Extending golf club shafts is a repair or modification you can do yourself with the right tools and a bit of patience. It can help golfers who need longer clubs to fit their height or swing. This guide will walk you through the simple steps for adding length to golf clubs, making the process easy to follow.
Image Source: i.ytimg.com
Why Add Length to Your Golf Clubs?
Many golfers find their clubs are too short. This can happen for a few reasons.
- Your Height: Taller golfers often need longer clubs to stand comfortably over the ball and keep good posture during the swing.
- Your Swing Style: Some golfers have a swing that works better with a slightly longer club.
- Club Fitting: Sometimes, during a club fitting, a fitter might suggest shaft length adjustment to improve your ball striking or swing path.
Having clubs that are the correct length is key for comfort and hitting the ball well. Clubs that are too short can make you bend over too much, leading to back pain or a swing that’s hard to control.
Grasping Golf Club Extensions
Golf club extensions are small pieces, usually made of plastic or graphite, that fit into the tip end (the end under the grip) of your golf shaft. They act like a sleeve or plug, letting you add anywhere from half an inch to two inches, or even more, to the overall length of the shaft.
These extensions are designed to fit snugly inside the hollow part of the shaft. Once glued in place with strong epoxy, they become a stable part of the shaft structure. This allows you to make a shaft length adjustment without needing to replace the entire shaft. This falls under the category of general golf club repair and modification.
Is Extending a Shaft Difficult?
No, extending a golf shaft is not hard if you have the right parts and follow the steps carefully. You don’t need special golf club building skills, just basic hand tools and a clean workspace. A club shaft extender kit usually provides the main part you need, the extender itself.
What You Need: Tools and Materials
Before you start adding length to golf clubs, gather everything required. Having it all ready makes the job smooth.
h4 Tools and Essential Supplies
- Work Bench or Table: A stable place to work.
- Vise: To hold the club shaft securely. Make sure it has rubber or plastic jaws so you don’t scratch the shaft.
- Heat Gun: Used to soften the glue under the grip so you can take it off.
- Utility Knife or Grip Removal Tool: To cut or peel off the old grip.
- Hacksaw or Shaft Cutter: To cut the end of the shaft after the extender is glued in and cured. A proper shaft cutter gives a cleaner cut.
- Measuring Tape or Ruler: To measure the desired length and the extension piece.
- Fine-Grit Sandpaper (e.g., 220 or 320 grit): To lightly rough up surfaces for better glue bonding.
- Clean Rags or Paper Towels: For cleaning and wiping away excess epoxy.
- Mixing Stick and Surface: A small stick (like a popsicle stick) and a disposable surface (like cardboard or a plastic lid) to mix the epoxy.
- Epoxy: A strong, two-part epoxy is needed. Get one made for golf clubs or that bonds well to metal and graphite. A 24-hour cure time epoxy is often recommended for strength, but 30-minute versions can work if they are strong enough for structural bonds.
- Denatured Alcohol or Acetone: To clean the inside of the shaft and the extender surface before gluing.
- Masking Tape or Painter’s Tape: To mark your cut line and wrap around the shaft in the vise for protection.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from dust or debris.
- Dust Mask: If cutting the shaft, especially graphite.
h4 Club Shaft Extender Kit Components
A typical club shaft extender kit will include:
- The extender piece(s), made of graphite or plastic.
- Sometimes, a small amount of golf-specific epoxy.
- Instructions (which you will replace with these detailed steps!).
Here’s a simple table showing the materials you’ll likely need:
| Category | Items | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tools | Vise, Heat Gun, Knife, Saw/Cutter, Measuring Tape | Holding, Removing, Cutting, Measuring |
| Supplies | Sandpaper, Clean Rags, Mixing Sticks, Mixing Surface | Surface Prep, Cleaning, Epoxy Handling |
| Chemicals | Epoxy, Alcohol/Acetone | Gluing, Cleaning |
| Protection | Safety Glasses, Dust Mask, Masking Tape | Personal Safety, Shaft Protection, Marking |
| Specific Part | Golf Club Extender(s) | The piece that adds length |
Choosing the Right Golf Club Extensions
Not all golf club extensions are the same. They come in different sizes and materials to match different shafts.
h4 Material Matters: Graphite vs. Steel
- Graphite Shaft Extensions: These are made for graphite shafts, which are thicker and often have a parallel tip section (the part near the club head) or a stepped tip under the grip. Graphite extenders are usually made of a composite material. They need a specific type of epoxy designed for composite materials.
