How to Trim Aldila Hybrid Shafts

Aldila produces a variety of golf shafts with various features, weights and flexes. The one thing they all have in common is they are all graphite. The key to trimming any graphite shaft is recognize how delicate and susceptible they are to damage. If you have the shaft by itself, it is a relatively easy procedure, however, if a grip and head are already attached you will need some extra materials and expertise for removing and replacing the grip.

Things You'll Need

  • Hacksaw
  • Masking tape
  • Knife
  • Replacement grip
  • Solvent
  • Washcloth
  • Double-sided tape
  • Marker
  • Sandpaper
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Instructions

  1. Shaft By Itself

    • 1

      Determine the desired length to be removed (usually one or two inches), wrap your masking tape around the area that is to be cut, and draw a line with your marker where the cut will be made.

    • 2

      Secure the shaft to a cutting table with a vice grip or simply hold it firmly in place with your hand, leaving the portion that is to be removed hanging off the edge of the table.

    • 3

      Begin cutting with your hacksaw using forceful and confident strokes. You may need to stop a couple times to ensure a straight edge.

    • 4

      Remove the tape and polish the edge softly with your sandpaper.

    Grip Removal

    • 5

      Carefully cut the existing grip at the mouth or entry point of the shaft. Limit the use of your knife so as not to damage the shaft; instead, simply make an initial incision in the grip and rip and peel the rest away by hand.

    • 6

      Pour solvent over the newly exposed area and wipe away any remaining residue with your washcloth.

    • 7

      Perform the cutting procedure as outlined in Section 1.

    Grip Replacement

    • 8

      Wrap the area that is to be covered by the new grip in double-sided tape.

    • 9

      Pour solvent solution into the new grip until it is almost full and shake, plugging the holes at either end with your thumb and index fingers. Be sure solvent is thoroughly distributed throughout the entire inner wall of the grip.

    • 10

      Dump the solvent out of the new grip onto the taped area and firmly push the new grip onto the shaft. Make sure the butt of the shaft is flush against the butt of the grip. Typically, the brand name of the grip should go down the front of the club, but it is clearly for aesthetic purposes.

    • 11

      Make sure the butt of the shaft is flush against the butt of the grip.

    • 12

      Allow the grip to set for six to eight hours before using.