Most golfers have regripped clubs the traditional way at least once — double-sided grip tape, activating solvent, waiting for it to dry, hoping the grip doesn't slide before it sets. It works, but it's slow, messy, and more complicated than it needs to be.
There's a faster way: compressed air. No tape. No solvent. No drying time. This guide covers both methods so you can decide which works best for you — and explains why more golfers are switching to tapeless installation every season.
Why Regripping Matters
Golf grips degrade faster than most golfers realize. Exposure to UV, sweat, heat, and repeated use breaks down rubber compounds over time — reducing tackiness, softening the texture, and causing subtle grip pressure changes that affect your swing without you noticing.
Most club fitters recommend regripping every 40 rounds or once per year, whichever comes first. If your grips feel slick, hard, or shiny, they're past due.
Method 1: How to Regrip Golf Clubs Without Tape (Air Installation)
Tapeless air installation is the fastest and cleanest way to regrip golf clubs. It works by using compressed air to temporarily expand the grip, allowing it to slide over the shaft without any adhesive. The grip then seals tightly to the shaft on its own — no tape required.
What you need:
- An air compressor (any standard compressor at 60–90 PSI works — even a small 1–2 gallon unit)
- A grip installation gun (such as the Star Grip Standard Air Installation Gun)
- New golf grips compatible with tapeless installation
Step-by-step:
- Remove the old grip. Use a hook blade grip cutter to slice through the old grip lengthwise and peel it off. For graphite shafts, hold the blade parallel to the shaft to avoid nicking it.
- Clean the shaft. If there's old tape residue on the shaft, remove it. For tapeless installation, the shaft surface should be clean and dry.
- Connect your air gun to the compressor. Set your compressor to 60–90 PSI. Attach the installation gun using the included quick-connect fitting.
- Insert the nozzle into the grip. Push the tip of the installation gun into the open end of the grip.
- Slide the grip onto the shaft while triggering air. Squeeze the trigger to release a short burst of air as you slide the grip down the shaft. The air creates enough pressure to move the grip smoothly without force.
- Adjust and align immediately. You have a few seconds to rotate or push the grip into final position before it seats. For grips with alignment ridges, make sure they're oriented correctly.
- Done. No drying time. The grip is installed and ready to use immediately.
A full set of 13 clubs takes most people under 15 minutes once they've done it a couple of times.
Method 2: Traditional Tape and Solvent Installation
If you don't have a compressor, tape and solvent is still a reliable method — it just takes longer.
What you need:
- Double-sided grip tape
- Grip solvent (or mineral spirits as a substitute)
- A grip vise or clamp to hold the shaft
- New grips
Step-by-step:
- Remove the old grip. Cut lengthwise with a hook blade cutter and peel off. Remove all old tape from the shaft.
- Apply double-sided grip tape. Starting below the butt end of the shaft, wrap the tape in a spiral down the shaft to the length of the grip. Fold the excess over the butt end to seal it.
- Apply solvent inside the grip. Cover the small hole at the bottom of the grip with your finger, pour a small amount of solvent inside the grip, and shake to coat the interior. Pour the excess solvent over the taped portion of the shaft.
- Slide the grip on quickly. Work fast — solvent evaporates. Push the grip down the shaft in one smooth motion, aligning it as you go.
- Let it dry. Wait at least 30–60 minutes before using the club. Some grips benefit from drying overnight.
Tapeless vs. Tape and Solvent: Which Is Better?
| Factor | Tapeless (Air) | Tape & Solvent |
|---|---|---|
| Time per grip | ~1 minute | 3–5 minutes + drying |
| Mess | None | Solvent smell, tape scraps |
| Ready to use | Immediately | 30–60 min minimum |
| Equipment needed | Compressor + installation gun | Tape + solvent + vise |
| Cost over time | Lower (no consumables) | Ongoing tape + solvent cost |
| Works with all grips | Only with compatible grips | Works with any grip |
Can You Regrip Without a Vise?
Yes. With tape and solvent, you can brace the shaft against a stable surface (like a workbench edge) and install grips by hand — though a vise makes it easier. With an air installation system, no vise is needed at all. The air pressure does the work.
How Many Layers of Tape Do I Need for a Bigger Grip Size?
Each layer of build-up tape adds approximately .013" to the grip diameter, which equals about 1/5 of a full size increase. To go up one full size (from standard to midsize, for example), you'd need 5 wraps of build-up tape. This applies to both tape and tapeless installation methods.
Common Regripping Mistakes to Avoid
- Not removing all old tape. Leftover adhesive residue prevents a clean, secure installation whether you're using tape or air.
- Misaligning the grip. With air installation, you have a short window to adjust before the grip seats. With solvent, work quickly before it dries.
- Using the wrong grip size. Measure your hand or use build-up tape — wrong grip size affects swing mechanics more than most golfers expect.
- Skipping the butt plug seal. With tape installation, not sealing the butt end with tape allows solvent to escape and weakens the adhesive bond.
Ready to Regrip?
Star Grip makes the process as fast as possible. Our grips are engineered specifically for tapeless air installation — the inner surface uses StarTack® rubber that bonds directly to the shaft without adhesive, creating a permanent, slip-free hold.
- Shop Full Swing Grips — Classic Wrap, Sidewinder, Tour Star+, STX from $9.99
- Standard Air Installation Gun — $39.99
- Try Before You Commit — sample up to 3 grips with free shipping for $5.99