water to install rubber grips
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
water to install rubber grips
question 1:
these black rubber grips are difficult to push into this aluminum bar.
i got them in all the way, after a herculean effort of twist and pushing and cursing.
before, i had washed the grip and bar without soap, and rinsed with lots of water.
Then, let everything dry overnigt. i installed it dry.
For next time, can i use water as lube to facilitate grip install?
I was afraid that water would not dry completely in the grip. Would it? If so, how long will it take to dry?
these black rubber grips are difficult to push into this aluminum bar.
i got them in all the way, after a herculean effort of twist and pushing and cursing.
before, i had washed the grip and bar without soap, and rinsed with lots of water.
Then, let everything dry overnigt. i installed it dry.
For next time, can i use water as lube to facilitate grip install?
I was afraid that water would not dry completely in the grip. Would it? If so, how long will it take to dry?
Last edited by mtb_addict; 06-20-20 at 07:16 AM.
#2
Senior Member
Thread Starter
question 2:
i also have a steel chrome bar. the rubber grips goes very easily into the chrome bar, eventhough grip and bar has been washed thoroughly and dried.
so easy...that I am afraid it might slip off when i am riding in the rain.
so i am thinking about gluing with the tube of rubber cement from the tire patching kit.
is it okay to glue it this way?
i also have a steel chrome bar. the rubber grips goes very easily into the chrome bar, eventhough grip and bar has been washed thoroughly and dried.
so easy...that I am afraid it might slip off when i am riding in the rain.
so i am thinking about gluing with the tube of rubber cement from the tire patching kit.
is it okay to glue it this way?
Last edited by mtb_addict; 06-20-20 at 07:17 AM.
#3
Old fart
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,784
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3587 Post(s)
Liked 3,400 Times
in
1,934 Posts
Water with a little dish soap works well for installing grips, but it takes a while for it to dry out and secure the grip firmly. Hair spray works as well, and hardens up much quicker.
Likes For JohnDThompson:
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Chapel Hill NC
Posts: 1,683
Bikes: 2000 Litespeed Vortex Chorus 10, 1995 DeBernardi Cromor S/S
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 645 Post(s)
Liked 797 Times
in
446 Posts
question 1:
these black rubber grips are difficult to push into this aluminum bar.
i got them in all the way, after a herculean effort of twist and pushing and cursing.
before, i had washed the grip and bar without soap, and rinsed with lots of water.
Then, let everything dry overnigt. i installed it dry.
For next time, can i use water as lube to facilitate grip install?
I was afraid that water would not dry completely in the grip. Would it? If so, how long will it take to dry?
these black rubber grips are difficult to push into this aluminum bar.
i got them in all the way, after a herculean effort of twist and pushing and cursing.
before, i had washed the grip and bar without soap, and rinsed with lots of water.
Then, let everything dry overnigt. i installed it dry.
For next time, can i use water as lube to facilitate grip install?
I was afraid that water would not dry completely in the grip. Would it? If so, how long will it take to dry?
Likes For Litespud:
#5
Member
For fixation of rubber grips on chrome bars I’d probably try some carbon compound underneath the grip.
HTH,
-Tom
Likes For tbenjaminsen:
Likes For Dan Burkhart:
#8
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,362
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 152 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6218 Post(s)
Liked 4,217 Times
in
2,364 Posts
question 1:
these black rubber grips are difficult to push into this aluminum bar.
i got them in all the way, after a herculean effort of twist and pushing and cursing.
before, i had washed the grip and bar without soap, and rinsed with lots of water.
Then, let everything dry overnigt. i installed it dry.
For next time, can i use water as lube to facilitate grip install?
I was afraid that water would not dry completely in the grip. Would it? If so, how long will it take to dry?
these black rubber grips are difficult to push into this aluminum bar.
i got them in all the way, after a herculean effort of twist and pushing and cursing.
before, i had washed the grip and bar without soap, and rinsed with lots of water.
Then, let everything dry overnigt. i installed it dry.
For next time, can i use water as lube to facilitate grip install?
I was afraid that water would not dry completely in the grip. Would it? If so, how long will it take to dry?
Water works but it does take a little longer to dry. Hairspray will dry in a couple of hours. Water may take double that. Putting it in the sun will likely speed the process in both cases.
To remove the grips, slip a 2mm Allen wrench under the grip and spray in water or alcohol (you could do spit but that a bunch...eww!). Pull the wrench out and the grip should just twist off.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#9
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,362
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 152 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6218 Post(s)
Liked 4,217 Times
in
2,364 Posts
question 2:
i also have a steel chrome bar. the rubber grips goes very easily into the chrome bar, eventhough grip and bar has been washed thoroughly and dried.
so easy...that I am afraid it might slip off when i am riding in the rain.
so i am thinking about gluing with the tube of rubber cement from the tire patching kit.
is it okay to glue it this way?
i also have a steel chrome bar. the rubber grips goes very easily into the chrome bar, eventhough grip and bar has been washed thoroughly and dried.
so easy...that I am afraid it might slip off when i am riding in the rain.
so i am thinking about gluing with the tube of rubber cement from the tire patching kit.
is it okay to glue it this way?
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#10
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,362
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 152 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6218 Post(s)
Liked 4,217 Times
in
2,364 Posts
But if the bike is used in the commission of a crime, they have your DNA
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Likes For dsbrantjr:
#12
Senior Member
Hairspray. Aqua Net being the best.
