Blowing grips on

[Shrek74]

Spies,

Although I have a pancake air compressor, I'm not excited about having to get it out and put it away for each and every grip I may need to blow on. For a full set, that's one thing. But if I just need to make a single grip change, it's a bit of a pain.

What do you all use that's maybe a small/portable ait compressor unit that works great for all types of grips (mcc+4, Winn, jumbomax, etc)?

[TSauer]

I don’t personally use one, but I’ve seen inflators like this recommended a lot. I’m sure any brand will do the trick. 

[fixyurdivot]

I can only offer that I was warned away from getting some of the small volume, portable air compressors when I made my investment into air installed grips.  I'm sure there are some very portable units that will work but it's wise to be inquiring to make sure someone can offer hands on user info for this task.

I use a Harbor Freight 2 gallon unit, which also works great on vehicle tires and smaller pneumatic tools.  It, like yours is a bit of a PITA to haul out, but not enough for me to buy a smaller unit.  Keep us posted on what you decide.

[burnsie]

Although I have a pancake air compressor, I'm not excited about having to get it out and put it away for each and every grip I may need to blow on. For a full set, that's one thing. But if I just need to make a single grip change, it's a bit of a pain.

I use a Porter Cable 6-gal. compressor, but I built a small storage unit with wheels to make it convenient to use -- even for one grip change.  I regripped my bag using Star grips and it was so easy!  I struggle with my 3 Hybrid so I recently went back to my 4-iron.  So I had to remove the Star grip from the hybrid and put it on the 4-iron.  Piece of cake!!  I've been regripping my clubs for years, but I'm never going back to the old tape and glue method.  Breaking out the small compressor makes everything about regripping so much easier!

 

[Shrek74]

57 minutes ago, burnsie said:

Although I have a pancake air compressor, I'm not excited about having to get it out and put it away for each and every grip I may need to blow on. For a full set, that's one thing. But if I just need to make a single grip change, it's a bit of a pain.

I use a Porter Cable 6-gal. compressor, but I built a small storage unit with wheels to make it convenient to use -- even for one grip change.  I regripped my bag using Star grips and it was so easy!  I struggle with my 3 Hybrid so I recently went back to my 4-iron.  So I had to remove the Star grip from the hybrid and put it on the 4-iron.  Piece of cake!!  I've been regripping my clubs for years, but I'm never going back to the old tape and glue method.  Breaking out the small compressor makes everything about regripping so much easier!

 

When I build a set of irons or a bunch of clubs at a time, I'll likely break out the compressor. It's not overly big since it's just a pancake one from Harbor Freight (just a couple of gallons I think), but I store it in it's original box on one of my garage storage shelves. So it's just annoying to take it out and put it back all the time.

I grabbed an inexpensive Ryobi cordless inflator that I can use my batteries on to do one or two grips instead of getting out the larger compressor.

[hckymeyer]

I've never tried the smaller portable compressors, I've always heard they work but are very very slow to fill anything.  Instead I went with a 50' retractable hose reel and a spot my compressor can always sit and be plugged in.  The hose reaches anywhere in the garage and most of the driveway so makes it very easy to just grab and pull to where ever you are working.

On an unrelated note the Husky digital tire gauge on the end of the hose is one of my favorite tool purchases I've ever made.  

 

Edited August 1 by hckymeyer

[Colin1957]

I usually use a pancake type compressor from harbor freight. On those occasions when it's late at night, I'll use this one from amazon because it's quiet.

[GolfSpy_APH]

https://mygolfspy.com/we-tried-it/how-to-regrip-with-a-air-compressor/

Here has a bit of a guide, I have known people to use tire pumps and they do work but using something that can get you at least 40 psi I think is necessary. 

For different grips (corded) that are a bit stiffer it may need more.

[RyanGi]

I know this is a td bit off topic, but do you guys find any difference with blown-on grips shifting around, or twisting, during play?

[GolfSpy SAM]

1 hour ago, RyanGi said:

I know this is a td bit off topic, but do you guys find any difference with blown-on grips shifting around, or twisting, during play?

I have yet to see any twisting - I still use some tape on the shaft before putting the grip on (I've settled on painter's tape, as it's readily available around the house and comes of considerably easier than your typical masking tape.  I spray the tape with hairspray (a tip I saw the Mobile Clubmaker use to great effect) immediately before installing, which allows me to maneuver the grip easier, and it's JUST sticky enough when it dries to ensure the grip doesn't go anywhere (though I'll also say I've blown them on without hairspray (for grips that don't need to be perfectly aligned) and not experienced any shifting).  

Worst case if it DOES shift, you just pull out your compressor and add a little air and re-align the grip. 

As far as small compressors go, the Ryobi has great reviews.  I found a lightning deal on this thing last year, and it's about 8"x8", comes in a pouch, easy to store, and can do the job perfectly.  

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BR53WBCN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[RyanGi]

Solid info. Thanks. Hair spray wins again!! Amazing how influential that product has been since the 80s. 
 

So lemme ask this, for factory grips secured with glue, is there any real way to get them off without cutting them? I’m assuming you really need to use a solvent injected in the butt end?