- Steel Shaft Extensions: These are made for steel shafts, which are thinner and usually have a constant diameter or step down towards the tip end (under the grip). Steel extenders are usually plastic or lightweight steel sleeves.
Using the wrong type of extender can lead to a weak bond or the extender not fitting correctly inside the shaft. Make sure you buy the right extender for the type of shaft you have.
h4 Getting the Right Diameter
Golf shafts have different inside diameters at the tip (the end under the grip). Extenders are made to fit these different sizes. Some are “universal” and can be trimmed to fit, while others are sized more specifically. Check the specifications of your shaft or the extender kit to ensure they are compatible. A loose fit will not create a strong bond. A too-tight fit won’t go in.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Use Golf Shaft Extensions
Here is the detailed process for extending golf club shafts. Follow each step carefully for the best results.
h4 Step 1: Remove the Old Grip
You need to take off the old grip to get to the butt end (grip end) of the shaft.
- Secure the Club: Place the club in the vise, gripping the shaft just below where the grip ends. Protect the shaft with tape or rubber vise jaws. Make sure the club head is not hitting the bench.
- Apply Heat (Optional but Helpful): If the grip was installed with lots of tape or strong solvent, a heat gun can help. Gently warm the length of the grip for 30-60 seconds, moving the heat gun back and forth. Don’t use too much heat, especially on graphite shafts, as it can damage them.
- Cut the Grip: Use a sharp utility knife or a special grip removal tool. Start cutting from the bottom cap of the grip towards the club head. Be careful not to cut into the shaft, especially with graphite shafts which can be easily damaged. Cut along the length of the grip.
- Peel Off the Grip: Once cut, peel the grip away from the shaft.
- Remove Old Tape: Scrape off all the old grip tape from the shaft. Use your fingers or a plastic scraper. Avoid sharp metal tools that could scratch the shaft.
h4 Step 2: Prepare the Shaft End
The inside of the shaft needs to be clean for the epoxy to stick well.
- Inspect the Shaft End: Look inside the butt end of the shaft. Make sure there are no old pieces of grip tape or debris.
- Clean the Inside: Use a clean rag or paper towel soaked in denatured alcohol or acetone. Swab the inside of the shaft for about 1-2 inches down. Let it dry completely. This removes oils and dirt.
- Lightly Sand the Inside (Optional for some shafts): For some shaft materials, a very light sanding of the inside surface where the extender will go can help bonding. Use a small piece of fine-grit sandpaper rolled up. Don’t sand too much; you just want to create tiny scratches for the epoxy to grip. Clean out any dust afterwards with compressed air or a clean brush, then wipe again with alcohol.
- Clean the Outside: Wipe down the outside of the shaft where the grip tape was with alcohol to remove any sticky residue.
h4 Step 3: Prepare the Extender
The extender itself also needs some preparation.
- Check the Fit: Insert the extender into the shaft end without epoxy. It should fit snugly but slide in with some effort. If it’s too loose, it’s the wrong size. If it won’t go in, it might be too big or need light sanding (see next step).
- Trim to Length (If Needed): Most extenders are about 3-4 inches long. You typically only need the extender to go into the shaft by 1.5 to 2 inches. The part sticking out will be the extra length you add (plus the depth of the grip cap). If the extender is longer than needed inside the shaft, you might trim its insert end slightly, but often you just use the required depth. The total added length is measured from the original shaft end to the new extended end.
- Lightly Sand the Extender: Lightly scuff the outside surface of the extender that will go inside the shaft. Use fine-grit sandpaper. This helps the epoxy bond. Clean off any dust with alcohol.
h4 Step 4: Mix the Epoxy
Epoxy is a two-part glue that needs to be mixed just before use.