__________________
1984 Cannondale ST
1985 Cannondale SR300
1980 Gary Littlejohn Cruiser
1984 Trek 760
1981 Trek 710
Pics
1984 Cannondale ST
1985 Cannondale SR300
1980 Gary Littlejohn Cruiser
1984 Trek 760
1981 Trek 710
Pics
#13
Generally bewildered
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Eastern PA, USA
Posts: 3,037
Bikes: 2014 Trek Domane 6.9, 1999 LeMond Zurich, 1978 Schwinn Superior
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1152 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
251 Posts
Surprised not to have seen Mad Honk weighing in. His day job is customizing golf clubs, IIRC. To put rubber golf grips on steel shafts, mineral spirits are the lubricant of choice. Often the case that masking tape is applied as a first layer. Generally, this results is a grip that won't come loose.
That said, hairspray probably works great.
That said, hairspray probably works great.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,706
Bikes: Trek 730 (quad), 720 & 830, Bike Friday NWT, Brompton M36R & M6R, Dahon HAT060 & HT060, ...
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 840 Post(s)
Liked 336 Times
in
251 Posts
I use pure water from a spray bottle, but water from any container will work too. You just try to raise the grip from any side a bit and get any water in, then twist and move the respective edge of the grip. Yes I used some other methods in the past, but the pure water is best, leaving no residue and not impacting any material in any manner.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,805
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1943 Post(s)
Liked 2,164 Times
in
1,323 Posts
Hairspray to install. Air compressor to remove.
John
John
Likes For 70sSanO:
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 331
Bikes: '68 Masi Special road, Grail bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 108 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 70 Times
in
58 Posts
as others have said hairspray is IT. when wet grip slides on easily. when dry they're "glued" somewhat
BITD at my shop we used AquaNet as it was the cheapest and it wasn't going on our hair!
BITD at my shop we used AquaNet as it was the cheapest and it wasn't going on our hair!
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,805
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1943 Post(s)
Liked 2,164 Times
in
1,323 Posts
Suave Max Hold... keeps the wave in ergo grips.
John
John
#18
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,362
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 152 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6218 Post(s)
Liked 4,217 Times
in
2,364 Posts
I have read instructions on how to install rubber handlebar grips to replace ones that have worn out after a long time of use with just four easy steps: First, remove the old rubber grips. then clean the WD-40 rod, you should use soap and water to remove the dust and residue on it. The next step is to wrap some plastic fasteners on the bike; they will create some friction to mount the bike grips and keep them in place. and finally, the hardest thing to do is push the New Grip onto the bar. Twist the handle as you press on the handlebars, aligning it with the contours of the bike. Be patient as you attach the handlebars to the bike little by little.
If that doesn’t hold the grips, use clamp on versions.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#19
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Steveston, BC
Posts: 96
Bikes: Giant Escape 3, Giant Halfway FD806, Giant Cadex CFM3, ZiZZO Liberté
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 76 Times
in
34 Posts
I've soaked new grips in hot (but not boiling) water for a few moments, and they slid right on.
I also used hot water to get grips off, by slipping a thin screwdriver under the grip to create a space, and pouring the heated water into the gap.
I also used hot water to get grips off, by slipping a thin screwdriver under the grip to create a space, and pouring the heated water into the gap.
#20
Full Member
I've always used glass cleaner to remove and install grips- any brand that was handy, Windex, Invisible Glass, etc. Like SteveKB I just use a thin screwdriver and spray in some cleaner for removal. Glass cleaners usually consist of water, some alcohol or petroleum distillate, and detergent - the grips can be moved for a while to let you make adjustments and usually set up tight overnight. Works fine on chrome, painted, or carbon bars.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 18,073
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4201 Post(s)
Liked 3,856 Times
in
2,305 Posts
Nature's best lube ever!
I use Clean Streak for both removal and installs of grips if lube is needed. I slide a 2.5mm ball ended hex wrench under the old grip then slide in the red squirt tube under the gip. Spray a small amount, pull out the tube and wrench the rotate the grip and pull off. A light spray on the bars and in the grip then slide the grip on. Drys fast. Andy
__________________
AndrewRStewart
AndrewRStewart
#22
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I don't see this mentioned anywhere, but 2-4 zip ties can make sliding on a grip a breeze...while not getting gunk on you bars or grips. Compressed air can do the trick too
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
fwiw, I save used grips. if turned inside out, they can be used on handlebar extender extension accessories to increase the diameter so that a headlamp which is attached w/ an elastic is tighter & won't move when hitting bumps in the road
not all lights need it because they have adjustable collars, but sometimes the extra squish is helpful anyway, when making the final adjustment
experimented w/ two similar light heads the other night. misplaced the elastic for the one on the right & had to buy some after-market. but w/o the extra diameter of an old grip, it kept shifting position during my ride. pretty annoying
not all lights need it because they have adjustable collars, but sometimes the extra squish is helpful anyway, when making the final adjustment
experimented w/ two similar light heads the other night. misplaced the elastic for the one on the right & had to buy some after-market. but w/o the extra diameter of an old grip, it kept shifting position during my ride. pretty annoying
Last edited by rumrunn6; 12-17-21 at 09:42 AM.