How to Cut a Lacrosse Shaft? Best Step-by-step Guide for 2023!

Tired of lugging around your clunky lacrosse stick? Do you want a lighter and more customized shaft? If so, then listen up!

This comprehensive step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to cut a lacrosse shaft so you can start dominating the field with a trimmer, sleeker look.

From tools and materials needed to tips on measuring accurately, by the end of this blog post, you'll be well-equipped to give yourself an upgraded play style!

Take Away Key Points:

If your long lacrosse pole must be smaller, you can use the proper equipment and cut it to get the best length for advanced performance on the lacrosse field. 

But how can you precisely cut your lacrosse shafts? Refer to the steps below.

Pre-step: gather the necessary materials

The following tools are necessary to cut a lacrosse shaft. These include:

- tape measure - five feet of minimum length 

- one or more lacrosse sticks you're ready to recycle 

- hacksaw - small serrated blades are the most suitable tools for metal 

- a vise

A five-step procedure to cut a lacrosse stick

Below you can find the five main steps when cutting your lacrosse sticks. Ensure you read each step thoroughly to avoid hurting yourself and further complications.

Step 1: Determine the exact length you need for long poles

The first step is to measure the precise length of the lacrosse stick carefully. Typically, for men's lacrosse, the lacrosse shaft without the head installed has the following three measurements:

- thirty inches for the attack and midfield positions

- sixty inches for defense

- forty inches for a goalie shaft.

On the other hand, the women's lacrosse stick can be between 35.5 and 43.25 inches long, including the lacrosse head.

Step 2: Measure twice and mark the needed dimensions

Before cutting the lacrosse shaft, measure twice then cut the long poles once. Use a measuring tape to determine when to cut the men's or women's lacrosse shaft. In addition, you can use the permanent marker to highlight the sport where you will make your initial cut.

If you don't have a permanent marker, you can use a tape measure and mark the spot for marking the placement of the cut. When choosing this procedure, ensure you wrap the tape around the lacrosse shaft like taping an end cap. The tape measure will serve as a guide and lead your blade through the cutting process.

Step 3: Use a vise to secure a lacrosse shaft

Before cutting the lacrosse shaft, you can use a vise to secure your lacrosse long pole. If you don't have a vise, you can use similar tools to secure your lacrosse long pole before cutting it.

The most important thing is to keep your lacrosse stick stable while cutting the lacrosse shaft and to keep the saw blade away from your face and body.

Step 4: Start the cutting process

Use a hacksaw to start cutting your lacrosse long poles slowly. You must cut your way through the lacrosse shaft before picking up too much speed. If you don't have a hacksaw, you can use a new tool - a miter box as the right tool to cut a lacrosse shaft.

You might also flip the lacrosse shaft over halfway through. The step might help prevent the lacrosse shaft from breaking into two parts when finishing your cutting procedure.

Again, the most important thing is to remember that the step is all about finesse and precision. So, do not rely on your speed and strength too much.

Step 5: Smooth the ends of your lacrosse long poles

After hearing the clink of one part of the lacrosse shaft hitting the floor, take both cut ends of the lacrosse stick.

You can either use some fine grit sandpaper or rub them against the concrete to knock down the burrs and remaining metal fragments.

Why should you cut a lacrosse shaft?

There are several reasons you might cut a lacrosse shaft, and we have listed some of them.

Cutting a lacrosse shaft is crucial for customizing your lacrosse stick and ensuring it is the right fit for you. By cutting to the exact length of your stick, you can control where your hands grip the handle to have more control over the shots and passes.

Additionally, it allows more accuracy when handling the D-pole. Having your hands in the same spot every time results in better technique and makes playing easier to learn.

This is crucial for young lacrosse players who might change their positions easily and must use shorter sticks if they are attackers. With that said, investing in a clamp to secure the shaft and a hacksaw will help you make precise cuts. This is a huge advantage for a shorter stick, as you can practice with comfort and success.

Cutting the exact lacrosse attack shaft

You can cut the long pole in half and get the exact thirty inches of the lacrosse shaft parts.

However, you must measure the long pole completely to ensure you will get the precise length of two parts. Otherwise, you won't have the exact thirty inches of the shaft.

Cutting a broken lacrosse long pole

Even if your lacrosse stick is broken, you can still get your thirty inches of the shaft by cutting it in half. The next step is to find the best tools to cut it smoothly.

Making a lacrosse pocket pounder

The process of pounding your lacrosse pocket will help you break in the mesh. The stringers break in the pockets allowing them to stretch out the mesh.

Suppose you own a lacrosse stick you are renting. You can improve the pocket by cutting it into a pounder. A handheld pounder is roughly a foot and twelve inches long—It's for on-the-go lacrosse stringing.

Once you have a proper measure of twelve inches of lacrosse shaft, you can attach a lacrosse ball to the open end. In addition, you might cover it with a massive tape ball. Thus, you will create the homemade pounder.

Cutting a women's lacrosse stick

Women players use a minimum length of thirty-five inches. An offensive women's lacrosse player can cut several inches for short shafts and better stick skills. A shorter shaft might be challenging to examine, and attackers will surpass the defensive lacrosse players.

When cutting a stick shaft, measuring is the most vital part of the process. The referee will measure your stick from the top of the head to the butt end. Thus, you must measure 35.5 inches, with the head on the shaft.

FAQs

What length should I cut my lacrosse stick?

A stick should measure the player's height in total. For example, if a player is five feet ten inches tall, a stick should measure around seventy inches in total.

How do you measure and cut a lacrosse stick?

You can determine the length by measuring the top of the head to the stick's end. Then, you can mark the desired size and cut using a saw. The small teeth on the blade will ensure a smooth cutting process.

Can you cut down a carbon lacrosse shaft?

Yes, you can cut down a carbon shaft, but ensure you also cut the end.

Can you drill a hole in a lacrosse shaft?

Yes, you can drill a hole in the shaft, but it should be smaller than the screw provided.

Does cutting a shaft make it stiffer?

In most cases, tip trimming will make shafts stiffer, as you will cut their weakest parts.

How much weight do you gain after cutting a shaft?

For instance, cutting 0.5 inches of shafts will also remove three to five swing weight points. So you will lose weight instead of gaining it.

Summary

Creating custom lacrosse shafts is a great way to express yourself and show off your personality. However, when making modifications, never forget to watch out for your safety.

There are over 50 manufacturers that make lacrosse sticks, so if you're not comfortable modifying a stick yourself, consider buying one from another company or having an expert do the job.

Ultimately, be sure you maintain your safety when cutting a lacrosse shaft and avoid grave injuries.