Graphite Iron Shaft Trimming Instructions
Do-it-yourself golfers who enjoy assembling their own irons out of individual parts -- rather than purchasing them off the shelf or from a club fitter -- will likely need to trim their graphite shafts before adding the grips, ferrules and club heads. Individual shafts are typically sold in a standard length, then shortened to fit the type of club and to suit the user’s needs.
Determine how much of the shaft’s tip you wish to trim. The graphite shaft will come with trimming instructions that tell you how much to cut from the tip, depending on the amount of flex you want. For example, you’ll trim more off the tip to achieve a stiffer flex.
Place the shaft into a rubber golf club clamp, then insert the clamp into a vise. The rubber protects the graphite from damage.
Wrap two or three layers of masking or electrical tape around the area to be cut. The tape helps prevent the shaft from splintering.
Measure the distance that you wish to trim from the tip, then mark the distance on the tape with a pen.
Cut carefully along the marked line with a hacksaw, insuring your blade is perpendicular to the shaft. The Clubmakers.co.kr site suggests using a grit edge blade in your saw.
Determine how much length must be trimmed from the butt end of the club. This typically depends on the type of club you're constructing. For example, the standard length of a graphite men’s 5-iron is 38 inches, while a standard 9-iron is 36 inches long, according to the Clubmakers website.
Tape and mark the area to be cut, as you did with the tip. However, add 1/8 inch to the cut to account for the grip cap. For example, if your 9-iron shaft is 38 inches long after trimming the tip, trim 2 1/8 inches from the butt end to produce a 36-inch club after the grip is installed.
Cut the butt end the same way as you trimmed the tip.
Tips
You can also use an abrasive cut-off wheel or a motorized chop saw to cut a graphite shaft, according to Clubmakers.co.kr.
Warnings
Never use a tubing cutter on graphite.
Writer Bio
M.L. Rose has worked as a print and online journalist for more than 20 years. He has contributed to a variety of national and local publications, specializing in sports writing. Rose holds a B.A. in communications.