Correct way to cleanly remove molded foam handle?

dinosaysrawr

New User
I have a head racquet with a molded foam handle, and I want to remove it and replace with a pallet. I had a second racquet that I tried removing the foam handle before couldn't figure out how to cleanly remove it (in the aftermath pic below you can see a layer of the foam leftover on the hairpin)

What's the correct way to cleanly remove the foam handle without damaging the hairpin?

Pics of the racquet I previously tried removing the foam
Before: Aftermath:
 

Rayzor

New User
Looks like you did a pretty good job so far. Maybe just take a paint scraper to the rest of it?
 

dinosaysrawr

New User
Looks like you did a pretty good job so far. Maybe just take a paint scraper to the rest of it?
Thanks, sounds like paint scraper is the best way to remove that last layer for this racquet. Just trying to see if anyone knows a way to take it off cleanly in the first place
 

dinosaysrawr

New User
@dinosaysrawr , why don't you post a step by step tutorial on how you did it because it is a very good job.
It was hours of hacking away at it with a serrated blade and a prying tool resulting in a huge mess (as seen in pic).

I have 2 more racquets that I'm going to take the foam off, going to try using a Dremel to make clean cuts on the foam before prying to see if that works better. Will post what works best, unless someone replies here with a better method to cleanly take it off.
 

graycrait

Legend
@dinosaysrawr , I have all sorts of auto cut off tools but trying to use them without cutting into the hairpin is the issue. I suppose there is a way to chock a racket up in a milling machine but that requires a milling machine which is not cheap. I think however you did it is most cost effective.
 

esgee48

G.O.A.T.
Use 60 grit sandpaper/sanding block. Switch to 100 grit sandpaper when close to handle. That’s what I would do. Or just chisel from the get go. Either way requires paint scraper to finish.

You can buy foam dissolvents at hardware stores. Acetone or nail polish removers will also work if you do it outside.
 

golden chicken

Hall of Fame
Maybe something like a small Dremel circular saw? Take a bunch of slices out of the handle and then knock what remains off with a small hammer. Finish with sandpaper?

1495_21_62-circular-saw-tenon.jpg
 
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Bambooman

Hall of Fame
Just sand it off. You're not going to damage the hairpin with light sanding. With a sharp knife you should be able to shave the bulk of foam off in minutes. Not sure how it would take hours.

The best scraping tool is a cabinet scraper.
 
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Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
I had a Wilson racket and cut a line down the top and bottom bevels all the way through the pallet with a razor knife. It came off it 2 pieces. You need to be extremely careful though you could easily cut yourself.
 
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