taking off old mtb grips?
 

hey all. sorry not much of a mtbiker but i have a question for yall. i was digging around in the junk bin looking for parts for a singlespeed i am putting together for a friend. i have some bars that i want to get the grips off of. im looking for any 'magic hints' on the easiest way to take them off -- intact. i want to put the grips on a different set of bars so i cant just cut them off. :)

Get a long screwdriver and insert it between the grip and the handlebar. Apply generous amounts of one of the following: WD-40, hair-spray, compressed air.

If you have an air compressor and a hose tip that has a trigger, that's probably the best method.

Second is probably hair spray. Not a lot of people have hair spray in their tool box, but I do. Aqua Net is the best for removing and reapplying rubber grips.

WD-40???? Remember it's a solvent not a lubricant, so when it dries, it won't be slick. This works, but takes more time to dry, so if you need to reapply the grips and have to ride soon thereafter I wouldn't recommend this technique.

awesome thanks! exactly what i needed. one other question: what are my chances of success for getting some 22.2mm grips on 23.8mm bars? the rips are faily soft rubber, i think i will try it...

Again, use liberal amounts of hair spray!!!!

If they're very tight, wrap a towel around the grip to save your hands!!!!

L8R

I take a butter knife or something and open up a small gap between the grip and handlebar, then force some soapy water in there. Works great for getting the grips off and getting them back on difficult bars. As a2psyklnut mentioned, used a towel or t-shirt or something to save your hands from getting beat up.

I find putting an even force around the inside edge of the grip, using as many of your fingers as you can fit, and pulling (or pushing depending on which way you look at it) towards the outside/bar end side. Mine slide off relatively easily this way. If I put any squeezing force on it it doesn't budge at all. Its like a chinese finger trap. Pull or squeeze and it won't come off, push and it slides right off.

I use IPA or as you Yanks call it (I think :)), rubbing alcohol.

I agree with having hairspray in your biking toolbox but a screwdriver?

A orange stick (cuticle stick) won’t scratch your bars.

Next time buy Odi :)

Hmm, wouldn't screwdriver method possibly dent a hole into your handlebars, whichc could be made of of alumnum. Never mind, I just thought that if they were that weak then I definetly wouldn't go riding on those.

Yup, an old screwdriver and rubbing alcohol is the way to go. It's cheap, easy and accessible. Never fails.

Yes, just got Odi Rascals..FYI they are removable grips that hex key off. They have a solid core, rubber outside grip and Alu collars that are tightened to the bar. Off in a min.
Mine were 33$, totally worth it.