How Do You Reshaft a Golf Club Step-by-Step?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Clubs & Balls

Reshafting a golf club is a skillful process that can breathe new life into your favorite clubs, enhancing performance and extending their usability. Whether you’re looking to upgrade to a different shaft material, adjust the flex to better suit your swing, or simply replace a damaged shaft, understanding how to reshaft a golf club is invaluable for any avid golfer. This procedure not only offers customization but also allows you to maintain the feel and balance that are crucial to your game.

At its core, reshafting involves carefully removing the old shaft and securely attaching a new one, a task that requires precision and the right tools. It’s a blend of craftsmanship and technical know-how, ensuring that the club’s integrity and playability remain intact. For those who enjoy tinkering with their equipment or want to save money compared to buying new clubs, learning this process can be both rewarding and practical.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essentials of reshafting a golf club, including the reasons why you might consider it and the general steps involved. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a curious beginner, gaining insight into this process will empower you to make informed decisions about your golf gear and ultimately improve your game.

Tools and Materials Needed for Reshafting

Reshafting a golf club requires precision and the right set of tools to ensure the new shaft fits securely and performs as intended. The primary materials and tools include:

  • Replacement Shaft: Choose a shaft compatible with your clubhead and suited to your playing style.
  • Shaft Puller: A specialized tool designed to grip and remove the old shaft from the clubhead.
  • Heat Source: Typically a heat gun or a specialized shaft heater to soften the epoxy holding the shaft in place.
  • Epoxy Adhesive: High-strength, two-part epoxy formulated for golf club assembly.
  • Sanding Tools: Fine grit sandpaper or emery cloth to prepare the shaft tip and hosel.
  • Measuring Tape or Ruler: For precise alignment and length adjustments.
  • Masking Tape: To protect areas of the clubhead or shaft during the process.
  • Solvent/Cleaner: Acetone or isopropyl alcohol to clean the inside of the hosel and the shaft tip.
  • Clamps or Vise: To hold the club securely during the process.

Having these tools on hand before starting ensures a smooth and effective reshafting process.

Removing the Old Shaft

The first critical step in reshafting is safely removing the old shaft without damaging the clubhead. Begin by heating the hosel—the hollow part of the clubhead where the shaft is inserted—to soften the epoxy bond.

  • Use a heat gun or shaft heater, applying heat evenly around the hosel for several minutes. Avoid overheating, as excessive heat can damage the clubhead or finish.
  • Once the epoxy softens, use a shaft puller to grip the shaft firmly. Apply steady, controlled force to pull the shaft straight out.
  • If the shaft resists removal, reapply heat and allow more time for the epoxy to soften.
  • After removal, inspect the hosel for residual epoxy and use a solvent and a small brush to clean it thoroughly.

Proper heating and cleaning are essential to prepare the clubhead for the new shaft.

Preparing the New Shaft and Clubhead

Before assembling, the new shaft and clubhead must be meticulously prepared to ensure a secure fit and optimal performance.

  • Cutting to Length: Measure the desired finished length of the club. If necessary, trim the shaft using a pipe cutter or fine-toothed saw designed for graphite or steel, depending on the shaft material.
  • Sanding the Tip: Lightly sand the tip of the shaft with fine grit sandpaper to create a rough surface for better epoxy adhesion.
  • Cleaning: Wipe the shaft tip and the inside of the hosel with acetone or isopropyl alcohol to remove oils and dust.
  • Dry Fitting: Insert the shaft into the hosel without epoxy to check the fit and alignment. Mark the shaft to ensure consistent orientation during final assembly.

These preparation steps help achieve a strong bond and maintain club performance characteristics.

Epoxying and Installing the New Shaft

Applying epoxy correctly is crucial for the durability and performance of the reassembled club.

  • Mix the two-part epoxy thoroughly according to manufacturer instructions, typically in equal parts.
  • Apply a thin, even layer of epoxy inside the hosel and on the tip of the shaft.
  • Insert the shaft into the hosel, twisting slightly to distribute the epoxy evenly and ensure a tight fit.
  • Align the shaft according to the previously marked orientation.
  • Wipe away any excess epoxy that squeezes out to prevent hardening on the clubhead surface.
  • Secure the club in a vise or clamp with the shaft held vertically or in the playing position to allow the epoxy to cure evenly.
  • Allow the epoxy to cure fully, usually 24 hours, before using the club.

Patience during curing is essential to prevent joint failure.

Fine-Tuning and Final Adjustments

After the epoxy cures, perform final checks and adjustments to optimize the club’s performance.

