How Do You Make A Wrist Lock Putter?

Wrist Lock Putters are very similar to arm lock putters, although there are some key differences.
One of the main differences is that you can potentially convert your existing putter into a WristLock Putter, by investing in either the SuperStroke WristLock Grip or the Evnroll Midlock grip.

Both grips have a curve on the one side that makes it very easy to slot the putter grip against the inside of your leading wrist during all stages of the putting stroke. This setup offers maximum stability and it can help you eliminate the tendency to be too ‘handsy’ or ‘wristy’ during the follow-through.

Ultimately, there are two key considerations when making a Wrist Lock putter. To achieve the ideal WristLock setup you need to extend the length of your putter and you need to increase the loft of your putter by 1-3 degrees. Increasing the loft counteracts the automatic forward press that occurs when using a WristLock Putter. We will now explore how to make a wrist lock putter, by extending the shaft and increasing the length of a standard putter.

Key Point 1: You Need To Extend The Length of the Putter Shaft

It might not be immediately obvious that Wrist Lock Putter grips range from 13.5 to 17 inches in length, which is significantly longer than a standard putter grip, which is about 10 inches.

In order to install the grip in such a way that makes it easy to hold, you will need to add anywhere from 2 to 6 inches to your existing putter shaft. If you go for the 13.5 inch SuperStroke WristLock Putter grip, somewhere in the region of 3 inches is a pretty good bet. However, if you choose the 17 inch Evnroll MidLock Putter grip, you will probably need to add around 4-6 inches to the putter shaft.
The video below provides a thorough explanation of how to extend the shaft length of your existing putter.

What You Need To Install A WristLock Grip

• A shaft extension piece that matches the width of your existing putter shaft.
• Standard grip application tape
• A vice and a saw to cut the shaft extension at the desired length
• SuperStroke WristLock Putter Grip or Evnroll MidLock Putter Grip
• Odorless minerall spirits, preferably in a spray bottle
• Paper towels to dry any excess residue

How To Install The Shaft Extension & WristLock Grip

1. Remove the grip that is currently installed on your putter
2. Measure and cut the shaft extension to the desired length (2-3 inches for SuperStroke WristLock Grip, 4-6 inches for Evnroll MidLock Grip).
3. Sand paper the end of the shaft extension after cutting it down to the desired size
4. Add the shaft extension to the end of your putter shaft
5. Apply the grip tape to the putter shaft, allowing about 1/4 of an inch to stick off the end.
6. Fold the extra 1/4 inch inside the hollow part of the shaft extension
7. Spray the entirety of the grip tape with mineral spirits. This will allow the new grip to slide over the the sticky grip tape.
8. Spray the inside of the WristLock grip with mineral spirits
9. Slide the grip onto the shaft as far is it will go (ie until the end of the shaft makes contact with the end if the grip).
10. Ensure that the curved part of the WristLock grip is facing the same direction as the putter face
11. Bump the butt end of the against a flat surface a couple of times, to ensure that it is all the way on.
12. Make sure that the grip is aligned with the alignment aid of your putter head. Said another way, the grip should be square to the target. You may need to adjust the WristLock grip slightly, to ensure that it sets in a square position.
13. Let the grip dry out for about 4 hours. This will help it set in a permanent position.
14. That’s it. You’ve just extended the length of your putter shaft and successfully applied a WristLock Grip to your putter.

Things To Note

To hold a WristLock Putter correctly, you need to slide your hands quite far down the putter grip. This allows you to press the top part of the grip (where it curves), against the inside of your leading wrist.

The result of sliding your hands further down the putter grip is that it effectively shortens the length of your putter. This is why it is necessary to add extra length to the putter shaft. In an ideal world, you should be able to assume a posture that is similar to the posture that you use with a standard putter (rather than being super bent over the ball like Michelle Wie or Jack Nicklaus back in the day).

Key Point 2: You Need To Increase The Loft of the Putter Face

As mentioned earlier in the article, when you putt with a Wrist Lock Putter, you will almost certainly employ an automatic forward press.

The problem with a dramatic forward press is that it decreases the effective loft of the putter face at impact. This can become problematic on slow greens and quick greens. Ideally, you want the putter face to launch the ball at about 3 degrees. This helps to get the ball started on the intended line and it helps to ensure a pure roll on most greens.

To counteract the delofting effect of a forward press, it is helpful to add 1 or 2 degrees of extra loft to the putter face. This should help ensure that the effective loft at impact is somewhere in the region of 3 degrees.

It is important to note that increasing the loft of a putter face is not something you can do at home or in your garage. For this particular task, you need to visit a pro shop or golf store that has a workshop and certified club fitters. Cool Clubs is a pretty safe bet if you live in the US.

To increase the loft of a putter face, you either need to bend the neck of the putter, or you need to shave the putter face. Both of these tasks require precision, experience, and the right set of tools. In essence, increasing the loft of a putter is something you need to outsource to a professional. Don’t be a hero. Just find someone that knows how to do this, so you don’t do irrevocable damage to your putter.