How to Install a New Handlebar Grip
Carefully slide or cut off the old grip., Clean bar with soap/water to remove WD-40, dust, and gunk., Use 3-4 long, plastic ties as "runners" to slide your grip on., Apply a spray of hairspray, hand sanitizer, or other quick-evaporating substance...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Carefully slide or cut off the old grip.
Sometimes, careful cutting with a razor blade is necessary; try not to scratch your chrome.
If you want to save the grips without cutting, spray WD-40 between grip and handlebar, giving it 5-10 minutes to work its way into the grip.
Twist to spread the WD-40 inside the grip and pull it off easily.
Stick a screwdriver between the bar and the grip if you cannot get under the grip well, using it to prop the grip up while you spray it down.
If stuck, you can use compressed air from a compressor or can to remove a grip. -
Step 2: Clean bar with soap/water to remove WD-40
Give the bars a good clean scrub, using an old rag or sponge to get them as clean as possible.
This will make it much easier to get the new grip on and keep it there.
When done, dry the whole thing off.
If they are open on the ends, make sure you dry off the inside of the handlebar as well.
Water left in there after putting the new grip on can lead to rusting. , Place the plastic ties in the grip on different sides, then use these smooth, low-friction areas to slide the grip onto the bike.
Then simply pull the ties back out to finish installing.
Note that lock-on grips are gaining popularity
-- they require a hex wrench (Allen key), but you can easily loosen the bolt, slide the grip on, then tighten it in place., If you don't have plastic ties, a little bit of an alcohol-based product, such as hairspray or sanitizer, may help you slide the grip easily.
As a bonus, the grip will definitely stay on once you've got it in place.
While not strictly necessary, this step can prevent the grip from immediately slipping off the bar if you have issues., While the snug fit may make it hard to get the grip on, you'll be thankful later when it doesn't come off mid-ride. -
Step 3: and gunk.
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Step 4: Use 3-4 long
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Step 5: plastic ties as "runners" to slide your grip on.
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Step 6: Apply a spray of hairspray
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Step 7: hand sanitizer
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Step 8: or other quick-evaporating substance inside the grip.
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Step 9: Push the grip all the way onto the bar
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Step 10: twisting to align their contours.It can help to twist as you push
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Step 11: working it onto the handlebar bit by bit.
Detailed Guide
Sometimes, careful cutting with a razor blade is necessary; try not to scratch your chrome.
If you want to save the grips without cutting, spray WD-40 between grip and handlebar, giving it 5-10 minutes to work its way into the grip.
Twist to spread the WD-40 inside the grip and pull it off easily.
Stick a screwdriver between the bar and the grip if you cannot get under the grip well, using it to prop the grip up while you spray it down.
If stuck, you can use compressed air from a compressor or can to remove a grip.
Give the bars a good clean scrub, using an old rag or sponge to get them as clean as possible.
This will make it much easier to get the new grip on and keep it there.
When done, dry the whole thing off.
If they are open on the ends, make sure you dry off the inside of the handlebar as well.
Water left in there after putting the new grip on can lead to rusting. , Place the plastic ties in the grip on different sides, then use these smooth, low-friction areas to slide the grip onto the bike.
Then simply pull the ties back out to finish installing.
Note that lock-on grips are gaining popularity
-- they require a hex wrench (Allen key), but you can easily loosen the bolt, slide the grip on, then tighten it in place., If you don't have plastic ties, a little bit of an alcohol-based product, such as hairspray or sanitizer, may help you slide the grip easily.
As a bonus, the grip will definitely stay on once you've got it in place.
While not strictly necessary, this step can prevent the grip from immediately slipping off the bar if you have issues., While the snug fit may make it hard to get the grip on, you'll be thankful later when it doesn't come off mid-ride.
About the Author
Amy Knight
Writer and educator with a focus on practical organization knowledge.
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