  • Check Length: Confirm the club length matches your specifications. Minor trimming can be done if necessary, but avoid shortening after epoxy sets.
  • Grip Installation: If the grip was removed, install a new or the original grip using grip tape and solvent, ensuring proper alignment.
  • Balance and Swing Weight: Measure the swing weight and balance point. Adjust by adding lead tape or changing grip thickness if needed.
  • Visual Inspection: Look for any epoxy residue or imperfections and clean as necessary.
  • Test Swing: Perform practice swings to ensure the club feels natural and secure.

These steps help restore the club’s original playability and feel.

Step Purpose Key Tips
Heating and Shaft Removal Soften epoxy and extract old shaft Use even heat; avoid overheating
Cleaning Hosel Remove epoxy residue for better bonding Use solvent and brush thoroughly
Preparing Shaft Cut to length and sand tip for adhesion Measure carefully; sand lightly
Epoxy Application Secure shaft in hosel Mix epoxy properly; avoid excess
Alignment and Curing Ensure correct orientation and strong bond Mark shaft; allow full curing time
Final Adjustments Restore playability and comfort Tools and Materials Required for Reshafting a Golf Club

Reshafting a golf club involves precise work that requires specific tools and materials to ensure a professional-quality repair. Gathering these items beforehand will facilitate a smooth process.

  • Replacement Shaft: Select the appropriate shaft based on flex, weight, length, and material (steel or graphite) matching your desired specifications.
  • Grip: A new grip is typically installed during reshafting, so have one ready along with grip tape or solvent.
  • Epoxy Adhesive: Use a high-strength, two-part epoxy formulated specifically for golf clubs to bond the shaft and clubhead securely.
  • Shaft Clamp or Vice: A shaft clamp or golf club vice holds the shaft steady during the removal and installation process, preventing damage.
  • Heat Source: A heat gun or specialized club head heater is used to soften the existing epoxy for clubhead removal.
  • Clubhead Remover Tool: Optional but helpful tool designed to safely separate the clubhead from the shaft.
  • Measuring Tape or Ruler: For precise shaft length measurements and alignment.
  • Solvent or Acetone: To clean residual epoxy from the hosel and shaft tip after removal.
  • Utility Knife or Hook Blade: To remove the old grip.
  • Cloth and Sandpaper: For cleaning and preparing surfaces prior to epoxy application.

Step-by-Step Process to Remove the Old Shaft

Removing the old shaft from the clubhead requires careful application of heat and mechanical separation to avoid damaging the clubhead or shaft.

  1. Secure the Club: Place the club in a shaft clamp or golf club vice with soft jaws to protect the shaft and head.
  2. Apply Heat to the Hosel: Use a heat gun or club head heater to evenly heat the hosel area where the shaft enters the clubhead. Heat softens the epoxy bond. Avoid overheating, which can damage the club.
  3. Remove the Shaft: Once heated sufficiently (usually a few minutes), gently twist and pull the shaft out of the clubhead. Use a clubhead remover tool if necessary to assist with separation.
  4. Clean Residual Epoxy: Use a solvent such as acetone and a cloth or fine sandpaper to remove any leftover epoxy from the inside of the hosel and the tip of the shaft.
  5. Inspect the Clubhead: Check the hosel for damage or debris to ensure a clean surface for the new shaft installation.

Preparing the New Shaft for Installation

Proper preparation of the new shaft ensures a secure and accurate fit into the clubhead. The following steps should be followed:

  • Measure and Cut to Length: Measure the old shaft length or desired shaft length, then mark and cut the new shaft accordingly using a shaft cutter or fine saw.
  • Clean the Shaft Tip: Remove any burrs or residue from the cut end with fine sandpaper to provide a smooth surface for epoxy adhesion.
  • Dry Fit the Shaft: Insert the shaft into the clubhead without adhesive to verify fit and alignment. Make any minor adjustments if necessary.
  • Prepare the Grip Area: If the grip is not already installed, prepare the grip end by applying grip tape and getting solvent ready for later application.

Installing the New Shaft into the Clubhead

Installing the new shaft requires precision and appropriate use of adhesive to ensure performance and durability.

  1. Mix the Epoxy: Combine the two parts of the epoxy adhesive according to manufacturer instructions, mixing thoroughly.
  2. Apply Epoxy to the Shaft Tip: Using a small brush or applicator, coat the tip of the shaft evenly with epoxy, covering the area that will enter the hosel.
  3. Coat the Hosel Interior: Apply a thin layer of epoxy inside the hosel to improve bonding.
  4. Insert the Shaft: Immediately insert the shaft into the clubhead to the desired depth, twisting slightly to evenly distribute the epoxy.
  5. Align the Clubhead: Orient the clubhead so that the face is aligned correctly relative to the shaft’s alignment marks or preferred setup.
  6. Secure and Cure: Place the club horizontally in a clamp or lay it on a flat surface to avoid movement. Allow the epoxy to cure fully, typically 4 to 24 hours depending on the epoxy used.