Edited August 25 by RyanGi

[Off Map Oscar]

1 hour ago, GolfSpy SAM said:

I have yet to see any twisting - I still use some tape on the shaft before putting the grip on (I've settled on painter's tape, as it's readily available around the house and comes of considerably easier than your typical masking tape.  I spray the tape with hairspray (a tip I saw the Mobile Clubmaker use to great effect) immediately before installing, which allows me to maneuver the grip easier, and it's JUST sticky enough when it dries to ensure the grip doesn't go anywhere (though I'll also say I've blown them on without hairspray (for grips that don't need to be perfectly aligned) and not experienced any shifting).  

Worst case if it DOES shift, you just pull out your compressor and add a little air and re-align the grip. 

As far as small compressors go, the Ryobi has great reviews.  I found a lightning deal on this thing last year, and it's about 8"x8", comes in a pouch, easy to store, and can do the job perfectly.  

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BR53WBCN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is how I do it and I use align grips. They haven't shifted. 

[GolfSpy SAM]

45 minutes ago, RyanGi said:

Solid info. Thanks. Hair spray wins again!! Amazing how influential that product has been since the 80s. 
 

So lemme ask this, for factory grips secured with glue, is there any real way to get them off without cutting them? I’m assuming you really need to use a solvent injected in the butt end?

While I've seen some tutorials online, I just cut them, as I usually buy grips as full sets, so the factory-installed grips don't typically factor into my decision-making.  I believe there ARE some ways to do it, but it's by no means easier than cutting them off.  If I remember correctly, it involves injecting solvent through the grip with some kind of hypodermic needle, which is above and beyond how complex I'm interested in getting with the grips, lol

 

[Off Map Oscar]

1 hour ago, RyanGi said:

Solid info. Thanks. Hair spray wins again!! Amazing how influential that product has been since the 80s. 
 

So lemme ask this, for factory grips secured with glue, is there any real way to get them off without cutting them? I’m assuming you really need to use a solvent injected in the butt end?

I've had about 50 50 luck blowing them off too but it's just as likely to destroy the grip. They make a tool that slides in between the grip and shaft. Soak it in solvent and it will save the grip. It's on amazon for 20ish. I just don't bother saving grips anymore. 

[KevB_44]

I use a harbor freight pancake compressor that sits below my work bench.  The air nozzle hangs on a hook---super easy.   I use the referenced amazon tool that i start down the grip, inject a little mineral spirits, work the tool, maybe add a little more mineral spirits and the existing glued on grip slides right off.   Get rid of all the tape, replace with single sided tape from golf works to build up and allow the new grip to slide on.  I find a tiny amount of mineral spirits helps to lube it and lets the grip slide on and twist for alignment purposes if necessary.  I use blue painters tape if i want to build up the bottom hand or anything--easier to remove and keep track of extra wraps if you want.   I have never had an issue with slipping and like having the ability to switch grips I care to.  Guys I play with ask me to do it for them all the time especially if they want to try a different size or style grip.

[Tom the Golf Nut]

4 hours ago, RyanGi said:

Solid info. Thanks. Hair spray wins again!! Amazing how influential that product has been since the 80s. 
 

So lemme ask this, for factory grips secured with glue, is there any real way to get them off without cutting them? I’m assuming you really need to use a solvent injected in the butt end?

I’m particular about the grips I use. Whenever I get new clubs I remove the factory grips. The rest of my golfing family doesn’t care so I use the grips for them.

Best way is to buy a grip removal tool.

Notice there is a groove that runs down the middle. Insert the end into the grip.

Then you squirt grip solvent into the groove. Let it run down into the grip then rotate the club by rotating the club head and holding the tool stationary. Gently push the tool in further as you rotate. When it gets tight add more solvent. It will take a couple solvent applications and the grip will come right off.  You can do this over a pan and reuse the solvent over and over.

I can remove a full set of grips rather quickly.

Sure cutting them off is faster but you are throwing away $100 bucks if they are still new grips. Obviously I cut off worn out grips. 
I think the tool is around $30.00 I’ve had mine over 30 years and used it hundreds of times.

Edited August 25 by Tom the Golf Nut

[RyanGi]

Awesome info. Thank you!

[Rob Person]

I've been using air for a few months with my tinkering projects. I've had 2 out of 12 actually pop  (not explode) in the middle.  The trick for me is quick, low pressure,  air bursts.

The grips that did pop were either glued on or melted to the tape used to mount them.  I did have one expand too quickly and rendered the grip useless when installing it. It got deformed and stretched in one spot near the middle. I was using too much pressure I think though.  They were inexpensive ones for me to learn with, so while I was not upset, it still bugged me to waste a grip.

@Tom the Golf Nutthat is a cool tool!

[Rob Person]

 

 

[Laxman3]

I have never used hairspray. I will have to give it a try. I have used rubbing alcohol and mineral spirits. If I am just doing 1 grip, I usually just push it on without air. I have never had a problem getting the grip on properly.

