Time to Get a Tennis Replacement Grip?
It is time to get a tennis replacement grip when your grip begins to show wear spots or tears. If it becomes loose or it is slipping, it was either not installed properly or it is beginning to stretch and wear. If you lose tackiness from a tacky grip it is time to replace that as well.
How To Replace Your Tennis Grip
Here’s how replace your tennis grip!
First, we need a 2 basic tools and could use a third. Scissors, a small flat head screwdriver or needle nose pliers, and a staple gun if available, but not necessary.
1. Remove the old grip
Start at the throat of the tennis racket.
Remove the rubber collar and finishing tape.
Peel back grip and unwrap completely.
Remove staple at butt of racket using pliers or screwdriver.
2. Remove most of the adhesive
Do not use an agent such as WD-40 or Goo Gone as these may prevent the new layer of tape/adhesive from sticking to the racket and new grip. This will cause the grip to slip out of place when in use. A terrible development in the middle of a match! Simply use the screwdriver, a razor blade, or even a scotchbrite pad.
3. Position the racket
Turn racket upside down so the handle is facing skyward and the racket head is pointed at the ground.
4. Rubber collar
If your new grip comes with a rubber collar, put it on now and slide it all the way to the throat. It is beneficial to do this now as if it is done after the grip is wrapped it may have a tendency to shift the grip out of place before the grip has time to set. It will be used at the end of this process.
5. Attach the tapered end
If you have a staple gun, now is the time to use it. Attach the tapered end of the grip to the butt cap. Ensure the staple does not interfere with your tennis grip.
6. Wrap it
While securely holding the racket, rotate the racket while tightly wrapping the grip, overlapping about 1/16 inch along the way.
7. Remove the tape backing as you go
If you remove it all at the beginning, you may find the grip will want to roll up and stick to itself. This is no fun, so avoid it!
8. Scribe your final line
Once the handle is completely wrapped all the way to the racket throat, scribe a line with a pen perpendicular to the handle in the spot you wish your grip to end.
9. Cut it
Carefully unwrap the grip only enough to trim at the scribed line. Trim at the scribed line. It is okay if you leave a bit of pen mark after you trim, this will be covered by the finishing tape (and a rubber collar if you have one).
10. Finish it
Rewrap the grip to the end and use the finishing tape to seal your new tennis grip to the handle, overlapping the grip about 50%. At this point slide the rubber collar over the finishing tape.
Your Finished Replacing Your Tennis Grip!
Hold, grip, and feel your racket. Is it the right thickness? How about the right style? Is it going to slip on you, or absorb the amount of sweat you want? Choosing the right grip for your tennis racket is essential. Now get out there and play some tennis!
