Trick for Removing Handlebar Grips on a Bike

In this video I demonstrate a quick and easy method for taking off and reinstalling the rubberized handle bar grips on a bicycle. This applies to bikes with straight handlebars such as mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, cruiser bikes. This does not apply for example to road bikes which generally have grip tape instead of rubber grips. There are other methods that some people often use, but this is the method that I prefer.
If you have any questions about this procedure, please leave a comment below.
I hope you enjoyed this video. Please COMMENT and subscribe!
Thanks for watching.

[@hrhbucket4268]

Good method. Another technique to add to my armory. The method I have previously used is to jam an old spoke under the handle and then spray some isopropyl alcohol underneath. This completely loosens the handle and it just slides off. After a few minutes the alcohol evaporates.

[@bootsowen]

I use this method, but I use a little screwdriver and water if it is on a bike that I want to keep. Or a can of spray oil if it is on a bike that I don't care about, the oil is good for the metal but bad for the rubber grip, vice versa with water!

[@cjhoyle]

Ya, there are several other techniques, and the one you mentioned seems to be quite common. Until quite recently isopropyl alcohol was not something I kept on hand.

[@mr__No]

Me too. I was gonna post about it. I use it (alcohol) for sliding grips on and off. This can also be done with air compressor much faster, but usually few people have that at home.

[@WillEDC]

Yeah the alcohol should be a way to loosen it

[@2greenify]

This is the way, our whole team does it this way.

[@joshuadempsey167]

Thanks for the great, down and dirty trick to getting these grips off!! Worked out really well for me! Thanks!

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks. Great to hear!

[@billadmond9450]

The best tutorial that I found on KZbin.

[@cjhoyle]

Glad to hear, thanks.

[@brighton_dude]

That is a great idea. With the lighter spanner I think you could hold it up against the bar grip and then use a mallet close to the bar grip end of the spanner.

[@cjhoyle]

Yes I think you're right, though you might need an extra hand to do it that way to steady the bike and keep the handlebars from twisting.

[@whatsupthom]

I was skeptical it could get the hard rubber "sears" grip off a 60 year old bike... but it worked perfectly! thank you!

[@cjhoyle]

Glad to hear it. Nice work!

[@jaynewjersey9839]

works perfectly. I also rolled painters tape around the handle bar. When you try to pull the handle bar by hand you also compress to get the grip and it in turns adds friction and will never come out. this method is cool...

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks.

[@george99121]

This worked so much better than i anticipated. Thanks!

[@nevinleiby]

Worked like a charm! 3 minutes for both sides. Ty!!

[@madmantazz]

After half hour of struggling to remove my handle bar grip I watched this and had the blasted thing off in approximately 8 seconds!! Amazing hack will definitely remember and inform others of this hack A****

[@cjhoyle]

Nicely done!

[@rafidulislam949]

This was so helpful. Thought I was never getting those grips off but it only took a couple of mins with this tactic.

[@ridingmtl]

Amazing trick took me 15 seconds, thanks buddy

[@cjhoyle]

Nice work!

[@1888mag]

Amazing tip.... thanks mate saved me loads of grief 🤪

[@rustlingbushes7678]

I used an adjustable wrench with tape on the teeth, and a hammer. It worked wonderfully!

[@cjhoyle]

Glad to hear!

[@pongo2957]

Iv got a bike with a carbon fibre handle bar and worried about damaging the bar. Should I still use this technique?

[@cjhoyle]

Honestly this isn't the most delicate approach to this task, so probably not your best option.

[@juliuslocklayer5197]

I want to be the first to call you Stephen Hawkins that work my brother thank you

[@cjhoyle]

haha, yes you indeed are the first person to call me by that name! Is Stephen related to Ronnie? lol

[@teresamogavero8259]

Thank you sooooo much. You are brilliant. I never thought I could get my grips off. Whoops now how to get them on?

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks! Putting it back on is even easier: 2:42

[@teresamogavero8259]

Whoops I didn’t watch the end of the video🤓

[@ting280]

That's why I stick with my lock on grips

[@TheJofrica]

A lot of bikes come with these type as standard, so you have to do this before you can even put on lock on grips

[@ting280]

@@TheJofrica lol I've since switched to these types of grips, ergon grips with the palm rest and I used soapy water to put them on and take them off

[@TheJofrica]

@@ting280 Right on, I just ordered some of the Deathgrip in soft/thick, they should be arriving soon, excited to try them out. I may check out those ergon palm rest grips next, curious to see how they do for longer rides. Happy riding!

[@ericgerwin]

This worked great. Thanks.

[@cjhoyle]

Glad to hear, nice work!

[@crowriver]

Great tip!

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks.

