Can I Use Dish Soap And Water To Install Golf Grips? How To Guide

Replacing your worn golf grips can be an expensive process, but it does not need to be. Regripping your golf clubs at home is a great way to keep expenses low.

However, a DIY regripping project only saves money in the long run if you do it properly. Golfers are best off not cutting corners while regripping their clubs to save a few dollars.

The most frugal of golfers may try to save on golf grip solvent by using alternatives such as soap and water, but is that a good idea?

Everyone wants to save money but sometimes cutting costs can cost you more in the end. On the other hand, there are budget friendly alternatives to grip solvents.

In the article below, we are going to cover all you need to know about regripping golf grip with soap and water. We will look at if soap and water is a viable alternative to grip solvent, how to use soap and water to regrip, as well as everything else you need to know. We have a lot to cover so let’s get started!

Should You Use Soap And Water To Install Golf Grips?

Standard golf grip solvent works in two ways. It lubricates the golf grip and golf grip tape for installation. It also helps the newly installed golf grip adhere to the golf club.

Grip solvent is excellent in performing both these tasks but its not the only tool for the job. While we would not recommend as our first option, you could use dish soap and water to install your golf grips.

For those looking to save, we would suggest not skimping on golf grip solvent. Instead, there are plenty of budget friendly golf grips and golf grip solvents that you can buy that are high quality without breaking the bank.

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How To Install Golf Grips With Soap And Water

Installing golf grips with soap and water is virtually identical to installing with golf grip solvent. Follow the instructions below for a detailed, step-by-step guide.

What You Will Need

• New Golf Grip
• Double Sized Golf Grip Tape
• Utility Knife
• Dish Soap In Water
• Bucket
• Cloth For Drying

Step By Step Instructions

1. Remove your old grip from the clubs you wish to regrip. Use a utility knife or scissors for best results. Be sure to always cut away from your body as the grip can be quite tough. Remove the leftover tape and wipe away any residue with a cloth.
2. Measure the length of grip tape needed on the club shaft. Apply enough tape on the shaft to cover the length of the grip. Excess tape can be removed after installation. Also, make sure that the grip tape coves the diameter of the club shaft.  
3. Create the soap and water solution by adding a tablespoon or two of soap to about a gallon of water.  There is no need for exact measurements. The idea is to create a slippery solution to allow the grips to fit over the golf club and tape.
4. Open the end of your new grip with a golf tee and pour the soap and water mixture inside it. Cover the golf grip with the soap and water mixture as well. Once the inside of the grip is smothered in the soapy water, slide the grip over the top of the tape and fasten it in place.
5. Leave the grip to dry. Leave the newly gripped clubs to dry and set in a warm room in your house.  Allow at least eight hours of dry time before heading out to the course or driving range.

What Type Of Soap Should I Use To Install Golf Grips?

Now that we know it is possible to regrip your golf clubs with soap and water, we need to know what type of soap to use. The brand and type of soap do not matter when regripping. What does matter is creating enough of a lubricated surface for the golf club to fit over.

Can Soap And Water Damage Your Golf Clubs And Grips During Installation?

There is no risk in ruining your golf clubs when installing grips using soap and water. However, you do run the risk of damaging your new grips. Soap and water should work in most cases but if not properly executed, you may ruin the grip.

What Are Soap And Water Alternatives For Installing Golf Grips?

We would always recommend using golf grip solvent to regrip your clubs. It is not expensive and its is specially formulated to adhere golf grips to newly tapped golf clubs.

If you are in a situation where you cannot find or use golf grip solvent, below are suitable alternatives.

• Regripping Golf Clubs With Air Compressor
• Regripping Golf Clubs With WD-40
• Regripping Golf Clubs With Paint Thinner
• Using Rubbing Alcohol As Golf Grip Solvent

Final Thoughts

Golf can be an expensive sport. Between the equipment and cost to play, many golfers look for ways to save. While there are ways to cut cost, we would advise against using soap and water to regrip your golf clubs. There are numerous better alternatives that we would suggest first.

Regripping your golf clubs incorrectly will cause you more in the long run. Use the tips above to regrip your clubs correctly and to avoid extra costs.  

Once you regrip your new clubs, be sure to keep up with their maintenance Check out our article on 5 Easy Ways To Clean Your Golf Grips to make sure your golf grips last.

Hopefully you liked this article and found it informative. Check out our other blog posts if you liked this one!