Enlarge grip size via Heat Shrink Sleeve method .... DIY + Pics

**jerby** · 03-25-2011, 06:15 PM

It'll have to be circumference, because that's what is used most and it fits in the general scheme of things: A G3 grip is 3 1/2 inch and a G4 is 3 1/4 inch. so with a 1/8 heatshrink you should be right in between the 3 and 4 (or 4 and 5 offcourse as a G5 is 3inch)

**dingboy** · 03-26-2011, 06:50 AM

Originally Posted by cobalt

Dingboy: the RKEP grip you have wrapped is not an overgrip, but a replacement grip. Am I right?

If this is correct, do you think you will end up "pulling" some parts of the sleeve (and loosening it's form and grip on the handle) when it comes time to remove the RKEP grip once it is worn out?

Yes bro, you're right ..... the RKEP grip i used is a replacement grip.
Reason being the racket handle, before the HSS was applied, was only bare wood .....
so bare wood + HSS + replacement grip = good feel (for me)

No worries on the HSS loosening it's form and grip on the handle during replacement bro .... the HSS (after shrinking) turns to a semi hard rubber/plastic kind of material of reasonable thickness and structural integrity. It's not those type of thin and flimsy HSS we use for RC batteries or thin wires.
The HSS i bought are normally used for commercial applications like electrical insulation of up to 600V.
I've attached a link to the website for more info on the HSS :
http://www.radiform.com/rotw/H_Shrink.htm

As mentioned, during the wrapping phase of the grip, i had to remove and reapply the grip several times in order to get the finishing length right.
During those instances, the HSS showed absolutely no signs of 'loosening' whatsoever.

Also, the adhesive tape for the RKEP grip was just 1cm wide (as opposed to Karakal's 1.4cm).
That width of adhesive tape, while sufficient for a good wrap, didn't add any stress to the the HSS's form while removal at all.

**dingboy** · 03-26-2011, 06:57 AM

oops .... it seems that 2 pics of the racket handle with HSS applied and grip wrapped on is missing.

I've attached them again below.

As you can see (i hope) .... the bevels of the racket handle are still quite visibly pronounced ....
Grip feel is good for me .... not too thin, but not too 'spongy' either.
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**dingboy** · 03-26-2011, 07:15 AM

Apparently, some text in my original post went missing too ......

here's the rest ....

A side note on the RKEP King Grip G-03 i used for this example ....
I particularly liked how easy it was to 'stretch' and 'twist' this grip to conform to the end result i wanted.
I am also impressed that, despite my numerous applications and removals, this grip still held its form quite well.
We all know that certain grips when stretched and manipulated, tend to 'fall apart' and tear quite easily.
This grip is quite resilient .... but i won't be pushing it to the limit any time soon.

Grip feel is quite good and tacky.
But i won't be able to comment much on it's durability, playability and 'feel' during game time until i try them out myself on the courts next week.

**isben** · 03-26-2011, 08:47 AM

Excellent explanation and is very informative. Now could you advise us as in where to get the HSS since you mention that it is a industrial application material? I'm very keen on trying this method out.

**maa2003** · 03-26-2011, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by isben

Excellent explanation and is very informative. Now could you advise us as in where to get the HSS since you mention that it is a industrial application material? I'm very keen on trying this method out.

you can go to Sim Lim Tower (not Sim Lim Square) to buy it.

**dingboy** · 03-26-2011, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by isben

Excellent explanation and is very informative. Now could you advise us as in where to get the HSS since you mention that it is a industrial application material? I'm very keen on trying this method out.

Hi there isben ......

I see you're in Singapore ..... then it's going to be a cinch for you.

Go to a shop called HLC Pte Ltd at Blk 437 Veerasamy Road.
This company is the local agent (i was told) for 'Radiform Heat Shrink Tubing'.
They sell the HSS by the metre ..... very inexpensive.

I cant remember what the actual size of the tubing is, but as long as you can slip the racket handle through, then thats good enough.
The HSS also comes in a variety of colours also .... happy shopping.

***cobalt*** · 03-26-2011, 09:49 AM

Dingboy, thanks again for the clarifications.
I would definitely vote this thread as one of the more useful and informative threads in this forum section...

**isben** · 03-26-2011, 09:51 AM

Thank you for the directions. I be bringing my racket along just to test it out on the spot.

**dingboy** · 03-26-2011, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by cobalt

Dingboy, thanks again for the clarifications.
I would definitely vote this thread as one of the more useful and informative threads in this forum section...

hahahahahaha ! .... thanks for the compliment bro.

Glad it helped you somewhat.

**dingboy** · 03-26-2011, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by isben

Thank you for the directions. I be bringing my racket along just to test it out on the spot.

No worries bro .... i think bringing your racket along is a great (and safe) idea.

Happy shopping + modding.

**awekuda** · 03-27-2011, 08:38 PM

Thanks ding for a great method.. and the bevel still noticeable..... need to look for HSS first before i could try this method

**druss** · 03-27-2011, 09:42 PM

Every time I read through this article I get confused... my background makes me automatically translate HSS into Hollow Structural Steel, not Heat Shrink Sleeve... obviously quite different

**dingboy** · 03-27-2011, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by druss

Every time I read through this article I get confused... my background makes me automatically translate HSS into Hollow Structural Steel, not Heat Shrink Sleeve... obviously quite different

heh heh heh ......

Sorry for the confusion bro ...... i got lazy and just used 'HSS'.
The actual product description should be 'Heat Shrink Tubing', but i used 'HSS' instead.

**dingboy** · 03-27-2011, 09:47 PM

Originally Posted by awekuda

Thanks ding for a great method.. and the bevel still noticeable..... need to look for HSS first before i could try this method

Hi there .....

You are most welcome bro.
I'm not too sure where this product is available in Malaysia, but i'm pretty sure you can find it somewhere ..... sorry i cant help much.

***cobalt*** · 03-27-2011, 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by dingboy

heh heh heh ......

Sorry for the confusion bro ...... i got lazy and just used 'HSS'.
The actual product description should be 'Heat Shrink Tubing', but i used 'HSS' instead.

Yeah, HSS brings something else to mind, as in Hot and Steamy.......

sorry for OT... hehehe