[@jacknjones5945]

Thanks for your excellent tip.👍

[@cjhoyle]

Not problem, glad it was helpful!

[@danishthegamer902]

helped so much!

[@rogeryin66]

Thank you for sharing.

[@cjhoyle]

No problem.

[@freda.8701]

fortunately found, liked and subs to all your channels today...wondering have you ever thought of fabricating a mechanical contraption to convert a bike frame to a gates or veer belt drive system and one more thing....with internal gear hub?

[@cjhoyle]

Thank you. No, I've never considered that.

[@mainlyaudrey]

Very handy! I want to customise my bike a little with some fresh handle bar grips so this is extremely helpful!

[@cjhoyle]

Glad to hear!

[@JonathanWright767]

Great advice!

[@bikelanez7376]

Thank you very helpful

[@emiliog.4432]

I may have to go the Gordian Knot method and just cut them off and buy a new set. Thanks

[@SumSouuthernSugar]

Very good!

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks.

[@marenjensine2468]

I just try it. Perfect :-)

[@paperdrop7602]

You know you can just spray cleaning spray on the side and move it off?

[@cjhoyle]

0:41

[@ant-man-ram9832]

you will scatch black painted hadle bars with that

[@cjhoyle]

not if you use tape to cover the jaws like I showed.

[@flint303]

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cjhoyle]

No problem!

[@valy552]

Yeeee that really work💪

[@cjhoyle]

Glad to hear it worked for you too!

[@mikybinns3587]

Now that's easy

[@medosichinamikaze1646]

Thankyou sir

[@cjhoyle]

No problem!

[@thisisit7005]

Tnx

[@cjhoyle]

No problem.

[@ccook905]

Compressed air works soo much easier

[@joanmarshall6653]

Unless the grips are glued on. Then, what?

[@cjhoyle]

I would depend on what type of glue was used. Applying heat using something like a hair dryer might work? There also might be chemical solutions that could work. I don't have any experience with this personally though.

[@joanmarshall6653]

@@cjhoyle WD-40 loosened the grip enough that I could pick it apart in pieces. Also, I didn't know about the plastic round thing with the set screw that holds the grip in place. Getting that off made the job much easier. No I know!

[@feoleb]

not enough angry screaming in this video

[@robertstocks3507]

Dont belive that that grip was not tight

[@patrik1856]

The most useful bicycle "how to" video i have ever seen You saved me hours

[@cjhoyle]

Glad to hear it was helpful. Thanks!

[@iiii2903]

Thank you so much !! It works like magic, both bar grips went off in a matter of seconds!!

[@buzz25]

Good tip. And if you don't have enough wiggle room, you can hit the wrench with a dead blow hammer.

[@johnmitchell4933]

I genuinely cant believe this worked so well. Followed instructions (i never usualluv do lol) but worked an absolute treat. i thought it was gonna be a pain in the......

[@128Kgames]

Brilliant! Thanks for the video, I need to replace grips on my daughters bike.

[@stevedrake2031]

Once again c j a brilliant idea that I never would have thought of. Thanks

[@cjhoyle]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@robwynn2141]

This is an awesome tip. Very clever!!

[@jimthomas1759]

Great idea and just in time for me!

[@derekbaldridge8245]

Genius, thanks so much! Worked so fast!

[@freaker126]

i should have watch this video earlier. I bought new grips and thought it'll be easy to take it off. I end up just changed the stopper cause it's still new and i like it better. But, now I'll know what to do. lol :p

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks. It's a helpful trick to keep in your back pocket.

[@ryanblystone5153]

Thank you

[@bertgorissen3526]

Your video's are really good tutorials, thanks!

[@cjhoyle]

I'm glad they're helpful, thanks for watching!

[@chrisc6695]

Great tip. Thank you

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks!

[@davidmckenzie7424]

Awesome tip - thank you!

[@ayush_gowda21]

I also did bro it's coming

[@yewsoonfatt]

thanks! this is really handy!

[@MarathonMindy]

Ah degreaser and don’t have to move the handle bar lever.

[@ayush_gowda21]

Super bro

[@2022guitarist]

Tnx for tips

[@sgpwriter]

Very useful!

[@markwells7462]

you can use the brake assembly on the handlebars. just loosen the screw and pull it off the handle bars. handle grips with it.

[@cjhoyle]

No problem, glad it was helpful!

[@ZOMBuckaCurt]

This actually just worked thank god lol

[@cjhoyle]

Nice work!

[@fistofthenorthstar9010]

10 out 10.

[@cabarete2003]

That worked like a charm. I didn't use the tape though...cause I'm a rebel.

