The putter head is a vital component of the putter and is responsible for almost half the strokes we take in a round of golf.
You might wish to replace either the putter head or the shaft for better performance, without upgrading to a completely new putter.
In this article, you’ll learn how to remove the putter head from the shaft.
You’ll also learn how to install a replacement shaft, as well as the importance of both the head and shaft in the putter.
How to Remove Putter Head from Shaft
To remove the putter head from the shaft, apply heat to the hosel using either a blowtorch or a heat gun. After just a few seconds, you should be able to twist off the putter head. Then, remove any excess glue and insert the replacement shaft using a two-part epoxy.
Before You Start
You will need a few tools to remove the putter head from the shaft, and then insert the replacement shaft:
- Vice with a rubber clamp
- Blowtorch or heat gun
- Hosel cleaning brush or drill bit
- Sandpaper
- Two-part epoxy glue
Let’s start by removing the putter head from the shaft.
Step 1: Heat the Hosel
First, clamp the putter shaft horizontally into the vice. When doing this, make sure that you have clear access to the hosel.
Then, using either a blowtorch or heat gun, apply heat to the hosel. This is where the shaft connects to the putter head via glue.
Applying heat melts the existing glue, breaking the bond between the putter head and shaft.
After a few seconds, twist off the putter head to separate it from the shaft.
PRO TIP: It doesn’t require much heat to soften the glue – just apply heat for a few seconds on each side.
Step 2: Clean the Hosel
Next, remove excess glue residue in the hosel using a brush or a small drill bit. This step is important as it makes it easier for the new shaft to fit into the hosel.
You can also apply some denatured alcohol to ease the cleaning process.
How to Reshaft the Putter
Now that the putter head has been removed from the shaft and the epoxy residue has been cleaned, it’s time to reshaft the putter.
Step 1: Prep the New Shaft
Use sandpaper to prep the tip of the new shaft, making sure to only sand the area which is concealed by the hosel.
This will make the epoxy form a stronger bond between the shaft and the hosel.
Step 2: Glue in the Shaft
Next, mix the two-part epoxy into a smooth gel-like texture.
PRO TIP: Add some glass shafting beads if there is a bit too much space between the replacement shaft and the inside of the hosel.
Then, insert a thin layer inside the hosel, as well as a thin coating onto the prepped tip of the replacement putter shaft.
Place the tip of the shaft into the hosel, rotating the shaft a couple of times to ensure even coverage.
Finally, wipe away any excess glue and leave it to cure for 1-2 hours.
The video below demonstrates the entire process, from removing the putter head from the shaft to inserting the replacement shaft:
Putter Heads
The putter head is a major component of the putter, responsible for making consistently smooth contact with the ball.
While choosing a putter comes down to personal preference, putter heads are weighted differently and suit various types of putting strokes.
What Putter Head is Right for Me?
Choosing the right putter head for you can make a big difference to your game.
Essentially, there are two main types of putter heads: blade and mallet. Let’s discuss the characteristics of each, and which golfers they are suited for.
Blade Putters
A blade putter is a traditional head shape and is the favorite of golf ‘purists’ as they are known to offer the best feel on the greens, but can sometimes lack forgiveness.
Blade putters are toe-weighted, with a sweet spot positioned towards the heel. This is because the shaft connects to the head at the heel.
Who Should Use a Blade Putter?
Heavy toe-weighting makes blade putters more typically suited for golfers with an arc in their putting stroke.
Mallet Putters
Mallet putters are a relatively modern invention in the golf industry. The head is larger and can come in several shapes and sizes.
Since there is a lot more weight behind the face of a mallet putter, the head is naturally stable and balanced throughout the putting stroke. Also, there is a larger sweet spot that offers more forgiveness for players who struggle to find the center of the putter face.
Who Should Use a Mallet Putter?
Mallet putters are typically suited for golfers who are looking for a bit more forgiveness, with a straight-back and straight-through putting stroke.
What is Putter Head Weight?
The weight of the putter head is a significant characteristic that can range anywhere from 300 grams up to 400 grams in some modern putters.
Heavier putter heads are typically more forgiving and allow for a more repeatable pendulum-like motion.
Many golfers choose to add weight to the putter head to modify their existing putter, helping to generate more consistency with their distance control.
By contrast, lighter putters are typically favored by more experienced golfers who are looking for more feel against the ball.
A reliable putting stroke is vital in golf, particularly in scenarios where distance control is essential, like when putting on aerated greens.
Putter Shafts
The putter shaft is another essential component of the putter.
What Putter Shaft Should I Use?
There are five common putter shaft types: plumber neck, single bend, double bend, slant, and center shaft. The variation is at the hosel, where the shaft connects with the head.
1. Plumber Neck
Potentially the most common type of putter shaft, the classic plumber neck style is prominent on many Ping and Scotty Cameron models.
Plumber neck shafts encourage a square contact but will suit both arc and straight-back, straight-through putting stroke types.
2. Single Bend
The single bend putter shaft is becoming increasingly common on mallet putters, with higher offset leading to more forgiveness.
Single bend shafts are best for golfers with a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke, keeping the putter head behind the hands.
3. Double Bend
Offering many of the benefits of a single bend putter, double bend shafts provide additional face balance for straighter putts.
Double bend shafts are best for golfers with a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke, with very minimal rotation.
4. Slant
An iteration of the traditional plumber neck style, slant putter shafts are shorter and more slanted to provide more forgiveness.
Slant putter shafts are suitable for both arc and straight-back, straight-through putting strokes, by keeping hands in front of the ball.
5. Center Shaft
The center shaft or straight neck putter style is less common and aims to keep the center of gravity in the middle of the club.
Center shaft putters are best for golfers with a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke, helping to lower the hands.
What Putter Shaft Length Do I Need?
The length of the putter shaft is a key factor in having a comfortable putting stroke.
The length of the putter impacts your eye position at address. If your eyes are too forward or behind the golf ball, there’s a good chance that you’ll misread the target line. This can cause over-adjustments, inconsistencies, and fewer putts made.
How to Measure Putter Length
There are three easy steps to find your ideal putter length at home:
- Step 1 – Get into a proper putting stance
- Step 2 – Let your arms hang naturally below your shoulders
- Step 3 – Measure from the ground to the wrist of your top hand
The measurement found in step 3 is your optimal putter length.
Putter Length Guidelines
While you should use the advice above to find the perfect putter length for you, the following list takes height as a useful reference:
- 32 inch – 5′ to 5’2″
- 33 inch – 5’3″ to 5’8″
- 34 inch – 5’9″ to 5’11”
- 35 inch – 6′ and up
These guidelines are based on the average spine tilt of 40 degrees in the putting position. Golfers who prefer to tilt more should choose a shorter putter, while those who stand more upright or experience back pain may want a longer putter.
The putter grip can also impact the length of the shaft, so consider testing a few models to see which fits you best.
It’s important to determine which putter length is best suited to you. Having to hunch over or stand too upright can negatively impact the consistency of your putting stroke.
Conclusion
In summary, removing a putter head from a shaft is a 2-step process:
- Step 1: Heat the hosel to soften the glue
- Step 2: Clean the hosel to remove residue
Then, inserting the replacement shaft is an additional 2-step process:
- Step 1: Prep the new shaft using sandpaper
- Step 2: Glue in the shaft using two-part epoxy
By following these steps, you can easily switch out putter shafts whenever you’re looking for an aesthetic change or to test out a different shaft length.
