How to Remove Bicycle Handlebar Grips

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 Approved

Eventually, the grips on a bike's handlebars have to be replaced. In many cases you will know that the time has come because the grips are sliding off, a most dangerous condition. Having them come off in your hand really can put you under the wheels of oncoming traffic. Check in a good wiki for vital (indeed, life-saving) tips on fixing handlebar grips firmly back in place.

In the unusual case that you wish to change handlebar grips that are not loose, one will normally cut them off and discard the old ones. In the even more unlikely event of your wanting to save the old grips, then their removal intact can be made much easier by using a can of furniture polish with lemon and a thin screwdriver. You'll be popping those grips off in no time.

Steps

1
Gather the supplies you will need: a screwdriver and lemon furniture polish. Never use oil.^{[1]
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2
Spray the furniture polish onto the screwdriver. Then insert the lubricated screwdriver between the grip and handlebar. Push it all the way in.

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3
Move the old grip around and around until the grip is loosened from the handlebar. Twist it with your other hand until you feel it sliding.^{[2]
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4
Pull it to remove the grip. Spray some furniture polish in there if more lubrication is needed.^{[3]
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Community Q&A

Question

How can I increase the size of the seat (upwards)?

Matt Gander

Community Answer

Look for a bolt where the seatpost and the frame meet. Beware not to lift the seat too high as it could damage the frame. The seatpost will be marked to show maximum height.
Question

Would lock on grips work if I have a mountain bike?

Community Answer

You can use them on any bike. They will even work on dirt bikes, ATVs, jet skis and snowmobiles.
Question

Will this work even if the grips were put on with adhesive spray?

Rudy Toth

Community Answer

You shouldn't use adhesive spray at all, as that could be corrosive later. What you want to do and always do, is to use soapy water to slide on the grips. Then wait for the water to dry up and they will never slide off.

Warnings

Keep the furniture polish away from your chain, rims, and bearings if you use it to clean your bike.

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Be careful when applying force to the screwdriver.

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Using a screwdriver or utility knife is fine for plumber's pipe handlebars, but carbon fiber or thin walled aluminum handlebars can fail if scratched or cut resulting in serious injury.

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Be sure to clean the polish off of your handlebars with rubbing alcohol, denatured alcohol, or acetone fingernail polish remover before installing a new pair of grips or else they won't stay on.

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Grip glue will hold your new grips in place; it comes off cleanly and won't melt your grips like toluene-based glues.

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