- Get Your Mixing Surface Ready: Place your disposable mixing surface on your workbench.
- Dispense Epoxy: Squeeze out equal amounts of Part A and Part B of the epoxy onto the surface. Read the epoxy instructions; some require mixing by weight, but most 2-part epoxies for this use are by volume.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use the mixing stick to mix the two parts together completely. Mix for the time recommended on the epoxy package (usually 1-2 minutes). Keep mixing until the color is uniform and there are no streaks of the original two colors. Proper mixing is critical for the epoxy to cure hard and strong.
h4 Step 5: Apply Epoxy and Insert Extender
Now it’s time to bond the extender to the shaft.
- Apply Epoxy to Extender: Use the mixing stick or a small brush to apply a thin, even layer of mixed epoxy to the outside of the part of the extender that will go inside the shaft. Make sure it covers the entire surface that will be inserted.
- Apply Epoxy Inside Shaft: Apply a small amount of epoxy inside the very end of the shaft as well. Don’t fill it up, just coat the inside walls where the extender will sit.
- Insert the Extender: Gently push the epoxied extender into the butt end of the shaft. Twist it slightly as you push. This helps spread the epoxy evenly and removes air bubbles. Push it in to the desired depth (usually 1.5 to 2 inches).
- Check for Proper Seating: Make sure the extender is pushed fully in to the mark you intended. There should be a little epoxy that squeezes out around the edge.
h4 Step 6: Clean Up Excess Epoxy
Wipe away any epoxy that squeezed out immediately.
- Wipe Clean: Use a clean rag or paper towel soaked in denatured alcohol or acetone. Carefully wipe around the join where the extender enters the shaft. Get rid of all visible epoxy on the outside of the shaft.
- Check the Inside: Ensure no large amount of epoxy is blocking the inside of the shaft further down than the extender goes.
h4 Step 7: Allow Epoxy to Cure
This is a critical step. The epoxy needs time to harden completely.
- Position the Club: Place the club somewhere stable where it won’t be moved or bumped. You can stand it upright with the club head down, or support it horizontally. Make sure the joint where the extender is inserted is not stressed.
- Wait: Let the epoxy cure for the time recommended on the package. If you used a 24-hour epoxy, wait the full 24 hours. Do not try to cut the shaft or stress the joint before it is fully cured. This waiting time ensures maximum bond strength.
h4 Step 8: Cut the Extended Shaft to Final Length
Once the epoxy is hard, you can cut the shaft to the desired new total length.
- Determine Final Length: Decide the exact length you want the club to be from the sole of the club head to the butt end of the grip. Standard lengths vary by club type and golfer size. Measure from the ground (assuming the club head is on the ground in playing position) up the back of the shaft to your desired mark.
- Mark the Cut Line: Use a pencil or fine marker to make a clear line around the shaft at your desired final length. Be precise! Measure twice, cut once.
- Secure the Shaft: Place the shaft back in the vise, protecting it with tape or rubber jaws. The mark you made should be just above the vise jaws. Make sure the shaft is straight up and down or level, depending on how you prefer to cut.
- Cut the Shaft:
- Using a Hacksaw: Use a blade with fine teeth (like a metal cutting blade). Start the cut carefully, using a guide if you have one, or placing your thumb against the blade (safely!) to start it in the right spot. Saw smoothly, letting the blade do the work. Avoid pressing down hard. Rotate the shaft in the vise if needed to keep the cut straight.
- Using a Shaft Cutter: This tool gives a very clean, straight cut, especially for graphite. Place the shaft in the cutter jaws at your mark and rotate the cutter around the shaft, tightening the blade slightly with each rotation until the shaft is cut through. This is the preferred method for graphite.
- Clean the Cut End: Lightly smooth the edges of the newly cut shaft end with fine sandpaper or a file. Remove any dust from the inside of the shaft.
h4 Step 9: Install the New Grip
The last step is to put a new grip on your now-longer shaft.
- Apply New Tape: Wrap the shaft with new double-sided grip tape, starting from the cut end and going down the shaft the length of the grip. Apply it smoothly, avoiding wrinkles.
