Broken Rod into a 2piece

[Mikeltee]

Hey guys, I apologize if this is not the right spot for this.

 

I have a 7' St Croix MH Spinning rod that I shut the tailgate on. Its broken about 2 inches shy of the first guide closest to the butt end. Is there something I can buy to attach to make a 2 piece? From my research, the only option I saw was to take a piece of broken rod and insert into the inside of the rod I want to fix and use it as a splint. I think since its broken that would not effect the action too much. it was a clean break and the 2 pieces line up perfectly. The problem is that I don't have any rod pieces laying around.

 

I know there's a lifetime warranty but its $75 and I don't think I paid but $150 for it. I replaced it anyways so I figure id just attempt to fix it and use it for my kids first good rod. Also, I would like to eventually build my own rod. Would I better off disassembling the rod to reuse the guides and reel holder? I don't know much about building rods, but unless the epoxy is in direct contact with the parts, it should be reusable right?

 

Thanks

 

[grub_man]

The proper way to fix it is to find a fiberglass section that fits snugly on the inside of the break and one that fits snugly on the outside of the break.  Since you don't have the scrap pieces laying around you will have to come up with something.  One option is to take some good measurements of the ID and OD of each side of the break as well as the wall thickness, and the OD on each side a couple inches on either side of the break.  You can then extrapolate to see what the OD needs to be at each end of the inner sleeve and have good measurements for the ID of the outer sleeve.

 

You can then go and look for some cheap fiberglass rods at a second hand store or garage sale to source parts for the repair.

 

St. Croix sells blanks as well as finished rods.  I've never tried, but you could call and let them know that your rod failed and tell them that you are interested in starting to build and see if they could cut you a deal on a similar blank.  If they go for it, you could end up with a very nice blank at a fair price.  After all the current MSRP on a 3S70MHF spinning blank is around $110.

 

As far as salvaging components, guides are easily salvaged.  Reel seats not so much.  If they are properly epoxied into place, they are a bear to remove.  If you cut them out, the time spend drilling, reaming, and cleaning them up is usually worth way more than the cost of a new seat.  Unless it's a very pricy are particularly well loved reel seat, then it may not be worth salvaging.  You can always cut the rod just in front of the fore grip/reel seat and epoxy in the business end of a fly swatter.  Those always get a few good laughs from time to time.

 

Rod building is not particularly difficult, especially starting off on a clean blank with fresh components.  Repair work is more challenging because each situation is unique and may require some out of the box thinking to get some things done.  Personally I think it's easier to learn starting from scratch than it is by repair work, short of maybe stripping and rewrapping some guides.

[Mikeltee]

Thanks Joe. I like the fly swatter idea. That is much more productive that sitting in a corner in the garage. If I cant find a donor rod that is what I will do. Now that I look at the guides, I don't think they are worth salvaging and putting on my first rod build which one day shall come. 

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Don't mess with ferrules. Splice it internally and over wrap it. If it's far enough down the rod to where it won't flex much you can get away with a graphite insert but old glass rods are usually pretty easy to find. 

[spoonplugger1]

You can  also still buy the old metal ferrules if you want to go that way.