Installing a New Grip and Final Adjustments

Once the shaft is securely attached to the clubhead, the final steps involve installing the grip and ensuring the club is ready for play.

  • Remove Old Grip: Use a utility knife to carefully cut away the old grip if not done previously.
  • Apply Grip Tape and Solvent: Wrap the grip tape around the shaft end, overlapping slightly, then saturate it with grip solvent to allow the grip to slide on easily.
  • Slide on the New Grip: Quickly slide the new grip onto the shaft, ensuring it is properly aligned with any logos or alignment marks.

    • Professional Insights on How Do You Reshaft a Golf Club

    Michael Trent (Master Club Fitter, Precision Golf Solutions). Reshafting a golf club requires meticulous attention to detail, beginning with selecting the correct shaft that matches the player’s swing dynamics. The process involves carefully removing the old shaft without damaging the clubhead, cleaning the hosel thoroughly, and applying the appropriate epoxy to ensure a secure fit. Precision in alignment and curing time are critical to maintain the club’s performance characteristics.

    Linda Chen (Certified Clubmaker and Golf Equipment Specialist). When reshafting, it is essential to understand the flex, weight, and torque specifications of the new shaft to preserve the club’s intended feel and playability. Using specialized tools to extract the old shaft and properly prepare the hosel ensures a clean bond. Additionally, balancing the club after installation is necessary to maintain swing consistency and accuracy.

    David Morales (Golf Technology Engineer, SwingTech Innovations). From a technical standpoint, reshafting involves both mechanical skill and knowledge of material science. The adhesive properties of modern epoxies and the thermal conditions during curing can affect the joint’s durability. Ensuring the shaft is seated fully and aligned with the clubface is vital to avoid performance degradation. Regular quality checks post-reshafting guarantee that the club meets professional standards.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What tools are required to reshaft a golf club?
    You will need a shaft puller, heat source (such as a heat gun or oven), epoxy adhesive, a shaft clamp, a ferrule, and a club vise or holder to reshaft a golf club properly.

    How do you remove the old shaft from a golf club?
    First, heat the hosel to soften the epoxy, then use a shaft puller to carefully twist and pull the old shaft out without damaging the clubhead.

    What type of epoxy should be used when reshafting a golf club?
    Use a high-quality, two-part epoxy specifically designed for golf club assembly to ensure a strong, durable bond between the shaft and clubhead.

    How do you ensure the new shaft is aligned correctly?
    Align the shaft’s orientation marks with the clubhead’s hosel markings before inserting it, and use a shaft clamp to hold it in place while the epoxy cures.

    Can I reshaft a golf club at home, or should I seek professional help?
    While experienced golfers can reshaft clubs at home with the right tools and knowledge, it is recommended to seek professional help to avoid damaging the club and to ensure optimal performance.

    How long does the epoxy take to cure after reshafting?
    Epoxy typically requires 24 hours to fully cure, but curing times may vary depending on the product used; always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
    Reshafting a golf club is a precise and methodical process that involves removing the old shaft and installing a new one to restore or enhance the club’s performance. It requires careful measurement, the correct selection of a replacement shaft that matches the player’s swing characteristics, and meticulous assembly to ensure proper alignment and secure bonding. Attention to detail during each step—from shaft removal to epoxy curing—is essential for achieving optimal results and maintaining the club’s integrity.

    Understanding the importance of shaft flex, weight, and material composition is crucial when selecting a new shaft. These factors directly influence the club’s feel, trajectory, and overall playability. Additionally, using the right tools and techniques, such as heat application for shaft removal and precise trimming for fitting, contributes significantly to the success of the reshafting process. Professional expertise or guidance is often recommended to avoid damaging the clubhead or compromising performance.

    Ultimately, reshafting a golf club can extend the life of valuable equipment and tailor it to better suit an individual’s game. Whether addressing a broken shaft or upgrading for improved playability, the process demands accuracy and knowledge. By adhering to best practices and understanding the technical aspects involved, golfers can ensure their clubs perform at the highest level, enhancing their

    Author Profile

    Avatar
    Jeffrey Patton
    Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

    Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.

    © 2025 Sir Lanserlot Golf