How to Build Clone Golf Clubs

Clone golf clubs can be easily assembled at home.

Golf is a sport beloved by millions, yet many people find that the high cost of golf clubs is a barrier to entering the sport. Clone (knock-off) golf clubs are clubs that appear similar to higher priced, brand name clubs, yet have an affordable price tag. These clubs can often be purchased by components, or pieces and can be assembled at home relatively easily. The necessary tools to assemble a golf club can often be found at home.

Things You'll Need

• Club head
• Golf shaft
• Golf grip
• Sand paper (80 grit)
• Golf club epoxy
• Golf grip solvent
• Golf grip tape

Instructions

Club Head Preparation

1. Inspect the hosel (area where the shaft is inserted) for debris that can prevent the club head from being secured strongly to the shaft. This debris can cause the golf club epoxy to lose strength.

2. Remove any debris by blowing into the hosel or use a compressed air tool, if available, to blow the debris out of the hosel.

3. Weigh the club head if swingweight is a concern. Swingweight is the feel of balance of the golf club. Swingweight can be affected by changes in head weight, shaft weight or grip weight.

Prepare the Shaft

1. Cut the shaft to the desired playing length by cutting off the butt end (grip end) of the shaft.

2. Tip cut the shaft if achieving a sub-flex is desired. This is performed by cutting a specified amount off the tip of the shaft. Be careful not to cut too much, as this can cause the shaft to play more firmly than desired. Shafts typically have a three- to four-inch section at the tip that is the same diameter to accommodate shaft tipping.

3. Abrade the tip of shaft by lightly sanding with 80 grit or higher sandpaper. This creates a rough surface, which provides the golf club epoxy an ideal surface on which to bind itself.

Install the Golf Shaft

1. Spread golf club epoxy over the tip of the golf shaft. Be sure to coat the entire section that was abraded earlier.

2. Push the golf shaft into the hosel of the club head.

3. Twist the shaft while pushing the shaft down to ensure that the epoxy is distributed evenly around the shaft, instead of being forced down into the bottom of the hosel bore.

4. Wipe any residual golf club epoxy from the top of the club head. Use a damp rag soaked in mineral spirits or paint thinner to ensure the epoxy is removed completely.

Install the Golf Grips

1. Wrap the first 10 inches of the butt end of the golf shaft with solvent activated golf grip tape. Use a spray bottle to coat the grip tape with grip solvent to prepare it for installation.

2. Pour grip solvent into the golf grip. Be sure to cover the vent hole on the top of the grip, before doing this, to avoid losing the grip solvent.

3. Insert the golf grip over the top of the golf shaft. You may need to open the golf grip by squeezing the opening of the grip with a thumb and forefinger.

4. Push the grip down all the way over the shaft. Be sure to cover the grip tape to ensure maximum grip.

5. Ensure the graphics on the grip are aligned properly on the shaft. Most club makers install the grip logo facing the golfer and aligned with the shaft graphics on the golf shaft.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not smoke near golf club epoxy, mineral spirits or paint thinner. These items are highly flammable and may ignite.

References

• Purely Golf: Golf Technology & Equipment - Swingweight
• Golf Components: Tip Trimming Instructions
• Ralph Maltby: How to Assemble Golf Clubs
• Golfsmith: Removing & Installing Grips