insert needed for top guide.

[CroakHunter]

I have a lews tp1 speed stick casting rod. I recently noticed that it was missing the insert for the top guide. Not sure how I lost it, is there any way to know what size insert I need besides measuring it? I've emailed lews but, no dice. Going to continue to email and call to get a hold of them but would almost rather just order the part online and glue it in myself, don't wanna replace the whole guide just the insert.

[Bluebasser86]

Never heard of someone replacing just an insert? I've replaced many tip tops because of lost or damaged inserts, it's really simple. 

[CroakHunter]

Just now, Bluebasser86 said:

Never heard of someone replacing just an insert? I've replaced many tip tops because of lost or damaged inserts, it's really simple. 

Well it looks like I'll be on the old youtube when I get off work this morning then. I mean, if I can build $65k vehicles I can probably figure it out right?

[IndianaOutdoors]

Pretty easy. But a new tip and and glue.  Heat up the old tip with a lighter and slide it off.  Place a small piece of the glue inside the new tip.  Heat it up and slide it on.  Mudhole.com has a good selection of tips and a how to video on their site.

[Pro Logcatcher]

Just a word of warning: Don't try to force the tip if it doesn't come off with heat. You'll end up with a rod that's two inches shorter.

[craww]

Another piece of advice, dont use the glue stick that comes with alot of the kits. Theyre junk in my experience. Use a good quality adhesive that can handle getting wet.

[WRB]

Take the rod to a tackle shop, they have the right matching top giude size and can show you how it's done correctly the first time, cost is under $10.

Tom

[CroakHunter]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

Take the rod to a tackle shop, they have the right matching top giude size and can show you how it's done correctly the first time, cost is under $10.

Tom

I would do that...But I'm not sure of a tackle shop within 200 miles of me.  

[CroakHunter]

Finally remembered to call lews today, what great customer service. They asked for my name, adress, and model number of rod and said the tip top will be shipped out tomorrow. First time I've ever had to deal with customer service with fishing stuff. Very pleased

[Angry John]

Rod tip glue is what you want.  If you epoxy it on and have a problem then it's a major pita.  If you use a heat gun it may work better.  It's a ballance trying to get the glue to melt and not overheat the blank.  If the blank is overheated the tip will just snap off and now your starting over again.

[MickD]

Put a rubber band through the eye of the tiptop, tension the rubber band,  then heat it slightly with a lighter.  The tension will allow the tiptop to come off the instant the hot melt melts.  This is to prevent heat damage to the blank.  If it is hot melt it will come off with very little heat.  If it doesn't come off right away, I recommend having an expert take it off.  It is a real balancing act, as stated above, to get epoxied tip tops off without overheating the blank.   If you cannot find a builder reasonably close, I recommend you come back and get some detailed instructions on how to handle the removal of an epoxied tiptop.

 

Do not use epoxy to put it back on, use hot melt, preferably one called "ferrule cement" or "rod repair adhesive," or something like that.  One of the higher temp hot melts is OK, they all allow easy removal.

 

Failures of hot melt attached tiptops are usually due to too tight a fit, which scrapes off the hot melt. Or due to not getting enough in.  Best way, cut some slivers and drop them into the tube of the tiptop.  Be generous.  Then heat the end of the hot melt stick and get a good amount onto the tip of the blank.  Heat the hot melt, not the blank.  Now heat the tiptop slightly, it doesn't take a lot of heat-experiment to get the right heat.  When the hot melt is at the right temp slide the tiptop on  and rotate it to the correct alignment.

 

[MickD]

I've done a lot of looking, consulting other sites, my rodbuilding groups, and I conclude you in fact do live in the rod-building outback.  I can find none within about 4 hours of you.  Sorry, I thought there would be someone near there.

[CroakHunter]

2 hours ago, MickD said:

I've done a lot of looking, consulting other sites, my rodbuilding groups, and I conclude you in fact do live in the rod-building outback.  I can find none within about 4 hours of you.  Sorry, I thought there would be someone near there.

I don't even know of a tackle shop near me thats not a big box store. Which is crazy considering there is 5 rivers within 30 minutes of my house and Kentucky lake is only 1.5hrs away

[IndianaOutdoors]

6 minutes ago, CroakHunter said:

I don't even know of a tackle shop near me thats not a big box store. Which is crazy considering there is 5 rivers within 30 minutes of my house and Kentucky lake is only 1.5hrs away

I'm up in lake country northern Indiana.  Easily 20 lakes within an hour's drive.  All the tackle shops I have been to around here are terrible for rods and reels let alone repair or rod building.  I see lots of Shakespeare and zebco.  Bait selection is ok but the prices are not.

[MickD]

Where do you stand on your tiptop?  Did it slide right off with a little heat?

[CroakHunter]

1 hour ago, MickD said:

Where do you stand on your tiptop?  Did it slide right off with a little heat?

Haven't picked up my replacement yet. Will post results though

[frosty]

17 hours ago, IndianaOutdoors said:

I'm up in lake country northern Indiana.  Easily 20 lakes within an hour's drive.  All the tackle shops I have been to around here are terrible for rods and reels let alone repair or rod building.  I see lots of Shakespeare and zebco.  Bait selection is ok but the prices are not.

Most seem to be geared more towards catfishing and panfish than bass, there’s a couple good ones east of us, but definitely to far for @CroakHunter to drive to for just a tip top. 

[CroakHunter]

I called Lews and a new one is in the mail. @frosty maybe I need to open a tackle shop lol?

[frosty]

3 minutes ago, CroakHunter said:

I called Lews and a new one is in the mail. @frosty maybe I need to open a tackle shop lol?

Yes, I think you should 

[IndianaOutdoors]

2 hours ago, frosty said:

Most seem to be geared more towards catfishing and panfish than bass, there’s a couple good ones east of us, but definitely to far for @CroakHunter to drive to for just a tip top. 

Wich are the good ones?  

[frosty]

2 hours ago, IndianaOutdoors said:

Wich are the good ones?  

Honey Creek tackle in bargersville is a nice store with some real nice equipment, but it’s a solid hour drive. The outdoorsman is pretty good, not nearly the selection of the other store, but good. 

[MickD]

The big question is did the old one come off with minimal heat indicating it is hot melt?  I have found a builder who has a good reputation in Owensboro, KY, about 65 miles from you.  Let me know if you want to contact him.

[CroakHunter]

30 minutes ago, MickD said:

The big question is did the old one come off with minimal heat indicating it is hot melt?  I have found a builder who has a good reputation in Owensboro, KY, about 65 miles from you.  Let me know if you want to contact him.

I haven't taken the old one off but will let you know. Owensboro is close-ish. My brother goes to college there. Thanks for your help.

[Dlskid]

I have given up on Lew's rods in the short term.  The rod tip insert always fails.  7 Rods and 7 failures.  Switched to Johnny Morris signature and no problems as they have micro tips and never seem to be a problem.  I love my Lew's rods and reels, but just got tired of replacing tips every month.  (It isn't from catching too many monster bass either!!!)

[BayouSlide]

Have mostly Lew's rods and only have lost one insert. A rod builder 20 miles away replaced just the insert for $5 while I waited.