How to use a gripping cone

[mas cambios]

Although this will be teaching many of you to suck eggs, one or two of you have asked for tips on using a gripping cone so below is quick guide with pictures.

Firstly -a gripping cone!



Before you start it's a good idea to check the binding on the handle, make sure there are no loose ends and it's not starting to unravel. If it is you can stick down the loose bits with a little bit of wood glue. If the string has come away completely you need to get it rewound by a pro.

You need to place the grip as far onto the cone as you're able - don't force it on but you should get about 2/3 of the grip on, like so:



Once you've done that roll the grip upwards (as per arrow on photo) until the grip 'pops' off:



Turn the half rolled grip around and place the unrolled bit back onto the cone, until the rolled up section is back on and then roll the grip down:



Continue to roll the grip down the cone, towards the metal ring (if your cone has one). It should look something like this:



Once you are near or on the metal ring, place that end over the handle of the bat (you need to grip the bat with your feet to free up your hands) and push the grip over the bottom of the cone and onto the handle. It may take some force, depending on the age of the grip and how thick it is:



Proceed to roll the grip all the way down the handle - try to get the bottom of the grip to fall where the handle meets the bat (this will take practice). If you don't get it first time, you'll need to play with the grip to get it to fit. Use your thumbs and palms to work the grip.



Lastly, roll the grip all the way up the handle. You can 'pat' down a small amount of excess using the flat of you palm. If its a lot then you can again work the grip using your hands. If the grip comes up short, roll it down the handle and then back up to stretch it.



To finish off you can place some electrical tape on the base of the grip (wrap it twice round, keeping the second wrap over the first) but it's not critical.

I hope that explains the basics, after that its down to practice and blisters on your palms! Apologies for the pictures being slightly blurry but I had to take them on a camera phone.

[Mr-Cricket]

Finally i wont get all those damn blisters on my hand where ive been trying to pull it down manually all day! Great tutorial cheers matey!

[Simbazz]

Ouch, im guessing you had blisters on blisters on blisters A_A, you are the legend of tutorials

[Acrowaroz]

It Is Really Hard To Make The Bat Have A New Grip Cone Because It Is So Hard. Not Easy Flexible.

[rabs]

Thanks a lot for this A_A, always takes me ages to get the grip on, this should speed things up. Surely they could make getting grips on easier lol.

[Simbazz]

I hate fitting grips, specially if i need half of one!!!

But yeah when its put like this its simple, but be aware, there are some grips out there which refuse to go onto a handle! That is something A_A needs to show us how to get around

Id say a lot of cursing

[Mike111]

Damn I didn't knew how to do this before and used to play without a grip and got blisters all over my hand. :cry

[mas cambios]

Originally Posted by rabeta

Thanks a lot for this A_A, always takes me ages to get the grip on, this should speed things up. Surely they could make getting grips on easier lol.

They do make a 'suction' pump which is supposed to make changing grips easier but I find it a complete hassle and takes longer than with the cone.

The other alternative is to use a hockey grip which you can wrap around the handled. Again takes some practice to ensure that you get the correct amount of overlap but saves on blisters.

[Dikon]

The kwik grip is a lot easier IMO!

[mas cambios]

Some people say that but it all depends, I can grip a bat in a few seconds using a cone but I find the kwik grip to be awkward.

I guess it comes down to what you're used to though.