Rod Modification

[NathanDLTH]

So I’m in a predicament. My jerkbait and cranking rod which happens to be a Powell Inferno 7’ M/Mod Fast. The problem I have it with it is, the handle is a bit longer than desired. I’m tempted to sell it and replace it or shorten the butt up by an inch or inch n a half. Looking for some suggestions on modifying the rod. 

[S Hovanec]

If you do shorten it, be aware the butt cap may have a long steel shaft on it that may affect the trimming.  Ask how I know!

 

 

 

 

Whoops, just reread your post.  My mod was on a Dobyns Fury

[Michigander]

So can you literally just cut the butt end of a rod off? Do you just wrap a piece of tape on and slice it off with a cutting wheel? Or is there a trick to it?

 

I ask because I have a 7'11" XH that might have a bit too much handle section on it for my liking, but if I can take a couple inches off, that might make an ideal pairing with my arm.

[spoonplugger1]

What kind of grip is on the back? I custom build, rarely look at the store stuff, it's not cutting edge, doing stuff that was well established with custom builders 10 years ago. Your grip can be fixed.

[Michigander]

14 minutes ago, spoonplugger1 said:

What kind of grip is on the back? I custom build, rarely look at the store stuff, it's not cutting edge, doing stuff that was well established with custom builders 10 years ago. Your grip can be fixed.

It's a split grip with a small 2"  butt cap and then about 10" of some faux carbon fiber pattern which is probably just a sleeve over the actual blank.

[S Hovanec]

24 minutes ago, Michigander said:

So can you literally just cut the butt end of a rod off? Do you just wrap a piece of tape on and slice it off with a cutting wheel?

Yep.  That's one way.  Wrap tape around to maintain a straight edge.  I use my miter saw to trim blanks and shorten rods.

[Michigander]

27 minutes ago, S Hovanec said:

Yep.  That's one way.  Wrap tape around to maintain a straight edge.  I use my miter saw to trim blanks and shorten rods.

That is awesome that it's so easy! 

 

I would assume no, but does doing this change anything about the rods power, action, or behavior north of the reel seat?

[S Hovanec]

48 minutes ago, Michigander said:

That is awesome that it's so easy! 

 

I would assume no, but does doing this change anything about the rods power, action, or behavior north of the reel seat?

No.  Now if you trimmed it and moved the reel seat, the rod would have a slower action.  If you leave the seat in the same spot, it won't feel any different.

 

Just make sure you have a sharp blade or even a fiber wheel.  I am going to switch to fiber wheels cause I have a habit of using my blades for stuff I shouldn't and it dulls them.  A dull blade will splinter a blank.  

[NathanDLTH]

The Powell has an end cap similar to rod pictured, I’ve always liked the rod and it’s fairly light too. The only downside is I’d probably loose warranty, but it’s not a big deal. Trying to decide if it’s worth doing. 

[MickD]

A dremel type saw, very high RPM, with a narrow cut-off (not sure what it's called, but a narrow abrasive disc) works well.  Regardless of the tool, you want very small "teeth," very high RPM, very slow feed, and the tape mentioned above.

 

I would take no more off than the length of the butt knob and cobble one on the rod and test it before cutting farther up.  You can always cut again, but you cannot uncut it.

[Michigander]

Is there any way to salvage the old butt end? Or is that a loss and will need to be replaced?

[S Hovanec]

1 hour ago, Michigander said:

Is there any way to salvage the old butt end? Or is that a loss and will need to be replaced?

You can salvage it by drilling the blank out with multiple progressions of drill bits.  Start with one that fits inside the blank and keep moving 

 up one size til it fits over the end of the rod where you cut it.  Epoxy it in place.

[NathanDLTH]

Thanks gents, I’m going to check with a local shop then decide what to do.