Golf is all about the details, and your grip is no exception. Maintaining a basic grip can increase the quality of your match and make your play a lot more comfortable. If you are looking for the best golf grip solvent alternative, there are many cheaper options available that are easy on the environment and easy to find. Golfers commonly use golf grip solvents to install and/or maintain their grips, but alternative options can be beneficial in many situations.

In this blog, we will take a close look at the best substitutes for golf grip solvents, why they are effective, and how to use them. The goal is that by the end, you shall know what the best options are and how they compare to standard grip solvents. Read our related blog for a comprehensive guide to choosing the right golf grips for you.

What is an alternative to golf grip solvents?

A specifically designed golf grip solvent is a chemical solution that serves to lubricate the grip while installing, enabling it to move over the club shaft without any difficulty. Once you establish the grip, you allow the solvent to evaporate, leaving the grip set. Although very effective, conventional solvents can be expensive, have detrimental environmental effects, and/or, in some cases, be hard to find in emergencies. That’s where the alternatives come in. Discover more about grip types; check out our help on golf grip size.

Top Golf Grip Solvent Alternatives

If you’ve run out of your go-to grip solvent or prefer a more accessible or sustainable option, here are some great substitutes:

1. Soapy Water

One of the easiest and most accessible options is soapy water. A combination of dish soap and water works as a lubricant, allowing the grip to slide over the shaft. Here’s how to use it:

• Combine a bit of dish soap and water in a spray bottle.
• Squirt the solution liberally between the grip and shaft.
• Attach the grip as normal and let it dry.  If you sweat a lot, check out the best golf grips for sweaty hands.

2. Rubbing Alcohol

Because it evaporates quickly, rubbing alcohol is often recommended as an alternative. It operates like conventional solvents, and it is widely available. To use:

• Move some rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle for easy application.
• Spray within the grip and along the shaft.
• To apply it, slide the grip into place, then let it cure. Read our complete golf tape for a grips comparison guide to speed up your grip installation process.

3. Mineral Spirits

Cleaning and painting are common household uses for mineral spirits. Due to their fast evaporation rate and non-residual nature, they also work well as a solvent alternative. Steps include:

• Use mineral spirits inside the grip.
• Coat the shaft evenly.
• Install the grip and leave for the spirits to evaporate.

4. Hairspray

Unbelievably, hairspray functions as a substitute for golf grip solvent. Once dry, its tackiness assists in locking the grip in place. Here’s how to use it:

• Use hairspray and spray it in the grip and on the shaft.
• Cover the shaft with the grip.
• Allow it to settle for several hours. Find out more about how this compares to other options in our golf grip solvent guide.

5. WD-40

WD-40 is another all-purpose go-to product that plenty of golfers swear by. It helps lubricate during installation and dries rather quickly. Steps include: 

• Spray some WD-40 into the grip and onto the shaft.
• Install the grip as usual.
• Allow it to dry completely before using. To learn more, check out strong vs. weak golf grips to master your performance.

Benefits of Using Alternatives

There are numerous reasons to consider using alternative golf grip solvents. Here are some of the strongest reasons to consider alternative golf grip solvents:

• Cost-Effective: Many alternatives, like soapy water or rubbing alcohol, are significantly less expensive than store-bought solvents.
• Eco-Friendly Options: Using natural or less harsh substances can reduce your environmental impact.
• Accessibility: These substitutes are usually food staples, so they are readily on hand in an emergency. And if your grip isn’t snug, be sure to stop by our putter grip options on our blog.

Tips for installing golf grips with solvent alternatives

If you use any of these substitutions, you have to pay extra attention to technique to ensure great results. There are available solvent alternatives for a successful golf grip installation.

1. Prepare the Shaft: As a first step, take your time to clean the shaft from dirt, grease, and old glue residue. Wipe down the surface with a clean cloth and, if needed, a light cleaning agent to ensure the surface is smooth and ready for the new grip.
2. Use a generous amount of lubricant, such as soapy water, rubbing alcohol, or any other substance of your choice, both inside the grip and on the shaft. Apply the coating as evenly as possible so your grip doesn’t seize up on installation.
3. Work quickly and efficiently: Use an alternative that evaporates quickly, such as rubbing alcohol. And, to prevent the lubricant from drying out midway, make sure you push the grip into its position shortly after you’ve applied the solution.
4. Ensure proper alignment of the grip with the shaft before the solvent dries. If necessary, immediately bend it, as the solvent’s evaporation will make it difficult to reposition it.
5. Allow Sufficient Drying Time: After you have installed the grip, make sure it is completely dry before using it. Each alternative has a different drying time—many of them take a couple of hours—but in general, leave this process for at least a few hours so the grip can settle down and become project-ready.

Conclusion

There are a few alternatives to golf grip solvents. Soapy water and rubbing alcohol are two of the many household items you already have available to you to use as golf grip solvent—and perhaps even more unorthodox solutions, such as hairspray, can also work quite effectively. Whether you get in a jam or just want to try something new, these solutions should help you keep your golf clubs in top shape and improve your golf game.

So, what are you waiting for? So choose your poison; choose your alternative; and may the golf gods look down kindly on you during your next round!

FAQs

1. Can I use water instead of a golf grip solvent?

And yes, soapy water is a very good alternative to golf grip solvent. It provides an adequate lubricant for grips and dries quickly enough. For even better results, try using golf tape for grips.

2. Is rubbing alcohol safe for installing golf grips?

Absolutely! Many golf grip installation procedures use rubbing alcohol, a fast-drying adhesive. Just make sure to let it dry thoroughly before using the club. Find out more in our guide on the best golf grips for sweaty hands.

3. How long should I wait after using a solvent alternative?

The drying times vary depending on your choice. So, for instance, rubbing alcohol and hairspray dry fast (a few hours), while soapy water could take longer. Always make sure the grip feels secure before playing. Read more about strong vs. weak golf grips on The Very Best.

4. Are solvent alternatives as effective as traditional solvents?

In most cases, yes. While the solvent may have been made for specifically installing grips, things like mineral spirits, rubbing alcohol, and even hairspray can yield similar results when used properly. As it stands, you have run out of data.

5. Can I mix multiple alternatives for better results?

However, they differ from one another, so it’s generally not a good idea to mix alternatives. For best results, stick to the above method. Educating yourself on golf grip size can help you find the fit that feels just right.

Interlinking to Related Topics

For more insights on golf grips, check out these helpful guides:

• Best Golf Grips
• Best Golf Grips for Sweaty Hands
• Golf Grip Size Guide
• Strong vs. Weak Golf Grips
• Golf Tape for Grips
• Golf Grip Solvent
• Putter Grip Options