Removing Heads

[EddieC]

I've removed iron heads form steel shafts with a propane torch before, but need to remove the head of a driver and am a bit concerned that I'll damage the head with the torch. Would a hair dryer be hot enough to break the epoxy bond? Anyone ever try it?

[tmtp]

I use a heat gun, I think a hair dryer would have to be on for too long, and it could melt some of the clear coat on the driver head.

[RobinHunter]

I personally have never tried a hair dryer. Like tmtp I also use a heat gun. I know a lot of people that use those mini torches with good success, too. I don't think a hair blow dryer will get hot enough to break the epoxy bond. I it does, then it will be just like tmtp stated that it would have ben blowing on the clubhead for a very long time.

[JPsuff]

.


First of all, if you're taking a driver head, (or any head), off of a steel shaft then a torch is generally all that's needed. This is mainly because the shaft itself heats up and helps break the epoxy.

With graphite shafts, there is no shaft heating so all of the heat has to be in the clubhead. I've used a torch before but it takes a while since the head has to be heated gradually. If heat is applied too quickly or in one place for too long, you'll melt the shaft. A heat gun would be a better bet in removing a graphite shaft since it's not as hot as a torch and can be applied more evenly than an open flame and is then less likely to create "hot spots" which may damage the shaft.

Also, a graphite shaft should be "pulled" from the clubhead as opposed to having the clubhead twisted off as is often the case with steel shafts. Any twisting of the clubhead while heated can damage a graphite shaft, (been there), so a pry bar and leverage is better than grabbing the clubhead and manipulating it.


-JP

[RobinHunter]

Good point. I just assumed he was talking about a driver on a steel shaft. If this is a graphite shaft, then you need a head puller so you can protect the shaft.

[300Yards]

I change out my graphite, not to log ago, and it really wasn't that hard..the head actually just slipped right off, no pulling required. Now, regripping, is another story!

[EddieC]

Thanks for the replies, so hair dryer's a no go. Guess I'll give the torch a shot. Will be carefull to keep it moving as to not create the hot spots. Will also figure out a way to pull it instead of twist it. Don't think I'm gonna spend the cash for an official "shaft puller" though. If the shaft that's in it breaks then not a big deal. Thanks again.

[drstroud]

Just a word on a hair dryer, I've used one before but only to move a stuck ferrule. You have to watch it though becuase the dryer will heat the ferrule enough to deform it if you push too hard.

[SolidRockGolf]

The only thing I want to add because the rest has been covered is to let you know that you can get a simple heat gun at Home Depot or Lowes (in the paint section) for around $25 that should do the job for small time pulls.

As others have mentioned, you don't want to hold a torch on the head in one spot too long and DO NOT twist the head to loosen the epoxy or it will damage the tip.

If your looking for a good shaft puller (in case your going to do more down the road) then I suggest getting one from JB off of ebay. Great price and does an awesome job.

[wb4tjh]

A couple of pro club fitters I know always use a heat gun. The secret is using the right kind of epoxy that doesn't take a super high temperature to remove. All professionally made clubs will use a low temp epoxy.

[agoodwalkspoiled]

You have to have some sort extractor to pull a head off a graphite shaft. Do not try this without one, that is, unless you do not care to save the old shaft. If not, cut the old shaft right at the hosel, use a heat gun or torch on the hosel and then drill the hosel out with an electric drill. A torch works just fine if you do not have a heat gun, just keep the flame moving around the hosel.

If you are looking to save the old shaft, you will be in for a long, frustrating endeavor with out some sort of pusher. Any slight twisting of the head at all will compromise the integrity of the shaft.