[cdc]

I built a graphite rod several years ago. The blank failed beyond repair and has since been replaced by the manuf. I am wondering if and how I can remove the rod holder and the cork handle? If my memory serves me right, I used long set epoxy with some masking tape to put the components on the blank. Thanks for the help.
CDC

[Magoo]

I don't think your grip is salvagable. I've never heard of any way to get one off short of cutting/tearing it to shreds.

The reel seat and hardware, however, should be able to be recovered. Put the seat into a plastic bag and seal that up around the blank. Then submerse that into boiling water. Remove it and (with a toweled hand) try to twist and pull the seat free. Repeat as necessary. I've heard it can be helpful to go from the boiling water into an ice water bath to further "shock" the epoxy and break the joint.

Best o' luck

[FlyDoctor]

I've used this method before and even managed to salvage the grip. It took several attempts in order to get the glue under the cork heated up enough but it finally did cut loose--Larry

[wilhelm]

With patience the hot/cold cycles works however normally that is the way it is done so the blank can be saved. As you've indicated there is no blank to save, so I wonder if you could ream out the grip and reel seat. The only thing that might need to be removed would be an end cap on the reel seat.

Mind you, I haven't seen your rod (or what is left of it) and don't know what sort of tools you have available to you, but based on what said, you don't need to worry about salvaging the blank.

wilhelm

[greenlander]

I have been building custom rods professionally for about ten years and I have replaced both the grip and reel seat on numerous occasions.

• First, wrap a piece of masking tape around the bottom section of the blank and draw a vertical line on the tape in line with the guide feet.
• Next, you will need to remove all of the guides on the bottom section by using a razor knife to cut the wrap next to the guide foot and then peel the thread away.
• Then, use a sharp knife to carefully carve away the majority of the cork from the blank and then remove the remaining cork and epoxy with sandpaper.

Now, there are two ways to remove the reel seat and the first is crude but simple and the second is more complicated but also more elegant.

• The first method is to use a hack saw to cut the blank off just above the reel seat and then insert another piece of graphite blank into the remaining butt section and epoxy it in place.
• Next, use one quarter inch masking tape to wrap two or three bands around the butt of the blank to the match inside diameter of the new reel seat to act as an arbor.
• Next, ream out the new cork grip to match the diameter of the blank.
• Next, apply epoxy to the tape arbors and the blank where the new grip is to go.
• Next, slide the new the new reel seat and the new grip onto the blank.
• Last, place a reel in the reel seat and line up both the reel seat and the grip with the line marked on the masking tape.
• Last, rewrap the guide or guides onto the blank and finish with rod building epoxy.

Method #2-

• Follow steps 1 through 3.
• Next, use a Dremel tool with a cutting blade attached and make three to four vertical cuts in the old reel seat and use a flat blade screw driver inserted into the cuts to pry the sections away from the blank.
• Then, follow steps 1-6 listed above.
• Last, rewrap the guide or guides onto the blank and finish with rod building epoxy.

Please note that this procedure dose require some special equipment (cork reamer, rod wrapping jig, thread, rod finish, ect.) so if you are not comfortable trying it yourself then you can contact me at greenlander@netzero.com