • Syringe
  • Metal coat hanger
  • Paint thinner (mineral spirits)
  • Desk vice or clamp
  • Air compressor (with ball pump needle)

PRO TIP: Make sure the putter is kept inside (away from cooler temperatures) for a few hours before attempting to remove the grip. Cold rubber is more likely to tear during the removal process.

Step 1: Bend and Insert the Coat Hanger

Bend the metal coat hanger so that there is a tightly rounded ‘U’.

Slide the smooth U end of the coat hanger under the bottom of the rubber grip, just a couple of inches. Don’t use a blunt or sharp coat hanger, as that could tear the rubber!

Step 2: Apply the Paint Thinner Lubricant

Using the syringe, apply some paint thinner lubricant into the gap between the grip and the tape wrapped around the metal shaft.

Continue sliding in the coat hanger, twisting the putter to help loosen the grip. You might hear a ‘tearing’ sound – don’t be alarmed! This is the sound of the glue separating between the putter grip and the tape wrapped around the putter shaft.

Apply more paint thinner if required, and continue the twisting process until the U end of the coat hanger reaches a couple of inches from the top of the grip.

Step 3: Clamp the Putter

Clamp the head of the putter to a table or workbench, with the grip extending over the edge.

Next, attach the ball pump needle to the air compressor, and push it through the little hole at the top of the grip. This should penetrate a layer of tape underneath the rubber grip.

Insert some more paint thinner into this hole at the top of the grip, using the syringe.

Step 4: Use the Air Compressor

Finally, re-insert the ball pump needle attachment of the air compressor into the hole.

A couple of bursts with air pressure around 80 psi is all that’s required to loosen the whole grip from the putter shaft.

PRO TIP: Don’t use too much air pressure – you only need a couple of bursts at around 80 psi. Any more air pressure could risk tearing the rubber grip.

The grip should slide off without any damage, ready to be reused at some point in the future if you change your mind.

If the grip doesn’t come off easily, add some more paint thinner and a couple more bursts of air to help loosen the glue and separate the grip from the taped shaft.

For an awesome video demonstration, check out Professor Jeff‘s video below:

How Long to Wait After Regripping Putter

You only need to wait about 2 hours after regripping a putter before you can start using it again. However, it’s safest to wait until the next day to ensure the glue has had sufficient time to bond the replacement putter grip to the shaft.

Essentially, the wait time for a regripped putter is shorter than the other clubs in the bag because it doesn’t undergo the stress of a full swing.

Nevertheless, it’s best to give it plenty of time to become properly bonded, without the risk of having to restart the regripping process from scratch.

how long to wait after regripping putter

Best Putter Grips for High Handicappers

If you’re an amateur golfer looking to improve your confidence on the greens and make more putts, you’re probably interested in finding the best putter grip for your game.

Here are three of our favorite putter grips for high handicappers:

SuperStroke Traxion Tour Putter Grip

Putter grip specialists SuperStroke have been making grips since 1998. The brand pioneered the parallel putter grip design, where the width remains exactly the same throughout rather than following a traditional taper.

According to the brand, their grips have been used to earn over $500 million in prize money in major championships and PGA Tour events.

The SuperStroke Traxion Tour Putter Grip comes in various size and color options, and features a Counter Core weight system to engage the larger muscles for a more stable and repeatable putting stroke. Advanced surface texture provides enhanced feedback.

Reasons to Buy
  • Perfect for golfers who prefer thicker grips
  • Promotes even hand pressure
  • Numerous size and color options
  • Affordable pricing
Reasons to Avoid
  • Won’t suit all stroke types

Rating: ★★★★★

>> You can order your SuperStroke Traxion Tour Putter Grip here

Ping PP58 Blackout Putter Grip

This legendary putter grip has been used by many pros over the years and was made famous by none other than Tiger Woods.

The Ping PP58 Blackout Putter Grip employs their classic pistol grip design, which is very thin and provides excellent feel and instant feedback between ball and hands.

The minimalistic design means that this grip can be paired with just about any putter. Combine with a Scotty Cameron Newport to go full Tiger on the course!

Reasons to Buy
  • Classic pistol grip design
  • Good for golfers who prefer thinner grips
  • No overcomplicated technologies
Reasons to Avoid
  • Not suited for golfers who prefer thicker grips
  • Only one color option

Rating: ★★★★★

>> You can order your Ping PP58 Blackout Putter Grip here

Golf Pride Pro Only Putter Grip

Golf Pride has been making golf grips for over 70 years, and is the most used grip on the professional tour. The brand has claimed more major wins than any other grip company.

The Golf Pride Pro Only Putter Grip is available in three different shapes:

  • Blue Star: angled design profile with a wide flat front for thumb placement.
  • Red Star: horseshoe shape with an arched front paddle for thumb placement.
  • Green Star: oval-shaped back with an arched front paddle for thumb placement.

Before choosing a version, it’s worth trying each out beforehand to see which design and size suit your unique putting stroke.

Reasons to Buy
  • Three different shapes in the range
  • Reliable brand quality and durability
Reasons to Avoid
  • Relatively basic design
  • Only one color option

Rating: ★★★★

>> You can order your Golf Pride Pro Only Putter Grip here

Conclusion

You might have thought that it takes a professional to remove a putter grip, as the grip seems to be attached super tight to the shaft.

Luckily, you can remove a putter grip at home by following these 4 easy steps:

  • Step 1: Bend and insert the metal coat hanger between the putter grip and shaft
  • Step 2: Use mineral spirits lubricant to help slide the coat hanger under the grip
  • Step 3: Clamp the putter, and apply lubricant through the hole in the top of the grip
  • Step 4: Use a couple of bursts of the air compressor to remove the putter grip

Replacing a putter grip is super simple, and finding the right replacement for you can have a great impact on your game!

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Hailing from the South West of England, Jake has been playing golf for over a decade. He founded Pitchmarks with the aim of helping everyday golfers like himself learn more about the game, through instructional content and honest gear reviews. He has a degree in Architecture and a passion for golf course design, along with a lofty goal to play the world's top 100 courses.