[zengineer]

I’m particular about the grips I use. Whenever I get new clubs I remove the factory grips. The rest of my golfing family doesn’t care so I use the grips for them.
Best way is to buy a grip removal tool.
http://content.invisioncic.com/m331004/monthly_2024_08/IMG_1021.jpeg.1f99df18f978f62a78ff577ecf7581ea.jpeg
Notice there is a groove that runs down the middle. Insert the end into the grip.
http://content.invisioncic.com/m331004/monthly_2024_08/IMG_1022.jpeg.2995e99e4f2d58d00f88575e197ef565.jpeg
Then you squirt grip solvent into the groove. Let it run down into the grip then rotate the club by rotating the club head and holding the tool stationary. Gently push the tool in further as you rotate. When it gets tight add more solvent. It will take a couple solvent applications and the grip will come right off.  You can do this over a pan and reuse the solvent over and over.
http://content.invisioncic.com/m331004/monthly_2024_08/IMG_1023.jpeg.5cf317abeb31e3187b3bfb876dbdb96e.jpeg
I can remove a full set of grips rather quickly.
Sure cutting them off is faster but you are throwing away $100 bucks if they are still new grips. Obviously I cut off worn out grips. 
I think the tool is around $30.00 I’ve had mine over 30 years and used it hundreds of times.

I just pulled a full set of Tour Velvets from a new set of irons to install my preferred Align grips. I have the same tool and they came off so clean I was tempted to not even replace the tape...but I am to particular and peeled them clean and re-taped. I will use the pulled grips on wedges or for friends/ family.

I actually have better luck flipping it around with the opposite side facing the shaft.

[RyanGi]

So I grabbed a couple one-off grips at GG the other day and swapped out the last old ones on my old hybrids. What a cool thing to be able to do so easily! I’m enjoying the options! I’ve started taking off the glued-on grips from my new irons (699 v2s), just one or two, and trying out some alternatives on them as well. I’ll defiantly be upgrading them all! 

I know it’s all personal preference, but do you guys keep the same grip for your whole bag, or do you break them up? Different grips for different club groups? (Wedges, irons, woods, driver)

Edited August 31 by RyanGi

[zengineer]

So I grabbed a couple one-off grips at GG the other day and swapped out the last old ones on my old hybrids. What a cool thing to be able to do so easily! I’m enjoying the options! I’ve started taking off the glued-on grips from my new irons (699 v2s), just one or two, and trying out some alternatives on them as well. I’ll defiantly be upgrading them all! 

I know it’s all personal preference, but do you guys keep the same grip for your whole bag, or do you break them up? Different grips for different club groups? (Wedges, irons, woods, driver)

I use the standard size Tour Velvet Align Tack from driver down to AW but the Tour Velvet 360 on Wedges since I am sometimes manipulating the loft.

[Shrek74]

16 hours ago, RyanGi said:

I know it’s all personal preference, but do you guys keep the same grip for your whole bag, or do you break them up? Different grips for different club groups? (Wedges, irons, woods, driver)

I use the same throughout. Same feel all through the bag.

[Rob Person]

I have the same grips on all the clubs. I may be swapping out the 56 and 60 to midsize, but try to keep them as a wrap.style

[Erin B]

On 8/5/2024 at 2:03 AM, GolfSpy_APH said:

https://mygolfspy.com/we-tried-it/how-to-regrip-with-a-air-compressor/

Here has a bit of a guide, I have known people to use tire pumps and they do work but using something that can get you at least 40 psi I think is necessary. 

For different grips (corded) that are a bit stiffer it may need more.

40psi has been the sweet spot for me as well.

[RyanGi]

40-50psi works great for me. I have got a cheap harbor freight in-line pressure reducer that allows you to easily change pressures at the gun. I leave it hooked up to a spare gun that has the narrow barbed tip on it. Not that I’m changing grips every day, but I’ve started screwing around with them enough that I leave it hanging on the wall. 

[Patrick Dawes]

I use the larger ryobi compressor it has a digital gauge to set psi.  Usually use 50 psi for regular grips (mainly lamkin sonars) and I found 70 psi works better for putter and jumbo max grips.  I also do a base of blue painters tape but I have seen other use masking

[Off Map Oscar]

One of the reasons I love doing grips like this is I'm always tinkering. This midsize no name grip is what convinced me to get a full set of mid size. It's so easy to take them off and just swap around whatever you want. I also added 1 deg of loft to a driver and had to reposition the align again. If I had used new tape and solvent it would have taken a lot more effort to adjust it back to center. 

 

I've done 7 sets of grips now and I've never had one spin. 

 

 

 

[BIG STU]

I have been using air for darn near 20 years now. I tell anyone to use a good regulator and not to exceed 30 PSI. I use 3M brand blue painters' tape with a little charcoal lighter fluid on the mouth of the grip. Never have had any issues with slippage. Grips are easy to get back off too. For me it is great since most classic clubs I find need grips. I can cut off an old grip and clean and install a new one. I have one set of Tour Wraps that have been on and off different sets maybe 20 times. As many classic clubs as I mess with if not for this I would go broke buying grips even cheap ones. Now full cords I do use a little more lube on to slide but when it dries it is ok and those also come off easy with just air.