It depends, if I like the grips, tape. Any question of modification, air

I generally will use air to remove a grip, but I use tape and solvent (water soluble) to install.

I got a driver head in the Masters contest that I am going to assemble when I get back from a trip and I may try putting the grip on with air and see how it holds up. If it works well, I may do it more often.

ZWExton

Yeah, if I have any kind of build up I want to do I use some buildup tape first and then I put just 1 layer of the blue painters tape and then I blow on the grip. The tape provides just enough friction with the grip to keep it from slipping. I've used just regular masking tape before as well but I prefer the painters tape just because when if I need to take it off it comes off a lot easier and cleaner than regular masking tape.

    puttnfool
    I have always loved to work with my hands. Using tape and solvent is really relaxing work and I enjoy it. Using a drip pan keeps the mess away. Taking the tape off the old grip after cutting the grip off is just another relaxing chore. Being retired my days are not full like they were when I was working so it is nice to have a job to do and one I enjoy doing.

        I pretty much have quit building clubs and regripping for others now so I am sticking with tape and solvent. I figure that I don't do enough regripping for myself to spend time learning a new method with air.

        puttnfool

        I don't even own a vice. I just do my grips over the laboratory sink, takes about 45 minutes. I've never needed an air compressor, and refuse to buy one to turn a 45 minute task into 20 minutes.

        I actually enjoy the process, in a weird kind of way. Gives me something to do on an otherwise boring night of Netflix surfing. 😉

            I think some people have been huffing solvent for too many years 😉

            letthebigdogshunt probably the main thing that convinced me to switch is that taking them off and trying to save for reuse with a needle and solvent is so messy. It's not the install that's overly messy, it's that removal process.

              ZWExton Regular masking tape. Never tried painters tape but the rougher surface makes sense. I've never had a problem with twisting either.

                I've been using air for several years, Masking tape base and water as a lubricant. Works great.

                  Bankshot

                  Sorry for the typo.... LOL

                  Sink in the laundry room. I've never used a vice. Not saying I wouldn't use one if I had one available, mind you... but I live in a townhouse and it's a one-car garage, which has never housed a car for more than a 2-week period during the winter months. Most of the time it's just a 10x20 storage room for junk, with no room for a work bench, etc. 🙁

                      Air with regular masking tape. I will give the blue painters tape a try sometime, but for the present I have a good supply of 2" masking tape.

                      Btw, I have used air for more than 20 years. The only grips I have every had some issues removing (that are worth while) have been the early model Winn grips. Air is great when you want to remove grips and save them or fine tune your grips with tape..

                        Air... learned about it on the old FGI... and haven't used anything but air ever since... so quick and easy... still use double sided tape...
                        only prob I had was blowing off a brand new Scotty grip... found out it was very thin on the underside... ... instant kaboom...

                        LBlack14
                        I did indeed have 2 layers of tape. Also, grips were .580 core and shafts had over .60 butt diameter.

                          I have been using air for years. I have often switched a set of grips from one set of irons to another just before leaving for a round. It takes about 2 minutes to do a set.

                          If you have issues with grips twisting you need to add more tape. And regarding tape, not all tapes are created equal. There are good quality tapes and bad. Just because it is blue does not mean it is a good quality tape. I just bought a roll of a cheap blue tape and it sucks. Spend a little more and get a good quality tape.

                          Generally 591 Intertape with other masking tape .006 thickness for sizing if needed (depending on butt diameter and grip core diameter and Brampton Hf-100 activator (HF-100 is nonflammable, non-toxic, non-ozone depleting, low VOC blend of surfactants, emollients, isoparaffins, and water. It is completely ODC free and proper use can reduce VOC emission by up to 70% and has a slower evaporation rate that minimizes ventilation requirements.)

                          puttnfool I put water on the masking tape and in the grip before installing the grip. It goes on much easier and the water drys quickly.

                              Texican I've honestly never heard of doing that. Never had an issue with the grip going on quickly anyway with air.

                                Used making tape and air today, no water or lubricant. It was a revelation. I'm never using solvent again. Went immediately to the range and enjoyed my new grips!

                                raggmann54 What is everyone using for air compressor???

                                Too bad we don't have some of the old FGI threads to repost. The most important thing you need with a compressor is a regulator and blow gun with a trigger. Particularly when removing grips a grip and swell up and blow up in a heartbeat with incredible force. Having the blow gun with a trigger you can immediately shut off the air. Also, using a protection tube to limit grip swell is recommended. Some recommend the bigger oiled compressors but my experience is that the small oiless pancake compressors work fine for the hobbyist builders. A bit noisier and it will cycle more but you aren't running it all day. If you think you might want to use it with some other air tools later consider the CFM for those tools when sizing the unit. Also, get the kit that has the blow gun, coiled hose, nozzles, air chuck and quick disconnects. I use mine to do my car tires also.
                                https://www.harborfreight.com/17-pc-air-tool-accessory-kit-68236.html

                                  Thanks for replies and suggestions. Have a new Harbor Freight about 10 miles away so I guess I will be there next week to check these compressors out.

                                  Stopped into Lowe's today to pick up a new regripping partner. Regular $79.99 so after my 10% discount and tax it came out to a little under $80.
                                  image /assets/images/0-399-o0Mw5CKlaXVzwh0f.jpg

                                  I had been using a 33gal Craftsman horizontal and it was taking up too much room so this is gonna be a welcome change.

                                  14 days later

                                  I bought an air compressor a couple of years ago at Harbor Freight. I took the precaution of making sure I could
                                  bring it back if I couldn't use it. I tried to remove and install a set of grips on my irons and didn't have much luck....I'm sure there's a learning curve, but I wasn't comfortable with the process. So, I took the compressor back and have stuck with the old tape and solvent method (I blow 'em off with a needle gun, if necessary, too). Call
                                  me old fashioned.....