Driver Micro-Cracks

Ringoblack

I have a driver that is 2.5 years old that has 2 micro-cracks in the metal on the sole. Its my favorite and they don't make the heads anymore. Any suggestions/thoughts as to how to prevent the cracks from spreading. One is on the sole plate and the other is in the sole to the right of the hosel at address. They are small. Need a magnifying glass to see them.

Thanks.....any help would be appreciated.

Typhoon

If it doesn't affect the way it plays why worry. I would only worry if it was along the weld line to the face. I can't see how u would stop it from spreading...if it even does spread. Anything I put on it will change the weight.

In the meantime...look for a new driver. Millions of them in the used bins!

DC300

If you really want a stop, you could drill tiny holes at the end of the cracks as a gun Smith would do to stop the cracking. The issue is probably more to do with a bad cast, I'd scrap it.

LBlack14

What is it?

Ringoblack

LBlack14

A DTG Z-18 at 10.5*---maybe I could find a new/used head. Anybody on here know of one? I'm not locked into the head, but love the shaft.

Rickochet

Pics would help. I would send a pic to Jason at DTG. Never heard of a Ti driver cracking anywhere but on a weld line. No fix that I can remember. Also, never had a crack in a Ti driver head that didn't have an effect on performance. Perhaps what you think are structural issues might just be in the paint.

kchacker

Rickochet Perhaps what you think are structural issues might just be in the paint.

I sure am a slow typer. 😀

Ringoblack

Rickochet

I don't think so, it could be in the clear coat, but it seems to be a crack in the metal that is propagating.

kchacker

I have a driver that has what appears to be a crack running in the direction of the swing path, from the front near the weld line to the rear, only an inch long. I can't feel it running my fingernail over it and it sounds/feels no different. I wonder if it isn't a straight crack in the paint or clear coat and not the metal. It may be the same thing you're seeing.

Rickochet

We need peektures.

Ringoblack

Rickochet

I will try to take one this afternoon and post, but I think it may not show up on the pic.

Ringoblack

Rickochet

Sorry, no pics. I tried to get the file small enough to upload but still show the cracks to no avail. I get a message that it will not upload a file over 2,048 kilobytes. Way too small. If any are really interested, send email to ringoblack at aol dot com and I can send you a pic of each crack. Each file is approx 5 mb. Thanks all.

darpar

Submerge the head under water,if you start seeing some bubbles or some water seeps into the head,
then you know it's more than a crack in the paint.

Ringoblack

darpar
I thought of that but don't want to get water inside since I plan on using it til it breaks. Thanks.

pellmell

Ringoblack Only a minimal amount of water can seep into the head if indeed their is a crack, which will evaporate over time or quickly by heating the head with a torch or leaving it in a car on a hot day.

Ringoblack

Okay, so here is attempt #3 at pics.

Ringoblack

I played with this driver last week and off the tee it was the best round in years. If its broken it still works very well. I will play it til it cracks open.

Typhoon

Ringo, last week I did see one on eBay. Not new but there was one on there. Sounds like the cracks are helping!

LBlack14

I'd contact Jason @ DTG and see what they say. Great customer service.

Rickochet

Just saw the pic. To me it looks like a crack and probably made when they stamped the sole.

Ringoblack

Rickochet
Yes, its a crack alright, and it wasn't there when I bought it new in December 2014. Must have happened some time recently, since I frequently inspect my clubs. The pics I could not upload show it in more detail and its definitely a crack. I can feel it when I run a fingernail across it. As I said, I plan to play it til it breaks or no longer hits a decent shot, my performance withstading. Then was thinking of getting a Wishon driver head, but found the z-18 on ebay with a 3 and 5-wood too. Got those on the way. and will switch heads when the time comes. The 3 and 5 woods are a bonus. Talked with Ricky at DTG and he said he doesn't recall any similar problems with those heads, so the one I got off the bay should be good. Problem solved. Thanks to Typhoon for the ebay heads up.