How Do You Reshaft a Golf Club Step-by-Step?
Reshafting a golf club is a skill that can breathe new life into your favorite clubs, improve your game, and even save you money on equipment upgrades. Whether you’re dealing with a broken shaft, seeking a different flex or weight, or simply customizing your clubs to better suit your swing, understanding the reshafting process is an invaluable asset for any golfer. This hands-on approach not only enhances performance but also deepens your connection to the game by allowing you to tailor your gear precisely to your needs.
At its core, reshafting involves removing the old shaft from the clubhead and replacing it with a new one, a task that requires a blend of patience, precision, and the right tools. While it might seem daunting at first glance, many golfers find the process rewarding and surprisingly accessible once they grasp the fundamentals. Beyond just swapping shafts, reshafting opens the door to exploring different shaft materials, flex ratings, and lengths, all of which can significantly influence your swing dynamics and overall feel.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the essential steps involved in reshafting a golf club, discuss the tools and materials you’ll need, and offer tips to ensure a successful and safe replacement. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a curious beginner, this guide
Removing the Old Shaft
Begin by securely clamping the clubhead in a vise with soft jaws to avoid damaging the finish. Use a heat gun or a specialized shaft removal tool to carefully heat the hosel, which softens the epoxy holding the shaft in place. Move the heat source evenly around the hosel for about 2-3 minutes, avoiding direct contact with the clubface or grip to prevent damage.
Once heated, twist and pull the shaft gently but firmly to remove it from the clubhead. If the shaft resists, apply additional heat and try again, ensuring the shaft does not break inside the hosel. Remove any leftover epoxy residue from the hosel interior using a plastic scraper or fine sandpaper, taking care not to enlarge or deform the hosel bore. Clean the inside thoroughly to ensure a smooth surface for the new shaft installation.
Preparing the New Shaft
Measure and cut the new shaft to the desired length, accounting for any changes in lie angle or playing preference. Use a shaft cutter or a fine-toothed hacksaw and smooth the cut end with a file or sandpaper to remove any burrs. It’s essential to verify the shaft tip diameter matches the hosel size; most steel shafts are .370 inches, while graphite shafts may vary and sometimes require trimming or tip adjustments.
Before installing the shaft, dry-fit it into the clubhead to check alignment and length. Mark the shaft for orientation to ensure the clubface will be properly aligned once assembled. If the shaft requires wrapping tape or ferrule installation, prepare these components accordingly.
Installing the New Shaft
Apply a high-quality, two-part epoxy adhesive inside the hosel and on the shaft tip. Use a small brush or a thin applicator to coat evenly, avoiding excessive glue that could squeeze out and create a mess. Insert the shaft into the hosel, aligning the marks made during the dry fit to ensure proper face alignment.
Push the shaft firmly into place until it seats fully, then rotate slightly to spread the epoxy evenly inside the hosel. Wipe away any excess epoxy immediately with a clean cloth or paper towel. Use masking tape to hold the shaft in the correct orientation and position while the epoxy cures.
Allow the club to rest undisturbed for at least 4-6 hours or per the epoxy manufacturer’s instructions to achieve full strength. Avoid any stress or movement during this period to prevent shifting or weakening of the bond.
Finishing Touches and Adjustments
Once the epoxy has fully cured, remove any masking tape and inspect the joint for cleanliness and proper fit. Install the ferrule if it was removed or replaced during the process. Use a ferrule press or gentle tapping with a mallet to seat it snugly against the hosel without cracking.
Regrip the club by removing the old grip with a grip solvent or by cutting it off. Clean the shaft surface, apply grip tape, and slide the new grip onto the shaft, ensuring it is aligned correctly. Allow the grip adhesive to dry according to product instructions before use.
Check the club’s lie angle and loft with a lie board or angle gauge. Make any necessary adjustments by bending the clubhead carefully using a specialized bending tool to fit your swing style and stance.
