For years, golf club makers used strong solvent to clean off reside of golf grip tape and to activate new tape when installing new grips. The common solvents are similar to paint thinner and are hazardous to inhale as well as highly flammable. Considering the average grip needs replacing nearly annually for active golfers, that's a lot of solvent flowing through shops. A more environmentally friendly alternative is to use water with special grip tape that doesn't require solvent.
Step 1
Cut off the old grip, taking care not to nick a graphite shaft. Dampen a rag with equal parts lemon juice and water to remove the adhesive from the previous grip tape. Use a stiff plastic-bristle brush if necessary.
Step 2
Dry the shaft completely. Wrap a piece of water-activated grip tape down the shaft, starting at the butt end.
Step 3
Fill a spray bottle with tap water and 1 tbsp of dish soap. Leave out the dish soap if installing air-cushioned or ribbed grips. Dampen but don't soak the grip tape.
Step 4
Slide the grip onto the shaft quickly, making sure any grip alignment markings line up on the top of the shaft, coordinating with the leading edge of the clubface.
Step 5
Let the grips dry two days before use.
Tips and Warnings
- Water-activated tape takes longer to dry than solvent-activated tape, so give the grip extra time to set.
Things You'll Need
- Rag
- Lemon juice
- Stiff plastic brush
- Dish soap
- Spray bottle
- Water-activated grip tape strips
Member Comments