I did a search on paraffin and found a few hits, but all attempts to open them resulted in timing out. So I'll try the topic again.

I've had a string of bad luck lately, with three new rods experiencing ferrule loosening while fishing. All are tip over butt fly rods, purchased from three different sponsors. Two are four piece rods and one is a two piece rod.

I seem to recall differing opinions on the use of paraffin on tip over butt ferrules. Is paraffin recommended to try to stop ferrules from loosening, or not? If so, why, and if not, why not?

All of the ferrules in question have been inspected, and none "click" or show other indications of why they aren't holding together well. I also should say that I've used the bayonet mount method of assembling my rods for many years, and these ferrules still break loose.

Or, have I just been lucky with my older "big name" blanks which seem to hold together well during all day fishing outings?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Jeff Shafer

Paraffin can cause problems if you're not careful. Even in a thin film, it changes the fit of the ferrule. Get too much on there and a cracked ferrule can be the result. It can and often does hold minute particles of grit and grime, which accelerate ferrule wear.

If you do use it, apply it and then try your best to wipe off all that you can, even to the point where it may look like there is none left on the ferrule. This ensures the thinnest possible film and is less likely to create the problems described above.

U-40 ferrule lube may work for you. Once the carrier has evaporated it leaves a dry teflon film behind which won't attract and hold grit or grime. Nor does it alter the ferrule fit. Do be careful on some St. Croix blanks, however, as the alcohol carrier can dissolve the blank finish on some models, notably the SCV.

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Never did like the tip over butts, the new ones are just made for trouble. I always use parafin and encourage everyone to use it. If you use parafin on internal spigot ferrules they will last a lifetime. I believe that the wax reduces wear.

I'm convinced that parrafin was is the second worst thing you can put on a ferrule. Beeswax being the very worst.

I recommend that everyone read the following thread from an earlier discussion where Ralph O'Quinn put in his .02


[www.rodbuilding.org]

I have split at least one ferrule from applying too much wax. I no longer use it and just keep my ferrules dry and clean.

Never use wax. Keep the blank clean and dry. Wax well pick up contaminates and well cause the rod to stick. I have found 2 ways to lub a blank. One is to lay the blank next to your nose (not in your nose) and turn it a few times. The next is ferrule lub by Trondak U-40

Good Wraps Bob

St. Croix used to supply some type wax with their multipiece rods for use on the ferrules. They stopped doing this so I'm guessing it either caused problems or else they did it for reasons of economics.

I've been using candle wax for over 35 years on all types of rods and have not had any problems at all.
Applied the way Tom suggests above, it helps ferrules to stay together and reduces wear.
I also apply some to ferrule plugs so that these not only prevent the ingress of dirt and grit but also leave a smear of wax each time they are removed. I have got into the habit of giving the male ferrule a quick 'clean' between my finger and thumb before assembling the rod to avoid transferring dirt/grit into the female.
A couple of spigot jointed light surf rods made in the early seventies and used very regularly ever since show no signs of ferrule wear. Given the environment that these are used in, ( sand and grit everywhere ) the fact that I have never even had to adjust the fit of the spigots leads me to believe that, providing rods are treated with a reasonable amount of care, a LITTLE paraffin wax does nothing but good.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/03/2005 03:54PM by Dave Wallbridge.

Bob Balcombe - I agree with what he is saying. For years I have been telling folks I build rods for to use natural oils from around their noses to lube ferrules. So far so good with no reported ferrule failures, sticking, etc.

Lou

There's absolutely nothing wrong with using parafin wax. We have been using it here for three generations on all types of ferrules. You just have to use it correctly.

Most of the people who design and build blanks would disagree with you. But as has been pointed out, you can minimize your chances of harming a rod with it by using it sparingly if at all.

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