Tools and Materials Checklist
- Vise with soft jaws
- Heat gun or shaft removal tool
- Plastic scraper or fine sandpaper
- Shaft cutter or fine-toothed hacksaw
- File or sandpaper for smoothing
- Two-part epoxy adhesive and mixing tools
- Masking tape
- Ferrule (if needed)
- Grip solvent and new grip
- Grip tape
- Lie angle gauge or lie board
- Bending tool for adjustments
Common Shaft Sizes and Compatibility
| Shaft Material | Typical Tip Diameter | Compatible Club Types |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | 0.370 inches | Irons, wedges |
| Graphite (Standard Tip) | 0.335 inches | Driver, fairway woods, hybrids |
| Graphite (Iron Tip) | 0.370 inches | Irons, wedges (graphite) |
Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials
Reshafting a golf club requires precision and the right tools to ensure a secure fit and maintain the club’s original performance characteristics. Before beginning the process, assemble the following essential items:
- Replacement Shaft: Choose a shaft that matches your desired flex, weight, and material (steel or graphite).
- New Grip (optional): Often replaced simultaneously for better feel and to accommodate the new shaft.
- Epoxy Adhesive: A high-strength, two-part epoxy designed specifically for golf club assembly.
- Heat Source: A heat gun or specialized shaft stripper to soften the original epoxy and facilitate head removal.
- Clamps or Vise: To hold the club securely during shaft installation and drying.
- Solvent or Acetone: For cleaning residual epoxy from the hosel and shaft tip.
- Tape or Masking Tape: To protect areas during the process and aid in grip installation.
- Grip Installation Tools: Grip tape, solvent, and a hook blade or utility knife for grip removal and installation.
Removing the Old Shaft from the Clubhead
Removing the existing shaft requires careful application of heat and mechanical force to avoid damaging the clubhead:
Begin by securing the clubhead in a vise fitted with protective jaws or padding to prevent marring. Apply heat evenly around the hosel using a heat gun set to a moderate temperature. Maintain the heat for several minutes until the epoxy softens but avoid overheating, which can damage the finish or weaken the clubhead structure.
Once the epoxy is softened, gently twist and pull the shaft from the hosel. If resistance remains, continue heating in short intervals. Avoid using excessive force to prevent bending or breaking the shaft or damaging the hosel.
After removal, clean the hosel interior thoroughly. Use a wire brush or reaming tool to remove residual epoxy, followed by a wipe with acetone or solvent to ensure a clean bonding surface.
Preparing the New Shaft for Installation
Proper preparation of the replacement shaft is critical for achieving the correct club specifications and a secure fit:
- Check Shaft Length: Measure the new shaft against the old one. Trim to the desired length using a shaft cutter or fine-toothed saw, ensuring a clean, square cut.
- Clean Shaft Tip: Remove any burs or rough edges from the cut end using fine sandpaper or a shaft tip reamer.
- Dry Fit: Insert the shaft into the clubhead hosel without adhesive to confirm fit and alignment. The shaft should slide in smoothly with minimal play.
- Mark Alignment: Identify and mark the orientation of the shaft relative to the clubhead to maintain proper lie and loft angles.
Installing the Shaft into the Clubhead
The installation process requires precision and clean application of adhesive:
Mix the two-part epoxy according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring a consistent and workable mixture. Apply a thin, even layer inside the hosel and on the shaft tip where it will be inserted.
Insert the shaft into the hosel, aligning the previously marked orientation to preserve the club’s intended performance characteristics. Rotate the shaft slightly while inserting to distribute the epoxy evenly and prevent air pockets.
Use a clamp or vise to hold the club in a stable position, maintaining alignment and preventing movement during curing. Follow the epoxy manufacturer’s recommended curing time and temperature for optimal bond strength.
Installing or Reinstalling the Grip
Grip installation affects the feel and playability of the club, so it requires careful attention:
- Remove Old Grip: Cut off the existing grip with a hook blade, taking care not to damage the shaft.
- Prepare Grip and Shaft: Apply grip tape or double-sided tape around the shaft’s grip area. Use solvent to lubricate the inside of the grip and tape surface.
- Slide on Grip: Quickly and smoothly slide the grip onto the shaft to the desired position before the solvent evaporates.
- Align and Dry: Align the grip’s logo or markings properly. Allow the grip to dry and set for several hours before use.
Verifying Club Specifications and Performance
After reshafting, it is essential to verify that the club meets the intended specifications and performs correctly:
| Specification | Check Method | Acceptable Range |
|---|---|---|
| Shaft Length | Measure from butt end to clubhead hosel | Within ±1/8 inch of target length |
| Lie Angle | Use lie board or digital angle finder | Within ±1° of original lie angle |
| Loft Angle | Measured with loft and lie machine | Within ±1° of original loft |
| Shaft Flex | Compare flex rating to original shaft |