Anything I should know before sanding a grip?

[Chris at Tech]

I like my Avid AC66MF casting rod, but I'm not crazy about the wider grip just under the reel. I'm about to just take some sandpaper to it, but I figured I should ask before attempting to 'modify' a $160 rod.

Is reducing the diameter of the cork handle just as simply as using sandpaper on it? Or are there some other tricks or other things I should use for this?

[LakeAnnaBasser]

i dont know if you can sand it or not. But if you do i think you may have to seal it with something.

[flechero]

It is as simple as sanding, but GO SLOW and only sand by hand. You can't put cork back once it's sanded away so go slow and check fit/shape/comfort often.

Put a wrap or two of masking tape around the seat, carefully lining it up at the cork's edge... it will keep you from messing up the edge of the reel seat. Once you hit it and scar the tape, replace it.

When you get it where you like it, take a few light passes over the entire grip to even out the color. Most factory handles are not sealed. If you want to seal it, use U-40 cork seal or Birchwood Casey Gunstock Oil... both work equally as well. (they have a slightly different color- the U-40 is lighter, but both will darken cork)

[dbass]

Yeah, like flechero said....Gooooo Slooooow!

You can't replace any if you take to much off.

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!!

[Guest avid]

I have done it on both my avids.  Use a fine grade of sandpaper.  make sure you sand around the girp, not up and down.

go slow.  check it often.  then stop.  fish it SEVERAL times before deciding you need to sand a little more.

Under no circumstanses sand it below the the reel seat.

I don't seal them.  I acutually like the look of naturally weathered cork.

did anyone mention to go slow?

[dbass]

Like Avid said Gooooo Reeeeeaaal Slooooow...

[Cephkiller]

I use 30 grit and a belt sander if I'm in a hurry.

Or you could go slow

[Raul]

I use 30 grit and a belt sander if I'm in a hurry.

Or you could go slow

Something tells me that Ceph has a particular preference for manly power tools, whaddya think guys ?

[Guest avid]

Woof woooof ooooof ooooof ooof

(tool time guy noises)

[Raul]

Oh yeah Avid, that Home Improvement series sure did have a lot of advocates.  

[kms399]

I am almost positive that would void your warrenty you might want to look into it first.