Loose reel seat?

[papajoe222]

A new tackle shop opened up in town a few months ago and the owner knows I build my own rods.  He called me on Monday and said he has a customer that has a problem with his favorite rod. The reel seat is no longer secure. They wanted to know if there was a way to re-glue it to the blank without stripping it and the cork handle from the rod. I know of a quick fix, but am apprehensive about suggesting it as I don't know how long lasting it would be. 

Is there a way to remove the seat without ruining the cork handle in the process?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The fix is to drill two 5/32 holes in the seat and inject a fluid epoxy adhesive. The second hole lets the air out so the epoxy gets in. I've done a number this way and so far have held up. Otherwise split the seat to remove and install a new one from the back end. 

[S Hovanec]

^^^^ this.

I've done several by drilling holes.  The biggest being a Mojo Musky rod and it held fantastically.

[papajoe222]

That (drilling holes and filling with epoxy) was the quick fix I was thinking of.  Thanks  I'll recommend both ways

[MickD]

As an aside to this post, the security of reel seats is one of the major advantages of custom made rods.  Custom builders don't skimp on epoxy and know how to use shims correctly.  So having a reel seat come loose on a custom built rod rarely if ever happens.