How to Swap an Adapter on a Golf Shaft

What You'll Need

• Heat gun (never a torch — graphite resin combusts at ~350°F)
• Shaft extractor with adapter pulling capability
• OEM Adaptor Saver Kit — screws and washers that fit inside the female receptacle for safe pulling
• New adapter matched to the head brand AND shaft tip diameter (.335" or .350")
• Two-part shaft epoxy
• Adapter ferrule (if the new adapter requires a separate ferrule)
• 80-grit sandpaper or scuffing pad
• Wire brush or pipe cleaner
• Acetone and a clean rag
• Bench vise with rubber shaft clamp

Step 1 — Identify the Adapter and Tip Diameter

Before anything: confirm the shaft's tip diameter (.335" is most common for drivers/FW; .350" appears on some; .370" on most hybrids) and the head brand of the new adapter. A .350" tip will not fit a .335" adapter — and never sand a tip down to force-fit it. That weakens the tip and the shaft will be more prone to snapping.

Step 2 — Pull the Old Adapter

1. Clamp the shaft in the extractor.
2. Insert the appropriate OEM Adaptor Saver screw and washer into the female receptacle of the old adapter — this protects the aluminum from being crushed by clamping force.
3. Apply heat from the heat gun to the adapter only, keeping it moving, for 30–40 seconds.
4. Apply torque on the extractor. The adapter should slide off with moderate pressure once the epoxy releases.
5. Set the hot adapter aside on a non-flammable surface.

Step 3 — Clean and Prep the Shaft Tip

1. While the epoxy is still warm, scrape it off the shaft with sandpaper. Scuff only the paint — never sand into the graphite fibers themselves.
2. Use a wire brush or pipe cleaner to clean residual epoxy from inside the old adapter (if you're saving it) or the new one.
3. Wipe the prepped tip with acetone and let it dry.

Step 4 — Epoxy and Install the New Adapter

1. Slide the adapter ferrule onto the shaft if required by the new adapter design.
2. Mix two-part shaft epoxy on a clean surface, equal parts A and B.
3. Coat the shaft tip and a small amount inside the adapter.
4. Slide the new adapter onto the shaft while rotating to spread the epoxy evenly. Push firmly until fully seated — tap the butt end on the ground if needed to release trapped air.
5. Slide the ferrule down flush against the adapter (if separate).
6. Wipe excess epoxy with the acetone rag.

Step 5 — Cure and Install

Stand the shaft tip-down and cure for 24 hours (or per epoxy spec). Once cured, screw the adapter into the head per the manufacturer's torque spec.

Important Notes

• The screw goes in tight, not torqued like a lug nut. Over-torquing strips the threads or cracks the adapter. Use the OEM torque wrench.
• Tee-up alignment matters. Most adjustable hosels have multiple positions — check the dot/arrow alignment after install and before play.