How to Reshaft a Driver at Home

Replacing the shaft on your golf club driver is a project that can be done at home with some basic tools and a little bit of know-how. Reshafting a driver allows you to customize the club to your swing by changing the shaft flex, length, and weight. It can also save you money compared to buying a new driver. While it does require some specialized supplies, reshafting a driver is a manageable project for most golfers.

What is Reshafting a Driver?

Reshafting a driver refers to the process of removing the original shaft from the driver head and installing a new one. The shaft is the long cylindrical pole that connects the clubhead to the grip. It is a crucial element of club design, impacting factors like swing weight, launch angle, spin rates, and overall feel. Changing the shaft allows you to fine-tune these attributes.

For example, you may reshaft to get a lighter and more flexible shaft if you have a slower swing speed. Or you might install a stiffer and heavier shaft to lower launch if you have a high ball flight. Custom fitting analyzes your swing to recommend the optimal shaft type. Once you know what you need, reshafting allows you to upgrade your driver to those specs.

How to Reshaft a Driver at Home

 Reshafting a driver requires some specialized tools and supplies. It also needs care and attention to detail when removing the original shaft and installing the new one. Here is an overview of the step-by-step process:

Supplies Needed

• Driver head

• New shaft

• Grip tape

• Epoxy

• Clean rags

• Acetone or paint thinner

• Scissors

• Safety gear (gloves, eye protection, mask)

Specialized Tools

• Shaft remover/puller

• Shaft epoxy tip

• Shaft extension tip

• Fitting station clamp

• Shaft cutter

• Lie angle gauge

Step 1 - Remove the Old Shaft

 First, remove the grip at the top of the old shaft using a razor blade or grip cutter tool. Be very careful not to damage the shaft underneath. Once the grip is removed, clean off any residual tape or glue.

Clamp the driver head securely in a bench vise or fitting station clamp. Attach the shaft remover tool and begin slowly pulling the shaft out, being careful not to bend or damage the hosel. Heat may help loosen the epoxy bond. Remove the shaft completely.

Step 2 - Clean and Prep New Shaft

 Cut the new shaft roughly to length using the shaft cutter. It should be 1/2" longer than the old shaft as it will get trimmed to exact specs. Lightly sand and clean the tip of the new shaft so epoxy adheres well.

Step 3 - Epoxy and Insert New Shaft 

Mix the shaft epoxy according to package directions and apply liberally to the inside of the hosel and on the shaft tip. Rotate the shaft while inserting to distribute epoxy evenly. Use the shaft extension tip to help guide the shaft down into the hosel.

Position the shaft to match the orientation and depth of the old one based on marks or measurements. Let the epoxy cure fully before continuing.

Step 4 - Trim and Install Grip 

With the head clamped in position, use the lie angle gauge to check that the new shaft matches the specs of the old one. Trim excess length as needed.

Clean the shaft tip and apply grip tape. Slide the new grip on, aligning logos. Use compressed air to fully seat the grip. Let the tape adhesive cure before using the club.

Step 5 - Test and Enjoy

Do a visual inspection to make sure angles, epoxy fill, tape lines, etc all look neat and clean. Take some practice swings and hits at the range to get a feel for how the new shaft performs. Make any final tweaks. Now enjoy your customized driver!

The Advantages of Reshafting a Driver

• More affordable than a new driver

• Can customize flex, weight, launch, and spin

• Dial in performance for your swing

• Breathe new life into an older driver

• Satisfaction of doing it yourself

The Disadvantages of Reshafting a Driver

• Requires technical skill and specialized tools

• Epoxy mistakes can damage clubhead

• Testing different shafts takes time and money

• Won't match performance of latest driver tech

• Voids manufacturer warranty on driver

Key Points for Reshafting Success

• Use a reputable brand of shaft epoxy like Golf Pride or Loctite

• Keep epoxy off hosel exterior and shaft tip

• Let epoxy cure fully before trimming shaft

• Double check lengths, lies, and orientations

• Be careful not to bend or damage the hosel

• Use compressed air to fully set the grip tape

Conclusion 

Reshafting a driver at home lets you upgrade your club's performance based on your swing metrics and shot tendencies. With some technical skill and care, most golfers can successfully reshaft a driver on their own. It provides a more affordable alternative to buying a new driver off the shelf. Just be sure to use quality tools and components. Take your time with each step, and you can end up with a driver customized just for you.