[@cjhoyle]

haha I normally don't either :P

[@mrhanson9922]

its not as easy as handlebar grips that have been on a LONG time..used bike. Your thoughts?

[@cjhoyle]

There are other tricks for removing handlebar grips which include pouring rubbing alcohol underneath them, or using an air compressor. In my video I only focused on one technique.

[@laszlobauer5274]

If this doesn't work, see if you have a fixing bolt under the grip. Don't ask.

[@cjhoyle]

haha I guess I should have mentioned that, although I've never had a handlebar grip like that myself.

[@Ash-vf2gd]

In the long term I would not suggest using your palm as a hammer, as this can cause serious damage to the tendons in your hand

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks. Someone explained that hazard to me years ago, but I appreciate the reminder.

[@b.griffin317]

Excellent advice sir. 👍

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks!

[@hughmcgown]

I can't believe that worked :O I was trying to get baby oil in there, mind blown

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks. Glad it was helpful!

[@JoeyMcCart]

God this was so helpful

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks.

[@martinwarner1178]

Great tip, and video, as always. Peace be unto you.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks.

[@evelynoclaret4689]

I liked it, very practical and useful.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks.

[@alancooper5566]

Well very good advise thank you

[@cjhoyle]

No problem, glad you found it helpful!

[@Crand0m]

Worked a treat! Was just about to get the hacksaw out...

[@cjhoyle]

Glad to hear!

[@soraindo1032]

i've tried many things, this one is the most effective and clean, at least for me. Thanks You very much, help me a lots

[@GenesMean]

I’ll try this, thanks 👍🏿

[@cjhoyle]

Best of luck!

[@dontfearthereaper2887]

good for rubber, but what about foam?

[@cjhoyle]

In my experience, foam grips don't normally get as badly stuck to the handlebars, so this technique isn't needed.

[@inspirationally6196]

very useful tip thanks for sharing

[@marklittler784]

Never thought of that one lol

[@cjhoyle]

No problem, thanks!

[@marklittler784]

Suppose you could screw on a plastic mounting bracket loosely next to the grip then knock the adjustable wrench against that so the force is more evenly distributed against the grip, mind you that might be a disadvantage as well.

[@MrScarrface13]

What is the net weight of this bike?

[@cjhoyle]

I have no idea.

[@JB-xv1ig]

GREAT TIP BRO..I got my vintage handles off in like 20 sec with no damages...THANK YA THANK YA THANK YA

[@sheistcoff]

Your the man! Cheerz

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks.

[@bobbyGnOly]

thanks great trick

[@cjhoyle]

No problem!

[@gskylight9708]

thanks expert

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks.

[@jaxeypants9604]

What if I cut it off

[@cjhoyle]

Then you wouldn't be able to reuse them.

[@jesuisravi]

nice job

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks!

[@your_highn3zzfabito398]

awesome idea.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks.

[@yakult504]

Thank you

[@cjhoyle]

No problem.

[@pietzaken2220]

great!

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks!

[@davidmoore573]

That worked great! Thanks! Wait! Holy moly, it's you! I used to watch you years ago when I had a different KZbin account. I have been trying to remember your name and have been searching stuff like "Toronto bicycle commuter" but have not been able to find you. Then I stumble across your channel when searching for how to remove handlebar grips... Love your stuff. Resubscribed with my new account.

[@cjhoyle]

haha small world. Welcome back!

[@rogeredrinn4592]

Works as advertised . . . thanks. :)

[@pjf7943]

Next time, tap the wrench with a hammer....

[@briannguyen2867]

It really worked. Thanks

[@bigtylee]

Best technique I've seen on KZbin. I will use this technique for my electric scooter to replace the handle bar. I don't have as thick a wrench, but I'll use a hammer to hit the wrench. Thanks so much!!

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks. Best of luck!

[@azmd888]

As bicycle shops are closed during the pandemic lockdown, this is really useful for people like me who have to diy for the first time. Thank you very much.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, I'm glad this tip was helpful for you!

[@sneezyferret6482]

Thanks for this tip. The wrench technique worked great for me. I didn't have any painters tape but I found a cloth mask and draped that over the handlebar. Worked perfectly.

[@cjhoyle]

Nice work!

[@aaronleung7416]

Thanks for showing the trick! As I don't have a big spanner, I used the extra holding space my spanner provided to pull the grip out instead. Worked really well.

[@cjhoyle]

Good to hear!

[@tomgilmartin2220]

Worked treat, thanks.

[@senotfed4016]

I don't know if you came up with the idea on your own, but thanks a lot bud! (that's putting your mind to work, I've never seen it anywhere else)

[@cjhoyle]

Yes, this one actually was my own idea, although I wouldn't be surprised if others discovered it long before me.