What to use to cut a steel golf club shaft?

Answer 1

There are several options ranging in price.

1) best options is a cutoff saw with a metal cutting blade/disc. Cuts shafts like butter. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive option, but the only option for a high volume shop. Also works on graphite shafts.

2) If you are a home tinkerer like me, you can use a standard Hacksaw, but pick up a Tungsten Carbide wire cutting blade (usually $2-$5 at any hardware store). Then wrap masking tape around the shaft at the approximate length you want to cut it. Measure the length and mark it on the tape. Using a shaft adapter (also about $2 at a Golf store) and a bench vise (hopefully you already have one, but if not, you can use a clamp and any hard surface) secure the shaft as close to the cut line as possible for stability. Now, slowly draw the blade across the tape so that it is just above the cut line. The groove in the tape should hold the blade in place as you start cutting. Apply more pressure as you start sawing and cut the shaft. If you have belt sander, I'd also recommend sanding the end to avoid burrs which can be hard on your grips. Also works on graphite shafts.

3) A standard hacksaw blade, but it is much harder to cut straight, and they wear out much faster than the carbide blade. Don't try this on graphite because the teeth will catch on the fibers and could de-laminate the end of the shaft.

4) A tubing cutter makes a very clean cut. Use one with a hardened cutting wheel. Some wheels are only hard enough to cut copper tubing. Not for graphite, it will crush it rather than cut it.

5) A hand held high speed cutter. An air powered one can be found for fairly low cost. It's like as small cutoff saw. Also works on graphite shafts.