How to Remove Bicycle Hand Grips

Bicycle hand grips are found on older bikes, mountain and cruiser-type bikes. Hand grips are necessary to promote safety, align the cyclist's hands in the proper position for correct handling of the bike and provide cushion and comfort for long rides. Over time, handlebar grips dry out, crack or get rough and need to be replaced. Handlebar grips are also used as a fashion statement by consumers who remove ordinary white or black grips and replace them with hot pink or other extreme colors to customize their bikes.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Spray bottle with water
  • Spray lubricant (WD-40 or equivalent)
  • Channel-lock pliers
  • Hammer
  • Razor knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Insert the tip of the screwdriver inside the grip between the handlebar and the grip. Work the tip of the screwdriver along the perimeter of the grip, prying up on the grip, breaking it loose from the handlebar as far back as possible.

    • 2

      Pry up on the grip with the screwdriver with one hand and squirt water with the squirt bottle inside the grip between the grip and the handlebar. Don't let water go inside the handlebar itself.

    • 3

      Force the screwdriver deeper between the grip and bar all the way around.

    • 4

      Grab the grip between the jaws of the channel-lock pliers. Rock the pliers back and forth, breaking loose the grip if possible. Move the pliers down the length of the grip, twisting and rocking the grip forward and back.

    • 5

      Hold the grip with the pliers with one hand. Tap on the side of the pliers as close to the grip as possible with the hammer in an outward motion. Release the pliers, grab onto the grip in a different location and tap again, working around the grip until it becomes loose. Do both sides.

    • 6

      Grab the grip with your hand. Twist back and forth. If the grip still will not move, pry it up on one side with the pliers and squirt some spray lubricant between the grip and bar. Lay the bike on its side with the grip sticking straight up into the air and wait 30 minutes for the lubricant to penetrate.

    • 7

      Pick up the bike and begin twisting back and forth with your hands until the grip becomes loose and slides off.