Proper way to trim down driver shaft

Plain and simple.... what is the best way to take some length off of a driver shaft?

I got fit for a new shaft this off season and saved a boat load of money by putting it in myself. However, my driver is now 46" and I prefer 44.5". Gripping down doesn't feel right because of the taper of the grip. So, I'd like to take the extra 1.5" off.

What kind of tool should I use? I've been told a good plumber's pipe cutter would work well. I also have a jig saw with some really fine tooth blades. I thought I could put some masking tape around the shaft and cut through the tape to prevent splintering, but I've never messed with graphite before.

Thanks for any tips or help.

I assume it's a graphite shaft so, DO NOT use a plumber's pipe cutter on a graphite shaft - they should only be used on steel shafts and even then, I don't really like them.  A hacksaw with a sharp blade is all you need to cut a graphite shaft.  Wrapping some masking tape around the shaft where you're cutting will help to prevent splintering but it's not necessary.  Some sandpaper to smooth the rough edges would also be a nice touch.

Finally, removing 1.5" from the butt end of the shaft will effect the swingweight.  For every 1/2" removed the club will decrease by 3 swingweights.

DO NOT CUT IT WITH A PIPE CUTTER OR A JIG SAW this will ruin your shaft by damaging the fibres which will make it useless.. If you have a chop saw you can use it. You can use a hack saw with the right blade (Tungsten Carbide wire cutting blade). You should check the cutting specifications for that particular shaft as well...it will have to come off the grip end at this point.

Good Luck

Perry O'Keefe

So how do you reduce the length without doing in the swingweight? Will cutting form the tip not increase/ strengthen the flex?

How much will the average player notice the change in swing weight? What does it mean to your average Joe?

What is the swingweight today at 46 inches? It would be good to know before trimming the shaft.

If the swingweight goes down too much you'll have to start adding lead tape to the head.

Not dead sure on SW,  its at 45.75" standard on an old (2010) R Flex Nike SQ Machspeed (the original yellow and black one). I guess its about D2. The stock shaft just seems to work for me UST AXIV Core whatever it is. Seems to play a touch firm for an R FLex which is probably why it suits me floating at about 95mph SS

I just can't get that old dog out of my bag. I have always found the shaft a bit long and have always just gripped down a bit, but would like to lop it to 45"

best tool to cut both graphite and metal shafts is a dremel tool with cutoff wheel.    Zip zip, done.