Grip — Tools
Guard-Tex wraps tool handles for restored grip, custom diameter, and vibration dampening — then strips clean with zero residue on wood, metal, rubber, or composite handles.
Tool handles wear smooth with use. Hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers all develop slick spots where grip pressure is concentrated. A slipping hammer is a safety hazard. A rotating screwdriver is wasted effort. Worn handles on power tools increase vibration transmission as the dampening material compresses.
Replacement handles cost $5-20 each and require fitting. Heat-shrink tubing works but permanently modifies the handle diameter and feel. Adhesive grip tape leaves residue that attracts dirt and oil, making the handle worse over time. Rubberized dip coatings are permanent and add bulk.
Every hammer in my framing kit has Guard-Tex on the handle. Better grip, less vibration, and when the wrap wears I just rewrap in 60 seconds.— Framing Carpenter
Guard-Tex overwraps any tool handle for instant grip restoration. Cotton gauze provides non-slip texture on wood, metal, and worn rubber. Layer for custom diameter that fills your hand. Strip it off whenever you want — zero residue, zero modification, zero damage to the tool.
Universal Fit
Guard-Tex wraps hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and power tools. Cotton provides grip on every handle material. Strips clean from all surfaces.
Hammer and striking tool handles. Wrap hammer handles for restored grip and vibration dampening. Cotton absorbs impact shock between handle and hand. Particularly effective on worn wooden handles that have lost their grip texture.
Screwdriver and turning tool handles. Wrap screwdriver handles for increased diameter and torque transmission. A larger-diameter grip allows more torque with less grip force — reducing hand fatigue during repetitive driving.
Wrench and plier handles. Build custom grip zones on wrench handles. Add cushion to plier handles for long-use comfort. Cotton over bare metal provides immediate grip improvement.
Power tool grips. Overwrap worn power tool grips for restored texture and vibration dampening. Cotton between hand and tool housing reduces vibration transmission during extended use.
Field and emergency repair. Keep a roll in your toolbox for instant handle repair. Wrap a cracked handle, build up a loose grip, or add cushion to a bare-metal tool — 60 seconds, no tools needed.
| Feature | Guard-Tex Wrap | Heat-Shrink Tubing | Adhesive Grip Tape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handle residue | ✓ Zero — strips clean | Permanent modification | ✗ Adhesive + dirt buildup |
| Application | ✓ 60-second wrap, no tools | Requires heat gun | Finishing tape needed |
| Vibration dampening | ✓ Cotton absorbs impact | Moderate | Minimal |
| Reversible | ✓ Strip and rewrap any time | ✗ Permanent | ✗ Residue cleanup |
| Universal fit | ✓ Any shape, any diameter | Limited to round shafts | Most shapes |
Wipe down the handle surface. Remove oil, grease, and debris. Guard-Tex bonds to itself, not the handle — but a clean surface ensures a smooth wrap.
Pro tip: For oily shop tools, a quick wipe with a rag is sufficient. No solvents needed.Spiral-wrap the handle where your hand contacts it. Overlap each pass slightly. Two layers for grip restoration, three for significant diameter increase.
Pro tip: For hammers, extend the wrap higher than your normal grip — this allows choking up on finish work without losing grip.Add extra layers where your fingers naturally grip. Build a palm swell on large tools. Create a flared end on tools that might slip from the hand.
Pro tip: Different tools need different profiles. Hammers benefit from a flared end. Screwdrivers benefit from a palm swell.The wrap is ready immediately. Use the tool and evaluate. Add grip area, build thickness, or strip and start over — zero commitment.
Pro tip: Mark your frequently-used tools with different colored Guard-Tex for quick identification on a shared job site.
Popular for Grip Builds
Self-adhering cotton overwrap. Build custom grip thickness, taper profiles, and comfort zones. Removes clean — zero adhesive residue on any surface. One roll builds multiple grips.
Shop Now"Every hammer in my framing kit has Guard-Tex on the handle. Better grip, less vibration, and when the wrap wears I just rewrap in 60 seconds."— Framing Carpenter
"My dad's old wrenches — handles worn smooth after 30 years. Guard-Tex restored the grip without modifying tools I want to pass down to my kids."— Home Mechanic
"Power tool grips wear out faster than the tools. Guard-Tex overwrap for a fraction of what replacement grips cost — and I don't have to find the right part."— Electrician, Commercial
"I keep a roll in every toolbox and every truck. Best $3 tool investment I've made. Fixes any grip problem in 60 seconds."— General Contractor
Guard-Tex contains zero adhesive. It strips from wood, metal, rubber, and composite handles with zero residue. Tools remain unmodified.
Spiral-wrap Guard-Tex starting from the end of the handle, overlapping slightly. Two layers for grip, three for diameter increase. Takes 60 seconds with no tools needed.
Yes. Cotton layers between hand and handle absorb impact and vibration energy. Meaningful reduction on hammers, drills, and reciprocating tools.
Yes. Guard-Tex conforms to any shape — round, oval, hex, or ergonomic. It's not limited to uniform-diameter handles like heat-shrink tubing.
Depends on use intensity. Light use: months. Daily heavy use: weeks. Replace when wear shows — costs pennies per rewrap.
Yes. Overwrap worn power tool grips for restored texture, vibration dampening, and custom diameter. Strips clean when tools are retired or resold.
Self-adhering cotton overwrap. Zero adhesive. Zero residue. Made in Elk Grove Village, IL since 1935.
Shop Guard-Tex