How to Install Golf Shaft Extenders

A common repair that most of you will be faced with (or have been faced with in the past) is adding a golf shaft extension. Extending golf shafts is a relatively simple operation that can add substantial profits to your shop. Today’s tip involves the extension of graphite and steel shafts. Here are a few tips to follow:

Tip on How to Extend a Graphite Golf Shaft

1. Never extend a graphite shaft more than 2″. Any more may cause premature failure due to stress where the extension is made.

2. Always use either nylon or plastic golf club extensions to extend a graphite shaft. Using a steel shaft extender will create a shear point where the extension is made, causing almost certain shaft failure.

3. Always epoxy the graphite shaft extension in place, do not rely on a pressure fit.

4. Try to abrade the extension piece prior to installation to give the epoxy a better hold.

5. Saving your old graphite shafts to use as shaft extenders will save you money and will make a perfectly acceptable extender.

6. Remember that extending the shaft will make it feel a bit more flexible and that every ½” longer the shaft becomes will increase the club’s swingweight 3 points. The total weight of the club will increase equal to the weight of the extender and epoxy as well. The club’s balance point will move toward the grip end as well due to the longer length of the club.

VIEW THE GRAPHITE SHAFT EXTENDERS IN THE “HOW TO INSTALL GRAPHITE SHAFT EXTENDERS” VIDEO BELOW

 

Tips on How to Extend a Steel Golf Shaft

1. Never extend a steel shaft more than 2″. Any more may cause premature failure due to stress where the extension is made.  The only exception would be putter shafts.

2. We recommend using a steel extender to extend a steel shaft. Although nylon shaft extensions can work like the ones featured at the bottom of the page.

Using other materials may lead to premature breakage. Wooden dowels can also be used to extend steel shafts, but these require much more work (in our opinion) than using steel extenders.

3. Always epoxy the steel shaft extension in place, do not rely on a pressure fit.

4. Abrade the extension piece prior to installation to give the epoxy a better hold. This is especially vital when using steel extensions that are unplated.

5. Saving your used steel shafts to use as shaft extenders will save you money and will make a perfectly acceptable extender.

6. Remember that extending the shaft will make it feel a bit more flexible and that every ½” longer the shaft becomes will increase the club’s swingweight 3 points. The total weight of the club will increase equal to the weight of the extender and epoxy as well. The club’s balance point will move toward the grip end as well due to the longer length of the club.

Extending golf shafts is a common and profitable repair. Following the above common-sense rules will make the repair practical and safe.