Bent a guide and cracked epoxy

[kschultz76]

So doing something dumb in the garage I managed to bend the stripper guide on a spinning rod down a good bit. I was able to carefully while supporting it bend it back into position without over flexing it. However the epoxy around it cracked a bit and there’s now a gap between the back of the guide and the epoxy between it and the rod. Pictures below. 

 

Im worried that over time and use and flex the epoxy will crack further and break out. Should I carefully brush on a layer or two thread finishing epoxyon those cracks and behind the guide?  Also don’t want water getting in there. Or should I just leave it alone?  If I do try to fill and secure the cracks do I need to scuff existing epoxy up with sand paper or gently open the crack with a razor blade?

 

I ordered some small brushes and 2oz of ProKote Med build thread finish just in case. 

 

Thanks in advance for any advice offered, and please laugh quietly!

 

 

 

[Jig Man]

If it were mine I'd put another coat of epoxy on it.

[S Hovanec]

29 minutes ago, Jig Man said:

If it were mine I'd put another coat of epoxy on it.

What he said ^.

 

Just recoat the guide.

[kschultz76]

5 minutes ago, S Hovanec said:

What he said ^.

 

Just recoat the guide.

Thanks that’s what I figured I needed to do. 

 

No no need to prep it anyway? Just carefully recoat the entire wrap in a couple light coats 24hrs apart?

[MickD]

Some recommend scuffing the old epoxy with a Scotchbrite pad or similar.  But use nothing else but the mild abrasive, no alcohol, for example.

[kschultz76]

Thanks for the advice shared so far. One last question - can I pull this off by letting the epoxy set for 10-15 min after mixing then turning the rod 180 degree by hand every few min for the first couple hours since I’m doing light coat?

 

Or do I really need a rod dryer to do this right?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

You can turn it by hand. Just baby sit it so it doesn't sag. The prokote is slow setting. 

[kschultz76]

40 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

You can turn it by hand. Just baby sit it so it doesn't sag. The prokote is slow setting. 

Thanks Mike! I almost ordered Flex Coat but the ProKote was gonna ship faster. For the $40 Mudhole wants for a power rod dryer may just order. Likely not the last time I’m going to bust a guide. Should learn how to repair em. 

[LionHeart]

Use a jeweler screwdriver to chip away the epoxy that is cracked.  Then reapply new epoxy.  Mudhole sells a size of flex kote that that would be more than adequate for this job for like $14.  No need for a rod spinner at all.  

[MickD]

On 2/7/2019 at 8:11 PM, kschultz76 said:

turning the rod 180 degree by hand every few min for the first couple hours since I’m doing light coat?

 

Yes.  Many custom builders do just that with their builds.

You don't need to chip anything away for what your pic shows.  Don't make a mess of a simple project.

 

Remember the "dry wall principal."  There comes a time when anything you do will make it worse.  Just recoat it.