Putter Extensions

[elchene]

I have a Newport 2 putter, 33 in. Since I'm growing taller now, I need to extend the putter to 34 inches. The heavier head weight is no problem as I putt best when my stroke is slow and smooth. I know I can buy a steel shaft extension and install it, and then cut it to length. But, just to make sure I don't screw up, can someone walk me through the steps? Thanks.

[MGP]

1. Pull grip
2. Prep inside of putter shaft butt and outside of extension.
3. Dry fit extension to putter shaft.
4. Epoxy extension to putter shaft.
5. Trim extension to length.
6. Install putter grip.

Be aware that lengthening the putter shaft will cause the swingweight to go up. This may or may not matter to you. You can counter the effects of this by backweighting the putter in the grip end of the shaft. There are a couple different systems available to do this, they are available at the same places that sell clubmaking supplies.

[elchene]

thanks, that was very helpful. One more question, what can I use to cut the extension? I know Golfsmith has shaft cutters for sale, but do they work well? Thanks for your help.

[MGP]

Sorry for not responding earlier.

If you are just looking to trim an occasional shaft or two, I'd recommend a "grit" hacksaw blade along with a vise and rubber vise clamp to hold the club. That is how I got started and it works on either steel or graphite shafts. The problem with the shaft cutters is that you have to get just the right pressure as you cut the shaft or you'll dent it instead of cutting it. In my experience, some steel shafts are very difficult to cut with them. They can only be used for steel or aluminum and won't work if you ever want to cut a graphite shaft.

I trim a lot of shafts so I have a mini-cutoff saw with an abrasive cutting wheel which makes quick, clean cuts in steel or graphite.

If you use a vise and rubber vise clamp you also have most of the tools you need to do your own re-gripping too!

Golfsmith Grit Hacksaw Blade

Golfsmith Rubber Vise Clamp

[larlev]

You can also use a tubing cutter for steel shafts...Home depot and lowes have them in the plumbing dept.

[iWALK18]

i would use a pipe cutter for steel shafts. Very simple to use and hard to mess up.

[immts007]

My pro-shop charged me 7 bucks to add an extension and a new grip.

Is it really a value proposition to do this your self?

[elchene]

My pro-shop charged me 7 bucks to add and extension and a new grip.

Thanks for all the responses. I decided not to do it myself. Your right, it was real cheap to do at my local golf shop. After I extended it though, I got a new putter. I've totally changed the way I putt and have a new half-mallet (Odyssey Black Series i #9) in 33" to go with it.