Brian:

Rattles can be from a number of different things.  1) a small particle
could break loose from a part of the welding inside the head.  Most of
these are usually found in the manufacturing process because decent
foundries all tumble their welded heads in a large rubber lined
vibratory tumbler to knock these possible particles loose before
finishing,  2) dried epoxy that might have been pushed down through the
base of the hosel into the open head cavity when the shaft was
installed.   Most heads are finished with a 'stopper plug' placed at the
bottom of the shaft bore, but with the hydraulic pressure of inserting
the shaft, it is possible that some can be pushed into the head cavity.
It can then dry inside the open cavity and then could be knocked loose
from hitting the club to cause the rattle.  

Most of the woodheads today are injected with the "sticky glue" as a
part of their production to provide something internally to "grab" these
rattles if they were to occur.  But not all sticky glues inside the
heads have the same "grabbing ability".  Therefore what you can do as
your first attempt at a fix is to use your torch to head the bottom of
the sole to temporarily make the sticky glue more viscous.  Heat for
20-30 secs and then shake the head around to try to move the rattle so
the heated sticky glue can grab the particle.  Shortly thereafter the
sticky glue will return to its non-moveable condition and if you are
lucky, it will have grabbed and will be holding the rattle particle.  

If that does not do it, then you can try doing the injection of a new
shot of sticky glue through a hole you will drill and later plug in the
sole.  

I don't really think that rattles are a real indication of lack of
quality because for one, they can most definitely come from epoxy oozing
into the head.  For the other, there is always the chance that the
rubber tumbling did not knock loose a particle that eventually broke
loose from hitting.  This is fairly rare with the better foundries who
do have the ability to lay their welds pretty smooth and free of
possible particles.  

Tom W



-----Original Message-----
From: Brian Parkinson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2003 1:17 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: ShopTalk:Rattle

Sorry to ask a simple question, but what causes a rattle in a head.  Is
it a poor worksmanship, or a defect in the head.  I know I've heard of
the mouse glue fix.  Is there another alternative?
 
Today, playing with my SRVII, I heard a rattle in the head.  The club is
just under a year old.  Maybe it's just time for a new driver anyway.
 
Thanks,
 
Brian 


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