Handgrip removal

[shaggy]

Is there any way to remove handgrips from an old handlebar without destroying them since they are in good shape but the bar needs rechromed?

 

[Freqman1]

We just had a discussion about this

Face lift for my 76 Stingray | Schwinn Stingrays and Other Muscle Bikes

Just bought this 76 yesterday and started providing tlc. It's incredible what aluminum foil and water will do to rust. Unfortunately the handlebars are too far gone to bring back. Does anyone know how I can remove these origional grips to put on another set of handlebars I have? Thanks for looking 😀

thecabe.com

 

[Bryan Akens]

Very carefully slide a small flatblade screwdriver between the grip and the Hbar surface.....You can try squirting soapy water in there or in extreme cases use the straw on a WD 40 can....Then just start working the grip side to side and it should start moving....Sometimes it takes 2 or 3 times but it should work....Good Luck!!

 

[Andrew Gorman]

I usually dunk the grips in almost boiling water for a minute or two, and they usually twist right off. Wear an oven mitt when you do this.

 

[corbettclassics]

Not sure those techniques apply to these cork grips but these things are glued on so good that I can't budge them!
I've tried everything and can't get them to loosen. Been trying for months!!!

 

[Freqman1]

Not sure those techniques apply to these cork grips but these things are glued on so good that I can't budge them!
I've tried everything and can't get them to loosen. Been trying for months!!!

View attachment 1893955

Have you tried a heat gun? Seems to be my answer to everything lately!

 

[corbettclassics]

Have you tried a heat gun? Seems to be my answer to everything lately!

No, I actually haven't tried that yet but I will now.
The end caps seem to be plastic so I have to be very careful!
Thx for that.

 

[Freqman1]

No, I actually haven't tried that yet but I will now.
The end caps seem to be plastic so I have to be very careful!
Thx for that.

I’d try to concentrate the heat on the bar and not the grip itself.

 

[Andrew Gorman]

Grips in that era were usually held on with a shellac based adhesive, so heat should work. As Freqman said, heat up the bars, not the grip. When they are good and hot gently try to rotate and pull off the grips.

 

[goldwood]

I usually dunk the grips in almost boiling water for a minute or two, and they usually twist right off. Wear an oven mitt when you do this.

I have had the best success using this method.