- Secure the Club: Place the club back in the vise, club head down.
- Prepare Grip and Shaft: Cover the hole in the butt end of the grip (or leave it open if using a pouring method). Apply grip solvent generously to the inside of the grip. Also, pour grip solvent over the grip tape on the shaft.
- Install the Grip: Quickly slide the wet grip onto the wet shaft end. Push it down firmly and smoothly until the butt end of the grip is flush with the end of the shaft. Make sure the grip goes on straight.
- Align the Grip: Before the solvent dries, make sure the grip is aligned correctly (e.g., logo facing up). Make small adjustments if needed.
- Allow Solvent to Dry: Let the grip solvent dry completely. This usually takes a few hours. Don’t use the club until the grip feels secure.
Specific Notes for Different Clubs
While the general steps are the same, there are small differences when extending iron shaft versus extending driver shaft or other woods.
h4 Extending Iron Shafts
Iron shafts are usually steel.
- Extender Type: Use extenders made for steel shafts, typically plastic plugs.
- Internal Step: Some steel shafts have a small internal step near the butt end. Make sure your extender fits past this step or is designed to stop at it.
- Cutting: Steel can be cut well with a hacksaw, but a pipe cutter designed for shafts gives a cleaner edge.
h4 Extending Driver Shafts
Driver and fairway wood shafts are almost always graphite.
- Extender Type: Use extenders made for graphite shafts. These are often graphite composite tubes that fit inside the hollow shaft.
- Hollow Tip: Most modern graphite shafts are hollow under the grip. The extender fits into this hollow section.
- Cutting: Always use a proper shaft cutter for graphite. A hacksaw can splinter graphite, weakening the shaft. Use a dust mask when cutting graphite as the dust is not good to breathe.
The Impact of Golf Club Lengthening
Golf club lengthening is not just about making the club longer. It significantly affects golf swing weight.
h4 What is Swing Weight?
Swing weight is a measure of how heavy a club feels when you swing it. It balances the weight of the club head, the shaft, and the grip. It’s measured on a scale using a letter-number code (like D2, E0, etc.).
h4 How Length Affects Swing Weight
Adding length to golf clubs moves the balance point further away from your hands. Even a small amount of length adds a lot of swing weight.
- Rule of Thumb: Adding 1 inch of length typically increases swing weight by about 6 points (e.g., from D2 to D8).
- Feeling the Change: A higher swing weight means the club head feels heavier during the swing.
h4 Why Does Swing Weight Matter?
A sudden large change in swing weight can feel strange and affect your timing and control. If you are used to a D2 swing weight and adding an inch makes it E0, the club might feel too heavy and hard to swing smoothly.
h4 Adjusting Swing Weight After Lengthening
- Adding Head Weight: To bring the swing weight back down or closer to the original, you need to add weight to the club head. This sounds backwards, but adding weight to the club head after extending helps balance the new length. You can use lead tape or weights added to the club head ports (if available). Adding weight to the head brings the balance point back towards the head, lowering the swing weight value.
- Changing Grip Weight: A lighter grip can also slightly increase swing weight, and a heavier grip can decrease it. This is a smaller effect than changing length or head weight.
It’s a good idea to check the swing weight of your club after golf club lengthening if you are sensitive to how your clubs feel. If the change is too much, you might need to make adjustments.
Finishing Up and Checking Your Work
After the epoxy is cured and the grip is on, your newly extended club is almost ready.
- Inspect the Join: Check where the extender was inserted. The joint should look clean, and the shaft should feel solid.
- Check the Grip: Make sure the grip is straight and feels secure.
- Measure the Final Length: Measure the club again to confirm it is the desired length.
- Flex Test (Gentle): Gently flex the shaft near the extended section. It should feel solid, with no creaking or movement at the joint.
When to Get Professional Golf Club Repair and Modification
While extending a shaft is a DIY job for many, there are times when you might want to go to a professional club builder or repair shop.
- Expensive Clubs: If you have very high-end shafts or clubs, you might prefer a pro handles them to avoid any risk of damage.
