| This article describes a procedure by which a | | | | object is to remove the end cap which is very |
| composite field hockey stick can be shortened to the | | | | securely fastened. First, the rivets are drilled out or cut |
| right length. For example, a 36.5" composite stick can | | | | off. Then, one uses the large mouth pliers to grasp the |
| be shortened to any measurement between 36.5" and | | | | end cap, while twisting the stick. One must be forceful, |
| 35". A 38" composite stick can be shortened by as | | | | since the end cap is tightly glued and may still be |
| much as one inch to 37". The shortening of the | | | | connected to the pop rivets. As soon as the end cap |
| composite stick will not change the center of balance | | | | is removed, one begins cutting by using a stable |
| by more than one eighth inch. | | | | surface, vise, or miter box. It is necessary to take your |
| In order for the procedure to be successful, certain | | | | time while cutting, because there is a lot of carbon in |
| tools are necessary. The procedure is not complicated, | | | | the composite material. When through cutting, |
| but it does require skill in the use of the tools. One | | | | immediately remove any "saw dust" or composite |
| should always be careful when using hand or power | | | | particles by tipping and carefully shaking the stick. Be |
| tools. Those who have followed the procedure report | | | | certain that there are no particles inside of the end |
| that it takes about ten minutes to complete. Here are | | | | cap. The next step is to refasten the end cap without |
| the necessary tools: a carbide blade hacksaw; pliers | | | | the pop rivets. Some epoxy glue may be used, |
| such as channel locks; a tape measure; plastic | | | | although it is not required. After tapping the end cap |
| electrical tape; and a cutting tool such as a small knife. | | | | into place, one wraps a layer of tape. Finally, one |
| In addition, a miter box or vise and a small drill are | | | | rewraps the grip and secures it with electrical tape. |
| recommended. | | | | Of course, many are just not confident about the idea |
| To begin, one measures the length to be cut off from | | | | of shortening their own composite field hockey sticks. |
| the end cap of the shaft. One layer of tape is | | | | In that case, some field hockey shops offer custom |
| wrapped around the handle to mark where to cut. | | | | shortening. It may cost a little extra, but it is well worth |
| One cuts through the grip and peals it away to reveal | | | | it to have the proper length field hockey stick. |
| two "pop" rivets that hold the end cap in place. The | | | | |