While it is undoubtedly cheaper (and preferred) to build up the grips using masking tape, you may also use double-sided tape. This is where I would recommend having the 2 inch tape handy, whether you're using masking tape or golf grip tape. The double-sided type comes on a roll and can be cut into shorter lengths for easier handling.
The first thing you need to know is that this isn't recommended for most clubs. If you are trying to regrip a club that has been professionally resoled or refinished, this process could cause damage to the finish. The rubber in the new tape might stick to the leather or urethane shell of the club causing cracks over time if the tape is removed too soon after application.
That said, there are some clubs that can use double-sided tape instead of masking tape. These include: drivers, fairway woods, utility clubs, and putters. The fact that you aren't covering the entire handle with tape means that you will have access to both smooth and grooved areas when applying pressure to the tape during regripping.
You can use any brand of double-sided tape for regripping clubs, but make sure it's not super sticky. You don't want to have to apply more than necessary just to get the tape off later.
This is a loaded question with a few points of view. Let us begin with the simplest answer: The most common type of golf grip tape is double-sided tape. It's loaded because there are forums full of golfers who claim to use little more than an air compressor and masking tape. While this works for them, it's not recommended for everyone else.
The second point of view comes from those who say that only synthetic tape should be used for golf gloves. They will tell you that rubber tapes contain chemicals that are not good for your hands. This is false information. Golf gloves and hand wraps are worn for protection against cuts and abrasions. Chemical compounds are used to improve elasticity and durability. There are no chemicals in natural rubber tape that would harm you.
Finally, there are those who say that no tape at all should be used for golf gloves. They will tell you that leather is a natural product that should not be treated as if it were made of plastic or rubber. While this may be true for some types of leather, golf gloves are usually made from cowhide. Cowhide is a protein material that should not be washed without washing away much of its strength. Instead, it should be cleaned with a soap designed for use on animal skin products.
In conclusion, any type of tape can be used for golf glove grips. Double-sided tape is the most common because it works well and is easy to apply.
Many different volatile liquids will work when replacing golf grips with typical grip tape that deactivates with the application of golf solvent. Mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, acetone, nail polish remover, or charcoal lighter fluid can all deactivate grip tape sufficiently to install new grips. Charcoal light fuel is a natural product and so is safe to use as a solvent.
The most effective solvent for removing old grip tape is mineral spirits. Other substances may also be used but they will not remove the tape as completely. Mineral spirits are available at any home improvement store for a cost of about $10 for 1-gallon bottle. They are inexpensive compared to other solvents that might be considered but they are also toxic if not used properly. The vapor from mineral spirits is also harmful if not removed by some form of ventilation. Acetone and denatured alcohol are also useful as solvents but they are more expensive than mineral spirits. Nail polish remover is even more expensive but it is extremely effective. None of these substances should be ingested. They are all flammable and toxic if not used properly.
Golf grips should be replaced every six to twelve months depending on how much exercise you get done around the course. Old grips become dry and hard due to excessive heat produced by your hands as you swing them around. This excessive heat causes the rubber in the grip to break down over time.
Water will not adhere to standard double-sided tape. Installing and removing grips may be done using a 120-volt or higher air compressor. To assist produce pressure, wrap the open end of the shaft with a couple pieces of masking tape. There is no need to use tape anywhere. Once the grip is in place, natural suction will keep it there.
Occasionally, especially with newly gripped or new clubs, the grip will fall off with no tape residue within. However, if there is still tape in there, I use the bore cleaner to scrape it clean. This procedure is aided by a bit additional solvent in the grasp. That's the only thing there is to it. It is not suitable for Winn or cord grips, according to GolfWorks and Golfsmith.
There are several types of tapes on the market today for different applications. Some are made of rubber like material and some are made of nylon. The most common type of tape is called "gripspeel" and it's used to install them on your club handles. The grip-peel tape has a rough surface that when you put pressure on it, it will peel back the old grip and stick it on the club handle instead. When you're done using the club, just remove the tape.
You should always test a new club with tape on it first before using it on an actual shot. This way you won't have any problems once the tape comes off. Of course, if the club feels wrong then you shouldn't use it even with tape on it.
Here are some examples of tape: Golfworks, Koolertape, Grip-Peel, Nokturner, etc. There are many more, but these are the most common ones. Each brand may have their own name for this product; for example, Nokturner calls theirs "Grip-Paste".
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