Arm lock putting is not just a technique; it requires the proper equipment. If you are playing with a traditional putter, puting an arm lock grip on the putter will still not solve your issues.
Putters need to have certain specifications and features to work as an arm lock putter.
The AL2 Putter Grip handles all of that for you with 17” of length and 2-3 degrees of loft correction. As soon as the putter grip goes on, you will be the proud owner of an arm lock putter.
Let’s take a look at how to convert a traditional putter into an arm lock.
Why Change A Traditional Putter Into An Arm Lock?
You asked our favorite questions. Changing a traditional putter into an arm lock putter allows for better anchoring of the grip against the forearm and a more stable connection between your putter and body.
How does that translate into your putting game?
- Straighter back and straight through putting stroke, less variation in the putter face can allow for more consistency and more putts in the bottom of the cup
- Reduced face rotation for less hinge and rotation in the wrists, golfers that can create stable wrist patterns tend to have a square clubface at impact.
- More repeatable setup with a putter face aligned directly to the target
- Reduction in grip pressure for more stability, less tension, and less inconsistency
- Converting your traditional putter into an arm lock can save you from having to purchase a new putter and make the process much more affordable.
How To Convert a Traditional Putter Into An Arm Lock Putter
If you have regripped clubs before, this process is incredibly easy. If you are new to regripping golf clubs, we have a video and a step-by-step guide to help you convert your traditional putter into an arm lock.
Supplies Needed
- AL or RL Series Putter Grip from Arm Lock Golf
- Sandpaper
- Hook blade
- Shaft Extension and Epoxy
- Grip Tape
- Solvent
- Old Towel
Step 1: Remove the Old Grip and Extend The Shaft
The first step in this process is to remove the old grip that you have on your putter. Place the putter in a vice, use a hook blade to carefully pull up on the bottom of the grip, and slice it all the way to the butt end.
Clean up the entire shaft, removing any old tape remnants and debris using an old rag with some mineral spirits on it.
With the Arm-Lock Series grips, you will need a putter length between 40-44”. The standard putter length is around 34”. With a shaft extender dowel, you can extend the length of your putter, or you can have a local golf shop do this for you.
Step 2: Measure for Correct Length
It’s good to measure for correct shaft length even before the extension, but it’s smart to do it one more time before installing an Arm-Lock series grip.
The Arm Lock grips are all USGA conforming. However, the total arm lock putter length cannot be above your elbow according to the rules of golf. Ensure your shaft length conforms before putting your new grip in place.
Hold it in your hands and actually test the putter because you won’t be able to adjust length once the new putter grip is on.
Step 3: Prep The Shaft With Tape
Now that you have an extended putter, it’s time to put your Arm Lock Grip on the club.
Place the putter in a vice with a vice protector for the shaft.
Use a piece of double sided tape and continue it down the shaft about a half inch shorter than the putter itself. For a 17” putter grip, make a mark about 16.5 inches down from the top of the club and add a layer of tape to this area.
Carefully fold the tape along the back of the grip so it is smooth.
Step 4: Apply Solvent
When working with a larger grip like this, you have to use plenty of solvent to be able to slide it down the putter shaft with ease. We applied solvent to the tape and put some inside the grip.
Hold your finger on the bottom of the hole at the butt end of your Arm-Lock Series grip. Pour solvent in the open end and then swish the solvent around so it coats the entire inside of the grip; pour any extra solvent over the double-sided tape.
Step 5: Slide the Grip Into Place
Standing behind the golf club, start to slide the grip on the putter shaft. Make sure that you are sliding with some speed.
Place an old towel on the end to cover up the small hole where solvent is known to run out. Slide the grip down and make sure it covers your entire length of double-sided tape. As you are sliding on, don’t stop and keep the grip as straight as possible.
Step 6: Tap and Adjust
At this point, you can remove the grip from the vice and tap the butt end on the ground. This will ensure that it is indeed pushed all the way down and completely on the putter shaft. Look at the label on the Arm Lock Series grip and ensure it is lined up correctly with the lines on the putter head.
Some slight twisting and turning is still possible at this stage.
Step 7: Wait 24 Hours
It’s best to let your Arm-Lock Series grips rest for 24 hours before you use them the first time. If you rush the process, the connection between the shaft and grip may not be quite as good. In addition, you risk turning or twisting the grip in your hands, throwing off alignment, a mistake that is best to avoid when possible.
Now, you are ready to take your putter to the course and start making more putts!
Video Demonstration of How To Convert a Traditional Putter Into an Arm Lock Putter
If you want to see an AL-2 putter grip installed on a putter shaft, here is a complete video by club builder Adam Charen detailing the process. In addition, this video will show you how to install your own shaft extension, a process that is quite simple. Again, the key is to find the exact length that you need for your game.
Frequently Asked Questions About Converting a Traditional Putter Into an Arm Lock
Here are a few of the questions we often ask about this conversion process from traditional putter to arm lock putter.
Does shaft length matter?
The total shaft length of your arm lock putter should be around 40-42 inches for the average golfer. However, some players find that they need to add more or less based on their height. The USGA does not allow golfers to anchor a putter above their elbow joint, so be aware of this length requirement when converting your putter.
Does grip size matter?
A larger or jumbo-size arm lock putting grip will only further add to the stability and benefit of the arm lock putting technique. Larger grips tend to decrease the amount of unnecessary wrist extension.
Q: How do you switch to arm lock putting?
A: To switch to arm lock putting, you need an extended putter and a putter grip that allows you to anchor the putter on the side of your lead arm.
Q: Is arm lock putting an advantage?
A:Many golfers find arm lock putting to be an advantage because of the consistency and stability it provides. ON shorter putts, the arm lock method can become a bit more mechanical, allowing for fewer variables and fewer mistakes in your game.
Q:Can you extend a putter with a grip?
A:Extending a putter with a grip is only possible after you have already put in the shaft extension. With a shaft extension in place, a new grip will give you a putter where you can benefit from the arm lock technique.
Final Thoughts
At this point, you have everything you need to get started with the arm lock putting style. Get your new grip ordered from Arm Lock Golf and start on your putting routine and practice today!