There will come a time that a biker will eventually remove different parts of the bike. Removing or installing bike parts will be an easy thing to do if you have the complete set of tools to do. However, there is one part of the bike where the removal can be a challenge with the way it is set up in the bike. I am talking about the bike handlebar grips, which are built differently and are difficult to remove from the handlebar.
But how to remove bike handle grips? Most of the bicycles with straight handlebars have rubberized grips. From time to time, you will need to remove these grips for maintenance purposes such as replacing the shifters or replacing the brake levers. Removing one of these grips will not be easy, but there are different methods that you can do to get it done, which will be discussed in this article.
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Different Ways to Remove Bike Handlebar Grips
Method 1: The Adjustable Wrench Method
This method uses the adjustable wrench as the primary tool in removing the handlebar grips. Now, the first thing to do is loosen the bolts that fasten the shift lever while doing the same with the bolts that fasten the brake lever. Once the bolts are all loosened, you can now reposition the shifter and the brake towards the middle of the handlebar to give you excellent access to the handlebar grip.
Make sure to create a large gap as possible for easy access to the grips, which means you need to remove other accessories if there are any. The next step is to take the adjustable wrench and wrapped a tape around the jaws. This action is to protect the handlebar from getting scratched. Then, adjust the jaws so that the opening is just a little bit bigger with the diameter of the handlebar. Once it is changed, put some tape to the opening of the wrench to prevent scratches once it is used.
When removing the handlebar grips, use the adjustable wrench to push the grip to the outside. Start from the left side of the gap, then accelerate the push towards the grip to move it forward. Do it with force until the rubberized grip will come out in the handlebar. Do the movement several times until the grip will be push towards the outside until it comes out from the handlebar.
The reason why this method works well is because of the weight of the wrench. When you push it towards the grip, the heaviness of the wrench will significantly impact the movement of the grip to the outside. Try to use a lighter wrench, and you will have a hard time making it work.
How to Put on Bike Grips
When it comes to reinstalling the handlebar grip to the bike, the process becomes much easier compared to the removal process. You can simply place it over the edge of the handlebar and make sure to target the hole of the grip at the center of the handlebar. Then use your palm to push and hammer it the rest of the way until the handlebar is in the right position.
After that, you can now return the shift lever and the brake lever to their original position. But do not forget to tighten the bolts and make sure that they work just fine. Test the shift lever and the brake to ensure that everything is working.
Method 2: The Aerosol Lubricant Method
What You Will Need:
- A Can of Aerosol Lubricant with a spray nozzle
- Bike wrenches that will fit the handlebar components
- Long flat head screwdriver
Start by removing the endcap of the handlebar grip if there is any. Use the flat head screwdriver to remove the end cap. Then, you can loosen the screw that is connecting the gear shifter. You can also do the same with the brake lever. After loosening, move them away from the grip by positioning these components towards the middle of the handlebar.
Then take the screwdriver and insert it as far as you can underneath the handlebar grip. But make sure to do it carefully so as not to damage the grip. Doing this action will also open a hole along the shaft of the screwdriver. You then insert the spray nozzle of the aerosol lubricant all the way inside and spray some of the lubricants. Repeat the process of the other side of the grip if needed.
The next step is to remove the screwdriver and give the grip a twisting motion toward the outside of the handlebar. This action will slide the grip to the outside until it will be removed to the handlebar. Make sure to wash the lubricant off the handlebar with hot and soapy water. The process of returning the grip is relatively easy and similar to the one stated above.
Conclusion
Learning how to remove bike handle grips is relatively easy if you know what you are doing. Most bikers who do not correctly know anything to remove the handle grip tend to cut and destroy the handlebar grip just to remove it. But this should not be the case as there are many ways to remove the grip from the handlebar using different materials.
In fact, it is straightforward to remove the bike grips without even cutting them. All you need is a little bit of creativity and common sense. You will also need a little patience and a few common household items and tools that will help you remove the bike handlebar grips completely away from the handlebar.