If you’ve ever felt like your shots aren’t flying the way they used to, or your shaft feels off during the swing, it might be time to reshaft a golf club. Whether you’re working with irons, drivers, or hybrids, reshafting is one of the best ways to refresh your golf clubs without buying a completely new set. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of how to reshaft a golf club, the tools you’ll need, and the differences between steel shafts and graphite replacements.
What Does It Mean to Reshaft a Golf Club?
When we talk about reshafting a club, we mean removing the existing shaft from your golf club head and replacing it with a new one. It’s a great option if your shaft is damaged, no longer suits your swing, or you’re just looking to experiment with something new — like switching from steel shafts to graphite.
Unlike club fitting, where we dial in performance across your entire bag, reshafting is all about that one club (or few) that need a refresh.
When Should You Consider Reshafting a Club?
Not every golf issue requires a full replacement. Sometimes, you just need a reshaft. Here’s when we recommend it:
- The shaft is cracked, bent, or visibly damaged.
- You feel like the shaft flex no longer matches your swing speed.
- You want to try a different material like switching from steel to graphite.
- You bought used golf clubs and want to customize them.
Reshafting a club can help restore feel, accuracy, and confidence without replacing the entire club.
Tools You’ll Need to Reshaft a Golf Club
Before you dive into the reshafting process, make sure you have the following tools ready:
- Heat gun or torch
- Shaft extractor or clamp
- Epoxy adhesive (golf-specific)
- Ferrules (optional, for a cleaner look)
- Utility knife
- Shaft tip cleaner or sandpaper
- Shaft of your choice (steel or graphite)
You don’t need a full workshop to reshaft a golf club, but having the right setup makes a big difference.
Step-by-Step: How to Reshaft a Golf Club
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide we’d recommend if you’re doing it yourself:
1. Secure the Club
Clamp the golf club securely in a vise, protecting the shaft and clubhead with a soft pad. This will keep the club from twisting or getting damaged while you work.
2. Apply Heat to Remove the Old Shaft
Use a heat gun or torch to soften the epoxy holding the old shaft in place. Once it loosens, twist and gently pull the shaft free. Be extra cautious if you’re working with graphite to avoid splitting or burning the fibers.
3. Clean the Hosel
Use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean out any old epoxy in the hosel of the club head. A clean hosel is crucial for a secure bond.
4. Prep the New Shaft
Lightly sand the tip of the new shaft to help the epoxy adhere. If you’re using graphite, avoid over-sanding — just enough to rough up the surface.
5. Apply Epoxy
Mix your epoxy (usually a two-part adhesive) and apply it to the tip of the new shaft and inside the hosel.
6. Insert the New Shaft
Carefully insert the new shaft into the club head, rotating it slightly to spread the epoxy evenly. Wipe off any excess.
7. Let It Cure
Let the club sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours so the epoxy can fully cure. This step is crucial to the strength of the bond.
8. Add the Grip (Optional)
Once the shaft is installed, you can install a new grip to complete the project. Now your club’s ready to hit the course again.
Steel vs Graphite: Which Shaft Should You Choose?
If you’re reshafting, you’ll need to decide between types of shafts. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Steel shafts offer more control, lower torque, and a firmer feel. Great for players with faster swings.
- Graphite shafts are lighter, reduce vibration, and are ideal for players looking for more swing speed and distance.
- Shaft Flex: Flex refers to how much a golf shaft bends during the swing, with three main types: regular, stiff, and extra stiff.
- Regular Flex: Best for golfers with slower swing speeds, offering more distance by keeping the clubhead in contact with the ball longer.
- Stiff Flex: Designed for golfers with faster swing speeds, providing greater control and accuracy with less shaft bending.
- Extra Stiff Flex: Ideal for golfers with extremely fast swing speeds, offering maximum control and accuracy, but requiring high skill.
- Right Shaft: Selecting the right shaft enhances distance, accuracy, and performance, based on swing speed, style, and skill.
- Driver Shaft: The most important club shaft, chosen based on swing speed, swing type, and desired ball flight for optimal distance and accuracy.
Your choice will depend on your swing tempo, preference, and what you’re trying to achieve with the reshaft.
Should You Reshaft at Home or Use a Pro?
While reshafting a golf club is definitely something you can do at home, it’s not always simple — especially with graphite shafts that can be easily damaged with too much heat or improper cutting.
If you’re confident in your skills and have the tools, go for it. If not, bringing your club to a pro shop or local builder will ensure a clean, professional job — and they’ll likely swing weight match the club as well.
Can You Reshaft Any Golf Club?
Most clubs — from irons to fairways and even putters — can be reshafted. However, some older or specialty models may have proprietary designs that make the process tricky.
Double-check:
- Hose diameter (match shaft tip size)
- Shaft length and weight
- Head type (especially in hybrids and putters)
Read more: The History of Cobra Golf Clubs
Is Reshafting Worth It for Older Clubs?
Yes, especially if the club head still feels good and performs well. Reshafting can breathe new life into older gear and tailor it to your current swing. Many golfers will reshaft a few clubs (like their favourite iron or hybrid) instead of upgrading the entire set.
If you’ve already been fit and know what specs work best, reshafting is a great way to match your gear without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Learning how to reshaft a golf club isn’t just for gearheads or hobbyists — it’s a real way to extend the life of your clubs, dial in your feel, and stay connected to your swing. Whether you’re making the switch from steel shafts to graphite, fixing a broken shaft, or just curious about trying something new, reshafting gives you control over your game without going all-in on a brand-new set.
