My rendition of the bicycle tube grip sleeve

[rkammer]

I've had my CW45 for almost a month now and it's about to join my small group of guns I trust my life to. Great pistol! I definitely wanted to soften the feel of the sharp stippling so decided to go with the bicycle tube method. I didn't like the looks of the Hogue Hand-all because it didn't cover enough of the grip and just didn't look like it belonged there.

I bought my tube from WalMart and it's a 26" by 1 3/8" diameter. I realized while trying to put it on that I should have looked for a larger diameter tube because it was a bear to get on. Took me almost an hour to get it on all the way. But, it was worth it as it will probably never slip or change position unless I decide to remove it. The tube is thin enough and tight enough that the stippling actually still shows thru and can be felt when gripping the gun. Here she is:

[TriggerMan]

I've had my CW45 for almost a month now and it's about to join my small group of guns I trust my life to. Great pistol! I definitely wanted to soften the feel of the sharp stippling so decided to go with the bicycle tube method. I didn't like the looks of the Hogue Hand-all because it didn't cover enough of the grip and just didn't look like it belonged there.

I bought my tube from WalMart and it's a 26" by 1 3/8" diameter. I realized while trying to put it on that I should have looked for a larger diameter tube because it was a bear to get on. Took me almost an hour to get it on all the way. But, it was worth it as it will probably never slip or change position unless I decide to remove it. The tube is thin enough and tight enough that the stippling actually still shows thru and can be felt when gripping the gun. Here she is:

An hour? Wow, were you eating buttered popcorn? Just yanking your chain. It looks like perfection. Nice job. What size popcorn?There has to be someone with an hour to kill.

[rkammer]

An hour? Wow, were you eating buttered popcorn? Just yanking your chain. It looks like perfection. Nice job. What size popcorn?There has to be someone with an hour to kill.

Well, maybe only about 45 minutes but it was so tight that the stippling on the grip kept it from moving and it wouldn't stretch much at all. I actually had a couple of blisters on my fingers after I had it done. But, it was fun doing it.

[Bawanna]

If you make a good clean cut you can manhandle that tube without worry. You get the slightest bit of a cut into the edge and the darn thing will tear. Yours looks just like mine.

I got plenty of tube and now you do too if anyone needs some.

Or just pop the neighbor kids tire and ask for the old tube when he gets it fixed. Or not.

[wyntrout]

It looks great, but you had to work too hard! I did all four of my polymers with the 1.75" tube... works on P380 to PM45. Start with the largest and mistakes can be trimmed to fit the next smaller one... no waste!

Wynn

[jocko]

Port it!!!

[rkammer]

It looks great, but you had to work too hard! I did all four of my polymers with the 1.75" tube... works on P380 to PM45. Start with the largest and mistakes can be trimmed to fit the next smaller one... no waste!

Wynn

That's the size I should have used.

[Tilos]

rkammer:
It's not the size, it's the method.


2 words, rubbing......................alcohol.

Tilos

[Bill K]

Looks really good.

I've had them on my kel-Tecs and found that the roll-on technique worked best. You know, turn the sleeve inside out, position it on the bottom of the grip and then roll it up. Yes, still a bit of a challenge but I don't remember it taking very long.

[TennSCN]

I LIKE THAT! I have used tubes on 'other' gunz for many years but haven't put one on the PM9. I think I'll have a look for a skinny tire bike I can do a little recycling on. I really like that tight, sleek look you have there; reminds me of a girl I knew once upon a time...

rubbing alcohol...?

[Bawanna]

I LIKE THAT! I have used tubes on 'other' gunz for many years but haven't put one on the PM9. I think I'll have a look for a skinny tire bike I can do a little recycling on. I really like that tight, sleek look you have there; reminds me of a girl I knew once upon a time...

rubbing alcohol...?

Don't want to go too skinny tired. I tried wheel chair tubes which I have in quantity and they are just too tight. Mountain bike tires are the ticket.

Sometimes the tube has like talcum stuff on the inside, some wash it off, I usually just leave it, helps get it on and it still don't seem to move.
The rubbing alcohol makes it slippery and once in place evaporates so it's a typical excellent Tilos trick.

[DJK11]

A big Thank You to the member who suggested it. Just remove it before cleaning. Those tubes hate solvent. I use a 1 3/8" tube.

[MW surveyor]

If you want to go cheap, just go to your local bike shop and ask for a used tube! That's what I did and they gave me two sizes to use. Now have to get a whole bunch more pistols that need tube grips.

[TheTman]

The good folks at Houge suggested I use Windex as the lube to get the Handall Jr on the Kahr handle.

[dewoah]

Being a tennis player, I was aware of this product which makes an excellent grip enhancer. It is rubberized gauze and sticks to itself rather than the handle/grip. Allows you to layer to the thickness you desire. Needs to be replaced fairly often, but is cheap and easy enough to do. I have it all three of my Kahrs (P380, P9 and CW45) and it works great.

http://www.holabirdsports.com/m/Tenn...ape/060245.htm