15 replies to this topic

[Crazie.eddie]

I've started regripping my own shafts via the grip tape and solvent method.  I'm interested in using an air compressor to recover some grips.  I plan to experiment with grips and I don't want to tear up a grip that's still in real good shape.  I just bought a 3 gal air compressor from Menards for about $120.  I was wondering if any of you have recommendations for the tool to use, either Star Grip, Grip Mate, Grip Blaster, Grip Rite Blow Gun, or the regular air nozzle that came with your compressor.

Edited by Crazie.eddie, 14 August 2009 - 01:04 AM.

[hos]

I have been using the generic nozzle. It's got a stepped tip on it that unscrews. Works great with a pvc pipe to contain the grip.

[Bartok]

I first bought a grip mate and it came with three needle nozzles. Well all three broke at the weld doing my second regrip with it. I had to use the generic nozzle to complete the job. It so much easier. As hos said with a pvc pipe (mostly for grip removing to prevent it to burst (bad on your ear drum) it is perfect.

[Crazie.eddie]

Cool thanks.  What size PVC pipe did you guys use?

[justhackin]

I use the generic nozzle with the inflater needle installed. Seems to give just the right amount of air and have never exploded a grip.

hackin

[toms1090]

what do you set your psi at?

[TKing]

Anything that will fit up in the hole tight enough to seal will work.  They're available for less than 10 bucks.  Pressure required varies with volume.  For instance I use 8 psi but the volume is way up there compared to small compressors.

[Crazie.eddie]

According to this site, you need a 3/16" needle...

Quote

Make or purchase an air blow gun with a 3/16" air nozzle. The 3/16" is the same size as a common golf tee. Available at this link, and then click on the "Grips" tab.

Anyone know where to get a 3/16" needle?

[David Hillman]

   You don't need (or want ) a needle, just the standard $1.99 blow gun that probably came with your compressor will work great.

   I use 35psi for regular grips, and 70 for Winns.

[elmn8r]

David Hillman, on Aug 15 2009, 03:59 PM, said:

   You don't need (or want ) a needle, just the standard $1.99 blow gun that probably came with your compressor will work great.

This  ^^


If you're removing grips that have been on there a while you may need to get the pressure up around 60-70 psi.  40-50 psi for putting them on.  Make sure you use a piece of hose or pipe when you are removing them to keep them from exploding on you.  No need to use the hose or pipe when putting them on...

[Crazie.eddie]

I couldn't figure how your guys were using the blow gun to remove the grip.  My blow gun looked like this...




No matter how hard I pressed up against the butt end of the grip with the hole, air would ALWAYS escape.  I went to Menards (Large Home Improvement store) and was looking for 3/16" needles.  Same type of needles that you inflate basketballs, volleyballs, etc., but larger (3/16"), which is about the width of a tee.  I couldn't find it, but found a kit, which included a Tapered Inflator Nozzle by Tool Shop at Menards ($18 USD), which looks like this..




It fit perfectly on the blowgun....




I had to force it a little, to get the first notch on there at the butt end of the grip.  After some quick presses of the blow gun, air started going through the grip.  I was afraid at first when a large bubble formed at the middle of the grip, but all I had to do was just grip that area with my hand and gave a few more presses of the blow gun.  Eventually, the air spread throughout the grip and I was able to remove it.  The grip didn't come out as easily as some of those videos I've seen.  It took some effort, but is possible.  And without exploding the grip and having rubber projectiles all over the place.  Inserting the grip also took some effort, but not much.  I was able to align it as well.

I still plan to use grip tape.  I like the extra width the tape adds.  But at least now, I can interchange grips allot easier and faster.  Too bad, I already order the Grip Mate.  I guess that will go immediately to Ebay.

[Crazie.eddie]

I did a search for "Tapered Inflator Nozzle" and got a few results.  It appears you can't buy it individually, but you can buy a small kit, for under $3.00 (USD).  It looks like this...

[Shivas22]

For the added width use masking tape.  It will make it alot easier to remove your grips in the future than if you use traditional two sided grip tape.

[Crazie.eddie]

I like the thickness of the double sided tape, but I'm actually planing not remove the backing.

[David Hillman]

Crazie.eddie, on Aug 15 2009, 11:42 PM, said:

I did a search for "Tapered Inflator Nozzle" and got a few results.  It appears you can't buy it individually, but you can buy a small kit, for under $3.00 (USD).  It looks like this...

Eddie,


   The part you found is exactly what you need.  Many ( most? ) blowguns will come with a selection of nozzles like the one you bought, since as you noticed, the gun is almost useless without a nozzle.  Sounds like your gun was a little on the cheap side, if it didn't include those, but it'll work now.

[Crazie.eddie]

David Hillman, on Aug 16 2009, 09:57 AM, said:

Crazie.eddie, on Aug 15 2009, 11:42 PM, said:

I did a search for "Tapered Inflator Nozzle" and got a few results.  It appears you can't buy it individually, but you can buy a small kit, for under $3.00 (USD).  It looks like this...

Eddie,


   The part you found is exactly what you need.  Many ( most? ) blowguns will come with a selection of nozzles like the one you bought, since as you noticed, the gun is almost useless without a nozzle.  Sounds like your gun was a little on the cheap side, if it didn't include those, but it'll work now.

The gun with a needle nozzle and a few couplers came with the air compressor.  I didn't know what to look for in air compressors.  I was a bit hesitant to spend more than $100 on an air compressor mainly used for grip removal.  I chose a small PowerMate 3 gallon compressor at Menards (about $120 USD), which looks like this...




I seems to suit the job well and it's portable enough to carry around.