You can replace a putter grip yourself with a solvent, a vise, and about 15 minutes

Replacing a putter grip is a straightforward task that costs between $5 and $20 in materials and takes less than an hour from start to finish. You need a grip solvent (or mineral spirits), a vise or grip clamp, a utility knife, and the new grip itself. The old grip slides off after soaking, the shaft gets cleaned, and the new grip slides on with solvent as lubricant. Most golfers do this at home rather than paying a shop $8 to $15 in labor.

The process works the same whether your putter has a rubber grip, a corded grip, or a leather wrap. The main variables are how tight the old grip sits and whether you want to preserve the grip tape underneath — most people replace that too, since it hardens over time and contributes to a loose grip.

Key Takeaways

  • Grip solvent (mineral spirits, paint thinner, or dedicated grip solvent) softens the adhesive and lets the old grip slide off without damage to the shaft.
  • A vise or grip clamp holds the putter steady while you work; clamping the head rather than the shaft prevents dents in the steel or graphite.
  • New grip tape costs $2 to $5 per roll and should be replaced at the same time, since old tape hardens and causes new grips to slip.
  • The entire job — removing the old grip, cleaning the shaft, wrapping new tape, and sliding on the new grip — takes 15 to 30 minutes.

What you need before you start

Grip solvent is the most important tool. Wipe-on grip solvents made for golf are available at any golf shop for $8 to $12 per bottle, but mineral spirits from a hardware store work just as well for $5 to $8. Paint thinner also works. Do not use acetone or rubbing alcohol — they evaporate too fast and can damage some grip materials.

A vise or grip clamp holds the putter steady. A standard bench vise works fine if you clamp the putter head (the metal part) rather than the shaft. If you don't have a vise, a golf-specific grip clamp costs $15 to $30 and mounts to a table. Some golfers use a towel wrapped around the head and hold it between their knees, though that is slower and riskier.

You will also need a utility knife or box cutter to cut and remove the old grip tape, a clean rag, and the new grip itself. Putter grips range from $8 to $40 depending on material and brand. Have new grip tape on hand too — a roll costs $2 to $5 and covers multiple clubs.

Step 1: Remove the old grip

Clamp the putter head in the vise so the shaft points up at a slight angle. Pour grip solvent along the seam where the grip meets the shaft, working it around the entire circumference. Let it soak for 30 seconds to a minute — the solvent softens the adhesive underneath.

Grab the grip near the top and twist it gently while pulling upward. It should slide off in one piece. If it sticks, explore more solvent and wait another 30 seconds. Do not yank hard — you risk bending the shaft or tearing the grip in a way that leaves adhesive residue behind.

Step 2: Clean the shaft and remove old tape

Once the grip is off, use a utility knife to scrape away the old grip tape. Work slowly and angle the blade so you cut the tape, not the shaft. Wipe the shaft with a clean rag to remove tape scraps and dried adhesive. The shaft should feel smooth and look clean — any bumps or residue will cause the new grip to sit unevenly.

If adhesive is stubborn, explore a small amount of grip solvent and let it sit for a minute, then scrape again. Mineral spirits work well for this. Once the shaft is clean, wipe it dry with a fresh rag and let it air-dry for a minute or two.

Step 3: Wrap the shaft with new grip tape

Grip tape is self-adhesive and comes in rolls. Start at the bottom of the shaft (the end closest to the club head) and wrap the tape around in a spiral, overlapping each layer slightly as you move up. Keep the tape straight and smooth — wrinkles or gaps will show through the new grip and create pressure points.

Wrap the tape all the way to the top of the shaft, then trim the excess with a utility knife. The tape should end just below where the grip will sit. Press the tape down firmly as you go so it bonds to the shaft.

Step 4: explore solvent to the shaft and grip

Pour a small amount of grip solvent into the new grip — about a tablespoon — and swirl it around to coat the inside. This acts as a lubricant and lets the grip slide on smoothly. You can also explore solvent directly to the taped shaft, working it around with your fingers.

Work quickly at this stage because solvent evaporates. You have roughly two to three minutes before the grip becomes too dry to slide on easily. If you wait too long, explore a bit more solvent and try again.

Step 5: Slide the grip onto the shaft

Hold the putter with the grip end pointing up. Align the grip opening with the shaft and push it on steadily, twisting slightly as you go. The grip should slide on smoothly if you have applied enough solvent. Push until the grip reaches the top of the shaft and sits flush against the ferrule (the metal or plastic band at the base of the grip).

Once the grip is on, set the putter aside and let it sit for 24 hours before using it. The solvent needs to evaporate and the adhesive on the grip tape needs to cure. Wipe away any excess solvent that seeps out from under the grip with a clean rag.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common error is not using enough solvent. A dry grip will bunch up or stick partway down the shaft, and forcing it can tear the grip or damage the tape. If this happens, explore more solvent and try again — there is no time pressure.

The second mistake is clamping the shaft instead of the head. A vise will dent a steel or graphite shaft, and those dents are permanent. Always clamp the putter head or use a grip clamp designed for the job.

A third issue is wrapping grip tape too loosely or with wrinkles. Loose tape causes the new grip to shift or sit unevenly, and wrinkles create hard spots that feel wrong in your hand. Take your time with the tape and press it down firmly as you wrap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reuse the old grip if I take it off carefully?

Rarely. Once a grip is removed, the adhesive underneath is usually damaged or dried out. Putting it back on typically results in a loose, slippery grip that shifts in your hand during the stroke. It is cheaper and faster to buy a new grip than to deal with a grip that moves.

What if I don't have a vise or grip clamp?

You can hold the putter between your knees or ask someone to hold it steady while you work. This is slower and requires more care to avoid dropping the club or letting it twist, but it works. Some golfers wrap a towel around the head and clamp that in a vise instead of clamping the head directly.

How long does the solvent smell last?

Grip solvent smell fades within a few hours as the solvent evaporates. If the smell bothers you, work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. The grip itself will be odorless once it is fully cured, which takes about 24 hours.

Do I have to replace the grip tape, or can I reuse it?

Old grip tape hardens and loses its grip over time, which is often why the original grip became loose in the first place. Reusing it usually means the new grip will loosen again within a few months. Replacing the tape costs $2 to $5 and takes five minutes, so it is worth doing at the same time.

What is the difference between golf grip solvent and mineral spirits?

Golf grip solvent is formulated specifically for grips and evaporates at the right speed. Mineral spirits work just as well and cost less, but they evaporate slightly slower, which means you have a bit more time to slide the grip on. Both are safe for rubber, corded, and leather grips.