LAB DF3 - Changing and saving grip for non LAB grip.

rodders · May 7

I know there are a couple of YT vids out there for changing LAB grip but the ones I can find, they all destroy a perfectly good/expensive grip.

I have been club building for myself for about 15 years and simply love to tinker.

I have a both an Ozi and DF3. The Oz is custom with pistol grip. The DF3 was a bargain from the LAB Outlet and the grip is a Press II 1.5.

I am not a fan of thick grips. I like taper grips but even the LAB pistol is a bit big for my liking.

I have purchased a new grip that is the same weight and approx length as the LAB press. To begin, I first checked the swing weight and overall weight of the LAB.

Next the "fun" begins - removing the grip so it can be reused.

I'll cut to the chase, it is sheer hell. I have all the proper tools and have done hundreds of grip changes and only the pure ratty have I ever destroyed to get off.

These are clearly installed with cement glue. I don't blame LAB as this means once there on, they stay on. But my god, removing them is nearly impossible. I have a golfworks remover (yes, held the right way unlike that YT vid out there!), a 20L compression tank with Pure Grips attachment tool to remove by air. You need both, a lot of time, strength, willpower and a large vocabulary for the expletives you WILL mutter. This took almost an hour.

I resorted to injecting proper grip remover to even get the tool in. There is NO GIVE AT ALL.

After 45mins of getting 3/4 the way in with remover it will not go further. I surmised the paper was simply pilling up internally and was right. I then inserted remover fluid at the top and let sit. I tried twisting but no go on last third. Final step was full power blast of compressed air. FINALLY it budged. Note I tried air first but no joy without going through the above.

The mess is unbelievable. You will damage the shaft so tape up. Being the anal bloke I am, I gave a few squirts of auto paint to cover up damage even though wont see.

It would not be fair or reasonable to expect your fitter to do this so don't be disappointed if they say they cant.

Hope this helps those thinking doing the same. I will never do it again!!!

Will post some pics of new install with SW when arrives - and yes, I will have to forward lean.

Edited May 7 by rodders
grammer

rodders · May 7

One grip saved!

rodders · June 26

Okay, inspired by an OZ shaft rechange, I decided to do the same and go full variation.

My DF3 was from the LAB outlet so came with metal shaft. Just as with the OZ thread, I did a reshaft with KBS (370) and swapped the pistol off my OZ onto the DF3.

The end result is such a difference to feel - it is so much better without the huge expense. I have the ACCRA in my OZ but honestly the KBS feels better.

Will post plenty of pics that show weights etc.

Oh, and the secret to easy grip change - low heat with heat gun. Gets it twisty. Then usual tool to remove with plenty of grip juice sprayed in!!!