Golf Club Ferrules Explained: .355 vs .370, Installation, and Best Options

Golf club ferrules are small, but they play a major role in club building, repairs, and custom golf club aesthetics.

If you have ever replaced an iron shaft, customized your clubs, or repaired loose heads, you have probably dealt with ferrules.

Yet many golfers still do not fully understand what they are, why sizing matters, or how to choose the correct ferrule.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover:

  • What golf club ferrules are
  • Why they matter
  • .355 vs .370 sizing
  • Collared vs non-collared ferrules
  • Installation basics
  • Common mistakes
  • The best ferrules for repairs and custom builds

🏆 Quick Picks: Best Golf Club Ferrules

CategoryProductBest ForAmazon
Best .355 Ferrules.355 Taper Tip Golf FerrulesForged irons, taper tip shafts, and players iron builds.Check Price
Best .370 Ferrules.370 Parallel Tip Golf FerrulesGame improvement irons, hybrid irons, and graphite shaft builds.Check Price
Best Collared FerrulesCollared Golf FerrulesOEM heads requiring additional shaft centering support.Check Price
Best Custom FerrulesDecorative Custom Golf FerrulesCustom wedge builds, premium iron sets, and boutique club aesthetics.Check Price

What Are Golf Club Ferrules?

A golf club ferrule is the small collar located between the hosel and the shaft on most irons and wedges.

Ferrules are usually made from plastic or composite materials and serve both cosmetic and functional purposes.

They help:

  • Create a clean transition between shaft and hosel
  • Protect the shaft near the hosel
  • Improve the finished appearance of the club
  • Provide slight reinforcement during assembly

While ferrules are small, they are one of the details that separate professional-looking club builds from amateur repairs.

Do Ferrules Affect Performance?

In most cases, ferrules do not directly affect golf performance.

However, improperly installed ferrules can indicate:

  • Poor epoxy work
  • Bad shaft installation
  • Loose club heads
  • Incorrect shaft seating

A properly fitted ferrule helps ensure:

  • Clean shaft seating
  • Proper hosel fit
  • Professional club assembly
  • Long-term durability

For custom club builders, ferrules are also an important aesthetic upgrade.

.355 vs .370 Ferrules: Why Sizing Matters

This is where many golfers get confused.

Ferrule sizing must match the shaft tip diameter.

.355 Taper Tip Ferrules

.355 ferrules are used for taper tip iron shafts.

These shafts narrow slightly toward the tip and are common in:

  • Forged irons
  • Players irons
  • Many OEM steel shaft sets

👉 Common for Titleist, Mizuno, and many forged iron builds.

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.370 Parallel Tip Ferrules

.370 ferrules are designed for parallel tip shafts.

These are common in:

  • Game improvement irons
  • Hybrid irons
  • Many graphite shaft builds
  • Custom club fitting systems
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How to Tell if You Need .355 or .370 Ferrules

The safest method is checking your shaft specifications directly from the manufacturer.

You can also:

  • Measure the shaft tip with calipers
  • Check the iron model specifications online
  • Review club fitting documentation
  • Consult shaft manufacturer charts

Using the wrong ferrule size can create fitting problems and poor installation results.

What Are Collared Ferrules?

Collared ferrules include a small extension inside the ferrule that helps center the shaft within the hosel.

These are commonly used when:

  • The hosel opening is slightly oversized
  • Extra shaft alignment support is needed
  • Specific OEM iron heads require collars

Collared ferrules can improve installation stability and reduce shaft movement during assembly.

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Best Golf Club Ferrules for Repairs and Custom Builds

Standard Black Ferrules

Standard black ferrules are the most common choice for simple repairs and OEM-style builds.

They provide a clean professional appearance and fit most iron styles.

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Decorative Custom Ferrules

Many golfers now use decorative ferrules with colored rings and custom patterns to personalize their clubs.

These are especially popular in:

  • Custom wedge builds
  • Premium iron sets
  • Boutique club fitting shops
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Collared Ferrules

Collared ferrules work best for certain OEM heads and club repair situations where additional shaft centering is needed.

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Basic Golf Club Ferrule Installation Process

Step 1: Remove the Old Ferrule

Carefully heat the hosel and remove the old shaft and ferrule.

Step 2: Clean the Hosel

Remove all old epoxy before installing the new ferrule.

Step 3: Slide the Ferrule Onto the Shaft

The ferrule should fit tightly without excessive force.

Step 4: Apply Epoxy

Apply epoxy evenly to the shaft tip and hosel.

Step 5: Install the Shaft

Seat the shaft fully into the hosel.

Step 6: Finish and Turn the Ferrule

Many club builders polish ferrules after curing for a clean professional appearance.

Common Ferrule Installation Mistakes

  • Using the wrong ferrule size
  • Not cleaning old epoxy completely
  • Overheating graphite shafts
  • Installing ferrules crooked
  • Using cheap low-quality ferrules

Should You Replace Old Ferrules?

If your ferrules are cracked, loose, or heavily worn, replacement is usually recommended during shaft repairs.

New ferrules are inexpensive and can dramatically improve the appearance of older clubs.

Ferrules and Club Customization

Custom ferrules have become increasingly popular among golfers who want a premium tour-style appearance.

Many players now match ferrule colors with:

  • Grip colors
  • Shaft graphics
  • Bag themes
  • Team colors

It is a small detail that creates a high-end custom look.

Final Verdict

Golf club ferrules may be small, but they are an essential part of club building and repair.

Choosing the correct size, understanding .355 vs .370 differences, and selecting quality ferrules can make a huge difference in both appearance and durability.

Whether you are repairing old irons, building a custom set, or upgrading your clubs aesthetically, quality ferrules are one of the easiest and cheapest upgrades you can make.