Best clamp for DIY.

[Hobbs]

I've been re-gripping my clubs for several years. I've been using the rubber shaft protector and a regular vise, but want to expand my abilities and want to purchase a golf specific clamp. Should I go with a speed clamp (ratchet style) or a regular quick clamp style?

Also, what brands hold up over time, I want something reliable. Golfworks or Golf Mechanix?

Thanks in advance!

[cpeck]

harbor freight vise, silicone hose(like small heater hose1/2 inch) only need a foot. slice it down the middle only on one side, put it over the shaft and snug the vice.

 

only a suggestion for a cheap route that will last.

[Socrates]

This is fine. https://www.golfworks.ca/pro-lever-action-shaft-holder/p/pash/ However, with any of these clamps, you need to be wary when you clamp a graphite shaft that has a larger diameter. If you aren't thinking and you just clamp it in, you can easily crack a shaft. The "speed" clamps downfall is that they often lose their ability to hold a shaft once the cogs wear down.

 

FWIW, cpeck's suggestion is one everyone should stay away from. Terrible idea.

[GeorgeHWB]

For the last 17 years I've used the cheap rubber clamp GolfWorks sells for something like $2. I've always thought about upgrading but it works perfectly and has never shown signs of failure.

[cpeck]

saves money and if you snug it it’s fine. no need to be a behemoth about tightening it.

[mogc60]

Cheap, reliable and won’t crack the shaft. Hahaha.

The rubber vise shaft guard works awesome. Gotta agree with im_a_savage.

[buckeyefl]

I just use the rubber clamp and common sense but yesterday I was going to work on a driver shaft and when I tightened it down (cautiously) I heard the sound you never want to hear. It sound like the shaft was compromised and cracking. I unclamped and did see some residue ( wrong color) inside of the clamp but couldnt find any damage that would have fit the sound. In other words be careful. :smiley:

[Seamus_McDuff]

I’m looking for a clamp/holder that will work in a small clamp-on vise. A clamp-on vise is my only option at this time. All three of the following will work in a vise but maybe not a vise that small. 
 

Speed clamp

 

https://www.golfworks.com/the-golfworks-speed-clamp/p/gw0111/

 

Quick shaft clamp

 

https://www.golfworks.com/the-golfworks-quick-shaft-clamp/p/gw0051/

 

Pro lever-action shaft holder

 

https://www.golfworks.com/pro-lever-action-shaft-holder/p/pash/

 

My biggest concern is that the part that goes between the vise jaws is too long and then the clamp/holder won’t sit right on top of the vise. Anyone have experience with any of those three in a vise?

[DooZ]

4 hours ago, Seamus_McDuff said:

I’m looking for a clamp/holder that will work in a small clamp-on vise. A clamp-on vise is my only option at this time. All three of the following will work in a vise but maybe not a vise that small. 
 

Speed clamp

 

https://www.golfworks.com/the-golfworks-speed-clamp/p/gw0111/

 

Quick shaft clamp

 

https://www.golfworks.com/the-golfworks-quick-shaft-clamp/p/gw0051/

 

Pro lever-action shaft holder

 

https://www.golfworks.com/pro-lever-action-shaft-holder/p/pash/

 

My biggest concern is that the part that goes between the vise jaws is too long and then the clamp/holder won’t sit right on top of the vise. Anyone have experience with any of those three in a vise?

I use the third option. Unless you are using a very small vise, you should have no problem with the holding fixture. 

[Seamus_McDuff]

55 minutes ago, DooZ said:

I use the third option. Unless you are using a very small vise, you should have no problem with the holding fixture. 

 

Thanks for the picture. The jaws on the vise are only 3” wide and those bolts on the bottom of the clamp can only go down 1 1/2” from the top of the vise. 
 

ETA: Now that I think about it, it should be fine. Thanks again!

Edited March 15, 2021 by Seamus_McDuff

[lvgolfer962]

Ive used the little rubber block for 20 years and still use it for small jobs. Have an older version of pro lever action, use that when I’m doing a full set of grips. 

 

I’ve never cracked a shaft with the rubber one, I just tighten the vise until I can’t turn the shaft with my hand. 

Edited March 15, 2021 by lvgolfer962

[Milfordlefty]

On 3/15/2021 at 4:24 PM, DooZ said:

I use the third option. Unless you are using a very small vise, you should have no problem with the holding fixture. 

 

 

Is the bench heavy enough for the lie/loft bending tool to avoid tipping when pulling on a hard iron hosel? Just curious. Love your set up.

Edited March 17, 2021 by Milfordlefty

[denkea]

On 3/15/2021 at 11:36 AM, Seamus_McDuff said:

I’m looking for a clamp/holder that will work in a small clamp-on vise. A clamp-on vise is my only option at this time. All three of the following will work in a vise but maybe not a vise that small. 
 

Speed clamp

 

https://www.golfworks.com/the-golfworks-speed-clamp/p/gw0111/

 

Quick shaft clamp

 

https://www.golfworks.com/the-golfworks-quick-shaft-clamp/p/gw0051/

 

Pro lever-action shaft holder

 

https://www.golfworks.com/pro-lever-action-shaft-holder/p/pash/

 

My biggest concern is that the part that goes between the vise jaws is too long and then the clamp/holder won’t sit right on top of the vise. Anyone have experience with any of those three in a vise?

 

I've used the Speed clamp for years with a vice.  Don't bother with the other two as you will constantly be turning the screw adjustment back and forth depending on the shaft being held. 

[Seamus_McDuff]

1 hour ago, denkea said:

 

I've used the Speed clamp for years with a vice.  Don't bother with the other two as you will constantly be turning the screw adjustment back and forth depending on the shaft being held. 

Thanks, but I already bought the Pro lever-action. I can’t imagine re-gripping a set of irons with all the same steel shafts will require much, if any, adjustment. 

[DooZ]

On 3/16/2021 at 11:29 AM, Milfordlefty said:

 

 

Is the bench heavy enough for the lie/loft bending tool to avoid tipping when pulling on a hard iron hosel? Just curious. Love your set up.

It is heavy enough being full of tools. I'm not going to lie that it doesn't move around a little even with wheels locked when I'm reefing on a cast club. If I start moving the bench significantly, I know a cast club is just about to snap...lol 🤐 

[sl1111]

I bought a small bench top vice. Harbor freight, Home Depot, Lowes Etc. and split a rubber shaft clamp down the middle. I Gorilla glued the split clamp to the vice jaws and closed the clamp around an old steel shaft until the glue cured.   Not at home to snap a pic so hopefully you get the idea. All in was $25 and it has held up for years.

 

Glue or epoxy this...

To this, after splitting it down the middle.....

[liveagua]

On 3/15/2021 at 10:36 AM, Seamus_McDuff said:

I’m looking for a clamp/holder that will work in a small clamp-on vise. A clamp-on vise is my only option at this time. All three of the following will work in a vise but maybe not a vise that small. 
 

Speed clamp

 

https://www.golfworks.com/the-golfworks-speed-clamp/p/gw0111/

 

Quick shaft clamp

 

https://www.golfworks.com/the-golfworks-quick-shaft-clamp/p/gw0051/

 

Pro lever-action shaft holder

 

https://www.golfworks.com/pro-lever-action-shaft-holder/p/pash/

 

My biggest concern is that the part that goes between the vise jaws is too long and then the clamp/holder won’t sit right on top of the vise. Anyone have experience with any of those three in a vise?

Stay away from the first option...the other 2 are equally good