A Claw that feels a little loose on one finger is not a sizing failure. Our standard sets are a good general fit and every hand is different. A small adjustment here and there can sometimes lead to an even better experience.
- About 1 minute per Claw
- Easy to do
- You need: scissors, tweezers
- Reversible
- Included with every set
Every set of Claws ships with a pack of self-adhesive fitting pads. They are small foam pads that sit inside the finger cup, take up a small amount of slack, and snug the fit on any individual Claw that needs it. They are optional, they are easy to apply, and they can be removed again if you change your mind. This guide walks through the whole process.
What fitting pads actually do
Hands are not symmetrical. Fingers on the same hand differ in circumference, they change slightly with temperature and time of day, and a set of Claws sized well for you will still often have one or two that sit a fraction looser than the rest. That is the gap fitting pads close.
Sizing gets you to the right set. Fitting pads get you to the right fit.
A pad adds a thin layer of soft foam inside the cup, so the Claw grips without needing to be tight. The result is a Claw that stays where you put it, which matters more than it sounds: a Claw that shifts mid-scene pulls your attention away from what you are doing. If you are still choosing a size in the first place, start with our sizing guide instead. Pads are for fine-tuning, not for rescuing a set that is the wrong size. We do exchanges for that.
What you need
- Your Claws, and the pack of fitting pads that came with them.
- Small scissors or a sharp knife, for trimming.
- Tweezers. Optional, but they make placement much easier on the smaller Claws.
- Methylated spirits, only if the Claws have been used. New Claws need no cleaning.
How to apply a fitting pad
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1Gather everything, and make sure the Claw is clean and dry
Adhesive needs a clean, dry surface to bond.
Lay out your Claws, the pads, and your scissors or knife. If the Claws have been used before, wipe the inside of the finger cup with methylated spirits and let it dry completely. Brand new, unused Claws do not need cleaning. For anything beyond a quick wipe, our cleaning guide covers what each material can and cannot handle.
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2Peel the backing and place the pad
Position first, press second.
Peel back part of the backing, hold the pad by the section still covered, and set it into position inside the cup. Once you are happy with where it sits, remove the rest of the backing and press it down firmly. Tweezers help a lot here, particularly on the smaller Claws in a set. If you get the position wrong, lift it and try again. The adhesive is forgiving.
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3Trim off the excess
Neat edges mean nothing catches or peels.
Trim any pad that overhangs the edge of the cup, using small scissors or a sharp knife. Aim for a pad that sits inside the edge of the cup without bunching at the corners. A trim set a little back from the edge is less likely to lift with repeated wear, and the finished Claw looks like it came that way.
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4Check the fit
One finger at a time.
Slide the Claw on and check the fit. If it still feels loose, a second pad, or a slightly larger one, is completely fine. Work one finger at a time, and only pad the Claws that need it.
Alternative positioning
The fingernail area is the easiest place to add a pad to your Claw. It may not be where you need it most though. Lining the band takes up a bit more space and suits some people more.
There is no right answer between the two. Try the fingernail area first, and if the fit still is not quite there, move to the band. Both positions are easy to undo.
Tips worth knowing
- Only pad what needs padding. Most people do not use pads on every Claw, and plenty never need them at all. Fit each Claw and pad only the ones that feel loose.
- Tweezers are the difference between a fiddly job and a quick one on the smaller Claws.
- Pads come off. Lift, reposition, or remove entirely. Nothing here is permanent.
- Recheck after a few sessions. Fit preferences shift once you have actually played in them.
Not sure you have the right set yet?
Fitting pads solve the final tweak. If you are still working out which Claws are for you, start at Find Your Claws, browse all our guides, or go straight to the full range. Everything is designed in-house and made in Melbourne.