How to Use Lead Tape

Last updated Jun 02, 2023

How to Use Lead Tape featured image
Headshot of Zach Gollwitzer

Written by Zach

My Clubmaking and Refinishing Supplies List
clubmaking list

Keeping track of all these supplies is tough.

To make things easier for you, I’ve consolidated everything into one big collection on Amazon so you don’t have to dig through these posts to get started with your clubmaking and refinishing hobby!

See the collection

Lead tape is a great way to experiment with different swing-weights because it is so versatile.  You can put it on at the range, and take it off as well.  This page will teach you how to apply lead tape to different types of clubs.

Before You Start, You Must:

Here is a reference before we start:

LengthSwing Weight Points
4.5 inches 1/2" lead tape1 Swing-weight Point
3.15 inches 1/2" high density lead tape1 Swing-weight Point

How to Apply Lead Tape

In order to get the lead tape to stick to the area that you are applying it, you must make sure that the area is clean. Also, you can lightly sand down the area with 200-800 grit sandpaper to prep the surface. Last, the area must be relatively flat.

Once you have chosen an area, prepped it, and applied the lead tape, use a golf ball to flatten it out. A credit card works too.

using golf ball to flatten lead tape

Putter

There are two areas that you can apply lead tape to on a putter. Some putters are oddly shaped, so if in doubt, always apply the tape to the sole of the putter.

applying lead tape to putter applying lead tape to putter

Irons and Wedges

When applying lead tape to irons and wedges, make sure you are putting it where all of the weight is. As in the picture, you can see that I'm applying the tape to the thick part of the wedge.

applying lead tape to iron or wedge

Hybrids, Woods, Drivers

There are a few options when it comes to the tee clubs. Believe it or not, where you apply the lead tape can significantly affect the shape of your shots.

This first photo is an example of a "neutral" lead tape application. This will not alter your ball flight.

neutral lead tape application

The next photo is an application to the toe of the club. When you put weight on the toe of the club, it slows down the "closing" or "rotation" of the clubface, promoting a left to right shot for the right-handed golfer, and a right to left shot for the left-handed golfer. In other words, applying lead tape to the toe promotes a fade shot shape.

toe lead tape application

The final photo is an application to the heel of the club. As you can see, this driver doesn't have many places to put the lead tape, but the spot I've located should work. As the opposite effect of the previous photo, when we apply lead tape to the heel of the club, it speeds up the "closing" or "rotation" of the clubface, promoting a right to left shot for the right-handed golfer, or a left to right shot for the left-handed golf. In other words, applying lead tape to the heel promotes a draw shot shape.

heel lead tape application

**Disclaimer--By no means will applying lead tape automatically cure your 40 yard banana slice. That will require lots of practice! If you put a few pieces of lead tape on the heel of the club, you might be able to turn your 5 yard fade into a straight shot or a 1 yard draw, but nothing more.

In Summary

I hope that you have found this page informative. Once again, if you are new to swing-weighting, I highly recommend using lead tape to experiment rather than getting into lead powder, counterweighting, and tip weighting.

Online Golf Lessons

What is your skill level?

Let’s level up your game. With my online video courses, I’ll help you shoot your lowest score ever.

You might also like

Other posts in: Golf clubmaking

About me

Zach Gollwitzer
Zach Gollwitzer

Hey, I‘m Zach, the founder of The DIY Golfer! I created this site while playing D1 collegiate golf with a simple mission—I wanted to learn the golf swing and get better at golf myself.

Fast forward a few years, and my “journal“, The DIY Golfer, has been viewed by millions of golfers worldwide looking to do the same with their games. my mission is to make golfers more consistent in just a few hours a week through advanced practice strategies and timeless, first-principle golf instruction.