Alternatives to stapling the butt cap

[RF_PRO_STAFF]

I'm getting a Prestige Classic 600 in this week, which comes bare; just hairpin. I ordered TK82S pallets and a butt cap for it.

Do you guys have any alternatives to stapling the butt cap? I don't have a stapler myself and I'm not sure I know anyone close who does. In the meanwhile, I'll ask around but I would appreciate reading about any other experiences you have with securing the butt cap to the pallet.

I don't really want to buy a stapler myself because it's not of any use to me besides this little job, and I'm already spending too much on this dang hobby.

 

[krikamons]

Small nails + epoxy glue. But that's a permanent bond

 

[RF_PRO_STAFF]

Hmmm, I don't think I would wanna go that permanent.

Would spray adhesive on both surfaces work?

 

[krikamons]

Afair on both surfaces but I just followed what the glue instructions said.
Could probably try with just small nails. But I decided to do both nails & glue - the problem I was fixing was a squeaky staple and thought the same issue could recur with nails only

 

[Return_Ace]

I don't have a staple gun either and instead hammer in 15mm panel pins (four of them... i once only had 2 on hand and the butt cap just kept creaking and flexing on serves/forehands).

They can be removed still although not as easily as a stapler, basically using the butt cap as leverage, which does also increase the chances of the butt cap needing to be replaced.

 

[fritzhimself]

.............

 

[esgee48]

I clean the pallets/bare grip. I use Shoe Goo and dab a little on the tops and sides of the pallet/bare grip. Then I slide the butt cap on. Provides a lot more contact area and is removable. Let dry for 30 minutes before putting grip on.

 

[RF_PRO_STAFF]

I agree stapling the butt cap on is the way it actually should be done, so I'll definitely try and see if someone in my area has a stapler I can use for a minute.

If not, I'll probably try one of your suggestions. It's not a racket I'll be playing competitive tennis with, so if the butt cap comes loose, it's not a huge problem. I'll try and see what I can do.

Thank you guys for your suggestions.

 

[dr325i]

I have replaced hundreds/thousands of buttcaps and I do not own a staple gun.
I reuse old staples, however, I assume you don't have those so any small nails could do the job. Also, I use the double sided tape on the bottom of the pallets where buttcap holds to them as the reinforcement, and additionally, after putting staples/nails in, I wrap it again with the double sided tape on top of the buttcap (overlapping with the pallets) and then wrap the grip on it...

 

[RF_PRO_STAFF]

I have replaced hundreds/thousands of buttcaps and I do not own a staple gun.
I reuse old staples, however, I assume you don't have those so any small nails could do the job. Also, I use the double sided tape on the bottom of the pallets where buttcap holds to them as the reinforcement, and additionally, after putting staples/nails in, I wrap it again with the double sided tape on top of the buttcap (overlapping with the pallets) and then wrap the grip on it...

That sounds really good, I'll go with that if I can't find a stapler to use. Thanks!

 

[CosmosMpower]

Small nails + epoxy glue. But that's a permanent bond

super glue

 

[PBODY99]

I use four carpet tacks after wrap double sided tape on the handle

 

[TennisHound]

It’s a good question by the OP. Those factory size staples have been almost impossible to find.

 

[Pneumated1]

I have replaced hundreds/thousands of buttcaps and I do not own a staple gun.
I reuse old staples, however, I assume you don't have those so any small nails could do the job. Also, I use the double sided tape on the bottom of the pallets where buttcap holds to them as the reinforcement, and additionally, after putting staples/nails in, I wrap it again with the double sided tape on top of the buttcap (overlapping with the pallets) and then wrap the grip on it...

I have proper staples, but no gun or compressor, unfortunately. Do you just beat the staples in with a hammer and nail set? I've always just used double-sided tape on the pallet under the cap and wrapped the outside of the butt cap with an overlap, as you've mentioned. Might even try carpet tacks or something similar. Wonder if small screws with a big enough but flat head would do the trick?

 

[dr325i]

I have proper staples, but no gun or compressor, unfortunately. Do you just beat the staples in with a hammer and nail set? I've always just used double-sided tape on the pallet under the cap and wrapped the outside of the butt cap with an overlap, as you've mentioned. Might even try carpet tacks or something similar. Wonder if small screws with a big enough but flat head would do the trick?

Ok, if you have those narrow strong staples, you can hammer them in:
1) make sure you stick them in through the plastic and pallets, to anchor them
2) apply small pressure when hammering and very gradually increase until it goes through the graphite. If you don’t anchor it right, the staple will bend. If you hammer it with too much pressure, it may bend, too
3) it is enough to staple two widest sides (too and bottom) only

 

[Pneumated1]

Ok, if you have those narrow strong staples, you can hammer them in:
1) make sure you stick them in through the plastic and pallets, to anchor them
2) apply small pressure when hammering and very gradually increase until it goes through the graphite. If you don’t anchor it right, the staple will bend. If you hammer it with too much pressure, it may bend, too
3) it is enough to staple two widest sides (too and bottom) only

I'll probably reuse the staples that come out of the smaller butt cap. Will hammer them gently through the new pallet and try to use the old holes in the hairpin. Thank you!

 

[dr325i]

I'll probably reuse the staples that come out of the smaller butt cap. Will hammer them gently through the new pallet and try to use the old holes in the hairpin. Thank you!

Should work well just be patient and make sure you anchor the staple through buttcap+ pallet before hammering

 

[Simplicius]

.

I have replaced hundreds/thousands of buttcaps and I do not own a staple gun.
I reuse old staples, however, I assume you don't have those so any small nails could do the job. Also, I use the double sided tape on the bottom of the pallets where buttcap holds to them as the reinforcement, and additionally, after putting staples/nails in, I wrap it again with the double sided tape on top of the buttcap (overlapping with the pallets) and then wrap the grip on it...

I use to do almost the same.
I also use double sided tape, but around of the end of the pallets (on the area where the butt cup is going to fit) and force it to fit. (Because I want to have access to the hairpin in order to add/remove custom weight). Then I wrap the buttcup to pallets tightly with a very sticky packing tape.
I dont use any of the old staples. That way is easy reversable but also stronger than any staple...

 

[YourHuckleberry]

visit Home Depot - rent staple gun for a few hours - or pay them to put staples in for you if they are not busy...

 

[Shroud]

I have removed and replaced the butt cap on almost all my racquets over the last 10 years. Never once stapled anything. Just used glue or a tiny piece of sugru

 

[RF_PRO_STAFF]

Sorry, just a test.

 

[RF_PRO_STAFF]

Another test (succesfully this time).