Shaft crackling/creaking at adapter

[n_rones]

Noticed during my round on Wednesday that my driver shaft is creaking/crackling a bit at the adapter. Tried to take a video of me flexing it slightly to re create the sound not sure how well it will come across. It’s a Callaway driver and I have heard they can be a little creaky but just want to get opinions on if the shaft potential has issues or is cracked under the adapter.

[Nickb333]

Back off the screw and re-torque it with one click only. 

[mogc60]

Could be epoxy that got between the ferrule and the adapter that’s causing the noise. It doesn’t bond to plastic so as ferrule starts to seperate( doesn’t really mean it is moving but the epoxy thin layer is separating) it will make a cracking noise

[Nessism]

5 hours ago, Nickb333 said:

Back off the screw and re-torque it with one click only. 

 

Click 10x if you like.  It won't get tighter beyond the first.

[Nickb333]

1 hour ago, Nessism said:

 

Click 10x if you like.  It won't get tighter beyond the first.

Unless the screw bottoms out, I’ve not read anything to support that contention. I’m willing to learn though…

[Nessism]

9 hours ago, Nickb333 said:

Unless the screw bottoms out, I’ve not read anything to support that contention. I’m willing to learn though…

 

A golf club torque wrench is of "slipper" type.  

 

[ChaosTheory]

On 5/16/2025 at 8:55 AM, n_rones said:

Noticed during my round on Wednesday that my driver shaft is creaking/crackling a bit at the adapter. Tried to take a video of me flexing it slightly to re create the sound not sure how well it will come across. It’s a Callaway driver and I have heard they can be a little creaky but just want to get opinions on if the shaft potential has issues or is cracked under the adapter.

Most likely the adapter is loose.

Second most likely is a cracked shaft.

 

I would inspect the shaft closely for fine lines.  If nothing, then replace the adapter.

[Nickb333]

6 hours ago, Nessism said:

 

A golf club torque wrench is of "slipper" type.  

 

Fair enough. Thanks for that. I understand the concept, but it seems like everything would need to be in perfect spec. An easy test would be as I suggested. If the club still creeks after just one click, then the wrench isn’t the issue. 

[Nessism]

4 minutes ago, Nickb333 said:

Fair enough. Thanks for that. I understand the concept, but it seems like everything would need to be in perfect spec. An easy test would be as I suggested. If the club still creeks after just one click, then the wrench isn’t the issue. 

 

Almost certainly, the wrench isn't the issue.  There could be some contamination on the adapter, keeping it from seating properly.  Or, the shaft is debonding from the adapter.

[Ben B]

I have this issue with a TM Sim head. It is not the shaft or adapter as I switched the shaft to a Qi10 head and it does not do it. I tried the shaft from my Original One Mini and same thing. If I back the screw off and  re-tension to one click it usually goes away, but eventually comes back. It's very odd but didn't seem to effect performance. 

[Nickb333]

1 hour ago, Nessism said:

 

Almost certainly, the wrench isn't the issue.  There could be some contamination on the adapter, keeping it from seating properly.  Or, the shaft is debonding from the adapter.

You’re probably right. I have a bunch of them and they all seem to work the same. Not sure why I’d suspect a free tool made in china as a potential problem. 😉

 

I suppose it would simple enough to eliminate it. Just use another wrench. 

[Nickb333]

45 minutes ago, Ben B said:

I have this issue with a TM Sim head. It is not the shaft or adapter as I switched the shaft to a Qi10 head and it does not do it. I tried the shaft from my Original One Mini and same thing. If I back the screw off and  re-tension to one click it usually goes away, but eventually comes back. It's very odd but didn't seem to effect performance. 

My first adjustable driver was an R9. It creaked like a mutha if it was clicked more than once. No noise with a single click. 

[gdb99]

If it still creaks after the above suggestions, I would take the shaft out and re-epoxy. Could be a bubble in the epoxy. 

[doubledub]

I have actually had a wrench loosen up over time. Got the exact creaking noise you describe and thought I had shaft/adapter issues. I bought a straight wrench with no "click" and solved the problem immediately. 

[Noodler]

@n_rones - definitely take all the advice about reinstalling the head on the adapter, but if the creaking is still present, I would be highly suspicious of a hairline crack along the shaft at the tip.  You may not be able to see this without removing the adapter from the shaft.  This has happened to me a couple times and I was really surprised to find cracked tips.