Putter Restoration

by designcoyxe

10K164

Intro: Putter Restoration

In this Instructable, I restore and customize an old used and abused putter. I'm an avid golfer and have always appreciated the custom putter scene. I started to research custom putters and I learned a lot of things - how they are made, materials used, surface finishing techniques, as well as the different types of putters. Its all exciting stuff that peaks my interest.

I found a cheapo putter on facebook marketplace. It is the style of putter I like and the correct material (stainless steel) I want for this project. Alright, lets begin!

STEP 1: Remove Old Insert

In this case the 'insert' is in bad shape, so I do not have to worry about damaging it during removal. It will not be reused.

Heat 'insert' surface with a heat gun for a moment.

Remove old 'insert' with a metal pick.

STEP 2: Remove Putter Head From Shaft

Using a torch, apply heat around the hosel where the shaft is inserted. This will loosen the existing epoxy.

Remove head by pulling & twisting simultaneously.

STEP 3: Paint/adhesive Removal

Apply paint stripper onto the adhesive and painted surfaces.

After 20 minutes, scrape away adhesive and paint using a bristle brush and paper towel.

STEP 4: PVD Finish Removal

Place putter head into a plastic container.

Pour muriatic acid into container. After two hours the coating will be removed.

Dip putter head into water/baking soda to neutralize the remaining acid on its surface.

STEP 5: Remove Dents and Other Imperfections

Use a convolute wheel on a bench grinder to remove dents. These wheels are great for taking small amounts of material off at a time. Gently press putter into wheel and evenly run length of putter surface against the wheel. Insure you do not hold putter in one spot to avoid taking off material unevenly.

STEP 6: Make Insert

Using a piece of sturdy paper, shade insert shape with a pencil (see picture above and reference video if not sure).

Cut shape out with scissors.

Cut a rectangular chunk out of the copper bar using a hack saw and a cut off disc on an angle grinder. Copper has long been a favorite metal as a putting surface because it is a soft metal with a high density, often perceived by the golfer as greater feel.

Adhere paper shape onto copper cutout (using adhesive spray).

Color in the exposed areas with a permanent marker.

Shape copper with a belt sander. This requires the most patience. Don't rush it. As you grind and are coming close to the correct size, check the fit against the putter. Keep doing this until proper fitment.

STEP 7: Remove Logo

The plan here is to get rid of the lettering and numbers on the sole of the putter. The trick is not to remove material, but to add material.

Clean surface with acetone.

Weld in letters and numbers (welds do not have to look pretty because the will be grinded off). I found it easier to spot weld in the bigger numbers and beads were sufficient for the smaller letters. The rule of thumb for welding SS is to use a higher grade stainless wire. In this case I used 308 wire for the 303 putter.

Grind welds smooth with a belt sander and convolute wheel.

STEP 8: Bead Blast

I decided to go with a satin finish. Bead blasting is the best way to achieve this. I set my regulator at 60psi and was happy with the results.

STEP 9: Texturize Bottom of Putter (optional)

While researching and looking at tons of pics of custom putters, I really liked the look of the hammered texture on putters. So let's give it a try!

Tape/mask off surfaces you don't want to have the texture. The tape will absorb the blow and not dent the putter.

Clamp putter head onto a solid surface and using a ball peen, start hammering until you're satisfied!

STEP 10: Grind Insert Flush

The copper insert is too thick in this case. Sand 'insert' down to proper thickness using a belt sander as well as hand sanding.

I found it advantageous to place 'insert' into putter head while sanding.

STEP 11: Install Insert

Clean surfaces with acetone.

Apply epoxy to putter and press in the 'insert'. (Insert insert!) :)

STEP 12: Paint Fill

Fill applicator bottle with acrylic paint.

The paint is a bit too thick. Use a small amount of water to thin.

Apply paint. Overfill is fine.

Wipe excess off with paper towel dampened with acetone.

STEP 13: Install New Grip

Cut old grip with a utility knife.

Rip and peel off.

Clean any residue off with acetone.

Apply new grip tape to shaft.

Spray grip solvent into new grip and onto grip tape.

Slide on grip and make sure it is fully seated.

STEP 14: Putter Head Install

Tape/ mask top of hosel and to the end of shaft.

Apply epoxy to hosel.

Insert putter head into shaft.

Align the putter head with the grip.

STEP 15: 3 Putt

Let's hope this putter improves my golf game. For further clarity please check out the video of the project.

Thanks for following along!

4 Comments

TimF10 1 year ago

Very cool. I love seeing things like this. One observation. Rather than have to use the transfer method to get your template for the insert. Just tap the paper with a light hammer. that will crease the paper and give you a perfect template.

designcoyxe 1 year ago

Nice! I will try that for the next time. Thank you

darkalter2000 1 year ago

It looks like the putter originally had a rubber insert and now has a copper one, will that not effect it's usability? Was a rubber insert inferior to begin with in ways other than durability?