How to Trim Graphite Shafts
For centuries, golfers played with wooden shafted clubs. Then steel shafts became the rage and players around the world gravitated to them. In 1973, graphite shafts were first introduced, and soon different weights and flexes were available to match golfers' swings. Steel shafts are much more durable than graphite shafts, so you must be careful if you are replacing your clubs' shafts with graphite.
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Things You'll Need
- Graphite shafts
- Measuring tape
- Tape
- Hacksaw or abrasive cutting wheel
- Sandpaper or sanding belt
Instructions
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Purchase your graphite shafts. They will need to be trimmed to fit each of your clubs.
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Measure your shafts. If you are replacing existing shafts, use a tape measure to determine the length of each shaft. You should add an additional 3/4 of an inch because the tip of each shaft will be inside the hosels, or connectors, of the club head. If you are adding shafts to new club head, consult various online charts such as golfspyder.com/golf-club-length.html.
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Tape the shafts. After you have determined the length of each shaft and you have marked each accordingly, place several layers of tape over where you plan to cut, then re-trace the cut line. Graphite shafts tend to shatter when they are cut, so tape will prevent that from happening.
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Cut each shaft. Never use a tube cutter on your graphite shafts. Instead, use a hacksaw or an abrasive cutoff wheel if you have one. Avoid mistakes in measuring your shafts because having to re-cut them is problematic.
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Rough up each tip before applying epoxy and placing the shaft into the hosels to encourage tighter bonding. If the shafts have a plastic coating, you must first remove them from the tip. Most shaft manufacturers recommend using a light sandpaper or a sanding belt on the tip, but be extra careful to avoid shattering. Also be careful if you plan to place the shafts in a vise.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Golf Moon image by bluefern from Fotolia.com
