Heat shrink question

[[d]ragon]

Instead of just putting a heat shrink over the whole handle and buttcap, can I take the buttcap off, put a heatshrink on, then put a buttcap one size larger one?


Thanks

[Lakers4Life]

Sure! You may not have to get a larger butt cap, if it fits after the sleeve is installed.

[[d]ragon]

Then the gripsize at the bottom wouldn't be any bigger lol

[Lakers4Life]

It's all about feel anyways. You can change the grip size just by changing the Grip. Even an overgrip can change the grips size, so what does it matter if the butt cap reads a size smaller.

[Irvin]

If you take the butt cap off and install a tube the old butt cap is not going to fit back on unless you force it on.

Irvin

[[d]ragon]

Originally Posted by Lakers4Life

It's all about feel anyways. You can change the grip size just by changing the Grip. Even an overgrip can change the grips size, so what does it matter if the butt cap reads a size smaller.

The grip and or overgrip goes over the buttcap so it makes the buttcap area bigger. I want the whole handle to be a size bigger.
If I'm going to increase the grip size by one, then the buttcap has to be 1 size larger as well.

Originally Posted by Irvin

If you take the butt cap off and install a tube the old butt cap is not going to fit back on unless you force it on.

Irvin

That's why I said a larger buttcap.
So, let's say I have a 4 1/4 grip size. I want to know if I can take off the buttcap, put a one size heat shrink on, and then put a 4 3/8 butt cap on so the whole handle is 4 3/8

[Lakers4Life]

Either way, the butt cap measurement will increase as well.

[Irvin]

Originally Posted by [d]ragon

...That's why I said a larger buttcap.
So, let's say I have a 4 1/4 grip size. I want to know if I can take off the buttcap, put a one size heat shrink on, and then put a 4 3/8 butt cap on so the whole handle is 4 3/8

Yes you can if the butt cap is from the same manufacturer. Possibly even if they are from different manufacturers or generic butt capp. I would stay with the same manufacturer.

I have done this on many rackets. I do not like to have the tube over the butt capp as it is hard to get it to look as though you did not modify the grip. You will also want to stay with the same grip as some grips are thicker / thinner than others.

I know how frustrating it can be sometimes when people do not read your full question or reply in a manner you expect but you have to remember we all don't think alike. Hope this answered your question.

Irvin

[[d]ragon]

Originally Posted by Irvin

Yes you can if the butt cap is from the same manufacturer. Possibly even if they are from different manufacturers or generic butt capp. I would stay with the same manufacturer.

I have done this on many rackets. I do not like to have the tube over the butt capp as it is hard to get it to look as though you did not modify the grip. You will also want to stay with the same grip as some grips are thicker / thinner than others.

I know how frustrating it can be sometimes when people do not read your full question or reply in a manner you expect but you have to remember we all don't think alike. Hope this answered your question.

Irvin

Thanks Irvin. The bold is exactly why I wanted to know this.
Wasn't frustrated or anything, sorry if it sounded like I was.

[Irvin]

I used to use a hair dryer to shrink the tubing but that is a little too slow. I started using a heat gun now and it is a little too fast if you get too close. Problem is the you get that donut on the bottom of the grip and even if you trim it off it looks funky.

Irvin

[High Roller]

^^^^^^^

I went from heat-shrink to build-up sheets last year -- there is slightly more work involved but the finished product is better. Normal build-ups results in sharp bevels. Even crazy large build-ups are sharper and more precise than a single heat shrink. No way I could go back.

[HitItHarder]

Originally Posted by Irvin

I used to use a hair dryer to shrink the tubing but that is a little too slow. I started using a heat gun now and it is a little too fast if you get too close. Problem is the you get that donut on the bottom of the grip and even if you trim it off it looks funky.

Irvin

I wasn't very happy with the hair dryer either. It took a while and honestly I wasn't sure it was hot enough. I didn't have a heat gun, so I read on the board to use the eye of my stove on high. Just hold the handle about 12 to 14 inches above the eye and rotate it often. It works really well, just don't get the sleeve too close or you can melt through it. Yes, I found out the hard way.

Also, for those who try to put the original butt cap back on after you add the sleeve -- not the best idea. Definately buy a new one that is the size of your now bigger handle. I tried to put a Head 4 1/4 butt cap back on after I added a heat sleeve and though you can force it up on there - it will eventually crack and split as you play with it.

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by High Roller

^^^^^^^

I went from heat-shrink to build-up sheets last year -- there is slightly more work involved but the finished product is better. Normal build-ups results in sharp bevels. Even crazy large build-ups are sharper and more precise than a single heat shrink. No way I could go back.

Can u explain the "build up sheet" method? thanks

[Irvin]

Build up sheets you just cut out and apply.

Irvin

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by Irvin

Build up sheets you just cut out and apply.

Irvin

Interesting, but won't that round the bevels a bit? I have some build up grip tape used on golf clubs. I bet that would work the same way.

[Irvin]

Originally Posted by JackB1

Interesting, but won't that round the bevels a bit? I have some build up grip tape used on golf clubs. I bet that would work the same way.

I have no idea I have not used the sheets but the previous poster said it was better. I do know it is more expensive than the tubes.

Here is another idea. If you want to keep your bevels take the butt cap off and put fiber glass around the grip and coat it with the hardening resin. When it hardens sand it down to the proper diameter.

Irvin

[High Roller]

Originally Posted by JackB1

Interesting, but won't that round the bevels a bit? I have some build up grip tape used on golf clubs. I bet that would work the same way.

No, not at all -- quite the oposite. Build up sheets are applied with pressure since you physically "fold" and press them lengthwise over each bevel to create a very sharp fit. Heat can only go so far in doing this. Nothing like brute force... You can get Gamma sheets or Add-on Grip Build-Up in both 1/8 or 1/16th inch thicknesses.