Rod Grip Question

[pwall90]

i was thinking about making a split grip handle for one of my rods that doesnt have one, and i was wondering if anyone has had experience with ths building portion of it or would it be a wast of time?

thanks

[islandbass]

i was thinking about making a split grip handle for one of my rods that doesnt have one, and i was wondering if anyone has had experience with ths building portion of it or would it be a wast of time?

thanks

I've done it, and enjoyed doing it. However, it isn't for everyone and I did it with the original cork handle vs. adding a new handle.

If you decide to do it, make sure it is a rod that you won't cry over if you screw it up.

The most time consuming aspect if you don't chemically remove it is getting the epoxy off that held the original grip in place. I figure there must be a chemical that can do this safely, as I did it with elbow grease.

I used a rod I was very disappointed with and hated. However with its split grip, I have found it more palatable to bear.

I am not a rod builder nor an expert and I did it my way as I envisioned it in my mind's eye.

Rod with original handle

Starting to remove the unneeded cork. I hear pliers used with care will make short work for this.

Cork and epoxy removed

Put my own flare to it as shown.

I also did this with a casting rod and I really love it.

Unlike other split grips, my palm is actually in contact with the blank. I thought that it might make it uncomfortable but went ahead with it anyway. It turned out to be just fine.

Perhaps a rod builder here could tell you what chemical would easily remove the epoxy or possibly heat? Don't know, but I don't have any other rods to try either with.

[pwall90]

very nice , and no its not a great rod but from what i read about it there is no real support in the handle thats why i was gonna but a kit for it . after i bought a split grip spinning fod i want to make one for my baitcast.

again very nice job

[Jigfishn10]

I did the same thing islandbass did. I had a rod in which I liked, but hated the feel of it in my hand, so I split the grip on it.

As islandbass mentions, removing the cork and epoxy was pretty time consuming, so I took my time with it and prepared it well enough so I could put the fishnet pattern on.

I did this a few years ago and took a pic of it when it was done, but I lost the pic when my hard drive went. I should have cleaned the cork up before taking this pic...LOL

If you do decide to split a grip on your baitcaster, be sure to post it over in the tacklemaking forum.

Good luck!

[OkobojiEagle]

I found a bare rod did not provide a comfortable and secure grip for my fishing. I prefer an elongated hour-glass shape that leaves the grip completely covered by at least a thin layer of cork. I shape my grips with a fine file and sandpaper. This is not as radical of an alteration but it may provide you with a better alternative to improve the comfort of your rod grips.

I also prefer to wrap my index finger around the bare blank of a spinning rod. I remove all but 3/4" of the cork foregrip to accomplish this. I usually choose spinning rods that have the tightening threads on the back side of the handle.

oe

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Once epoxy has set, there is no chemical that will remove it. At least not one that will not eat the blank as well. Conservative use of heat will soften ithe epoxy slightly so you can scrape it with a plastic putty knife. You can use a razor blade but be very careful not to cut into the blank fibers. Same goes for sanding. Go slow and do not go past the blank finish.

[islandbass]

DVT,

That is good to know. I was hoping that there would be a safe chemical to use, but I didn't want to chance something that risky. I opted for the sand paper and razor chiseling.

Jigfishin', that is mighty fine work!

[Jigfishn10]

Thank you islandbass, much appreciative.

[Ima Bass Ninja]

You can remove epoxy safely from graphite by holding a utility knife perpendicular to the blank and going back and forth up and down the blank. The trick is to make sure you don't hold the blade at an angle and keep the blade straight or you WILL cut the blank. I used this technique for years on graphite shafted golf clubs and never had a problem.

Or you could get something like this http://www.golfsmith.com/products/48715/Golfsmith/1_Inch_X_42_Inch_Shaft_Prep_Belt which also works well.

FYI, i currently use the first method for my fishing poles these days.