How to Remove Old Ski Pole Grips:
Most ski grips are applied to the pole with glue or contact cememnt (depending how old the pole is); however, in some cases with softer rubber grips, friction is enough to keep grips secured. In the later case, removal is easier. In either case, a heating device, preferably boiling water or a heat gun (I haven't had success with hair dryer), is needed to break the bind between the grip and pole.
Heat guns will likely permanently damange the old grip, but is much faster to remove. Boiling water is a more accessable option for most people and only requires your stove and a large kitchen pot; however, more time is needed (sometimes up to 20 minutes). In both cases apply heat via your perferred heating method to grip (in the case of boiling water, fully submerge grip).
For saftey reasons and for better leverage, wrap a small kitchen towel around the grip and work the grip off the pole. Repeat steps of applying heat and working the grip off the pole as needed.
How to Regrip with Central Park Ski Club Extended Ski Pole Grips:
Recommended Glue: Gorilla Glue (clear or original)
Tools Needed: Glue/epoxy, q-tips or long application device, and glue/adhesive remover
- Slide the grip (logo side at the top) down the ski pole to the point at which the top of the grip is flush with the pole. Mentally, mark where the bottom of the grip is on your pole. You will want to liberally apply glue to the halfway point as glue will continue to cover the remaining section as the grip is installed. The glue will also act as a lubricant and excess glue will build on the bottom of the pole.
- Slide the grip down over the glue in a turning motion and push the grip down into position, leaving a few inches of grip above the top of the pole.
- Use Q-Tip or other long application device to clean excess glue from the bottom of the pole and reapply to the inside of the top of the grip. This will ensure that the application of the glue is properly covering all surfaces and that the grip is properly secured.
- Slide the grip down past the top of the pole in a turning motion. Again, this is just for peace of mind that the grip and glue application is sufficiently covering all internal surface of the grip and ensure a proper fit. Bring the top of grip flush to the top of the ski pole in final application position.
- Use adhesive remover to clean up excess glue from where the grip went past the end point. Use mix on Q-Tip and adhesive remover to clean the glue from the inside of the top of the ski pole.
- For the best results, let glue set overnight.
End-Cap Instructions
Tools Needed: allen wrench
IMPORTANT: wait until the bond between grips and poles are completely settled before installing end-caps
- Put long bolt through top (convex) end cap
- Find washer that is slightly smaller than the internal diameter of your ski pole
- Slide washer on to long bolt
- Screw end fastener until washer starts to expand
- Place entire end-cap piece in to pole
- Tighten until end-cap securely fastened. The washer should grip to the wall of the pole and end fastener will expand the washer as it gets tighter
- repeat steps 4-6 as necessary
- if process seems too difficult attempt with different size washer