- Complex Needs: If you need significant swing weight adjustments, spine alignment of the shaft, or other detailed work beyond a simple extension.
- Uncertainty: If you are not comfortable with any step of the process, especially cutting the shaft or mixing epoxy.
- Damage: If the shaft is damaged during the process.
Pros have specialized tools and experience for all types of golf club repair and modification, including precise shaft length adjustment.
Deciphering How to Use Golf Shaft Extensions Effectively
Using golf club extensions effectively means more than just gluing a piece in. It means selecting the right part for your shaft, preparing the surfaces properly, using good epoxy, and understanding how the change impacts your club’s feel (golf swing weight). By following the steps outlined here, you can successfully perform golf club lengthening and improve the fit of your clubs. Remember that patience and careful work lead to a strong, reliable bond.
Frequently Asked Questions
h5 How much length can I add with a golf club extension?
You can usually add anywhere from 0.5 inches to 2 inches using standard extenders. Some extenders allow for more, but adding too much length can weaken the shaft or make swing weight changes too extreme. Most DIY extensions are 1-2 inches.
h5 Can I extend any golf shaft?
Most graphite and steel shafts that are hollow under the grip can be extended. Some older or specific shaft designs might have internal structures that prevent extensions. Parallel tip shafts are generally easier to extend than taper tip shafts under the grip, but extenders exist for both. Check the specific shaft and extender compatibility.
h5 Does extending a shaft weaken it?
If done correctly with the right extender and proper epoxy bond, the extended section should be very strong. The epoxy joint, when cured fully, is designed to be durable. However, improper surface prep, using the wrong epoxy, or adding excessive length could potentially create a weak point.
h5 What kind of epoxy should I use?
Use a high-quality, two-part structural epoxy. Many epoxies are specifically made for golf club assembly (shafting epoxy). Look for one that bonds well to the material of your shaft and the extender (graphite, steel, plastic). A 24-hour cure epoxy often provides the strongest bond.
h5 How does extending my driver shaft affect distance?
Extending a driver shaft can potentially increase swing speed, which might lead to more distance. However, the increased length also makes the club harder to control and can affect timing. The change in golf swing weight can also impact your ability to hit the sweet spot. For many golfers, adding more than an inch to a driver makes it harder to hit consistently straight shots, even if swing speed increases. Finding the right balance of length and control is key.
h5 Can I extend my putter shaft?
Yes, putters can also be extended using similar methods, although putter shafts are often thicker walled or stepped differently. The process is similar: remove the grip, insert and epoxy an extender, cut to length, and regrip. The effect on swing weight is also present but might be less noticeable or desirable depending on the putter’s design.
h5 What is the difference between extending and butt trimming?
Extending adds length to golf clubs by inserting a piece into the grip end (butt). Butt trimming means cutting off the grip end (butt) of the shaft to make it shorter. Extending makes the club longer; butt trimming makes it shorter.
h5 Should I extend my current shaft or buy a longer one?
Extending is less expensive than buying a new, longer shaft and paying for installation. If you need a small length adjustment (1-2 inches) and are happy with your current shaft’s feel and flex, extending is a cost-effective solution. If you need a significant length change, want to change shaft flex, or your current shaft isn’t ideal, buying a new shaft might be a better option, especially if you are going through a professional fitting.
h5 Does the type of extension matter (plastic vs. graphite)?
Yes, the material should match the shaft material for the best bond and feel. Graphite extensions are generally used for graphite shafts, and plastic or light metal extensions for steel shafts. Using a plastic extension in a graphite shaft might be possible but is often not recommended for strength or feel consistency.
Conclusion
Extending golf club shafts is a practical way to make your clubs fit you better. By following these steps and using the right tools and materials from a club shaft extender kit, you can successfully perform golf club lengthening at home. Pay close attention to preparing surfaces, mixing epoxy, and allowing enough cure time. Remember that this shaft length adjustment will change the golf swing weight, which you may need to address. Whether you are extending iron shaft or extending driver shaft, this guide provides the knowledge for this common golf club repair and modification. With patience, you can enjoy clubs that are perfectly fitted to your swing.