I am sure like most, when I first started learning how to build rods several years ago, I went over the deep end. I must have build 15 rods in the first winter. Unfortunately, I made a big mistake with many of the rods. Being a bigtime surf fisherman, many of the rods built were for the beach and jetties. However, I also built numerous rods for the boat. My big mistake, was using cork tape for grips on these conventional boat rods. Some of these rods are still in great shape and have some unique and time consuming wraps. Rather than break them down and re-build to allow for new grips, I was looking for suggestions on other options. I was thinking of trying to wrap at least one or two additional layers of cork tape on the existing grip, and then installing flocked shrink tube over top. My intention is to increase the OD of the grip to allow a more balanced feel. I would imagine cutting the reel seat and existing cork tape off and working from the butt end would leave too much room for failure with all the shimming needed? Any suggestions?

Why not try a rattan wrap over the existing grip if it's structurally sound? Visit Golden Witch's (sponsor at left) for info on rattan grips and do some searching for previous discussions on the board to get a feel for what's required.

~Jackie

I don't think you'll have a problem with what you want to do Shawn. More cork tape will increase the diameter. Depending on how much more you want to increase it, you could spiral cord up or up and down and then apply the shrink tube. That will give an interesting texture to the grip. You could also remove the cork tape and install one of the smooth butts or graphite sleeves instead. These could be shimmed with drywall tape and easily applied from the butt end.

Jackie, thanks for the response and idea. Although the rattan would increase the grip OD 3 times as fast as additional layers of cork tape, I am not sure the look or feel would my style. I will continue to look into it to see if there is an application I can use it for. Grant, I considered the cord, but felt a flatter grip might work better and the shrink tube is flocked therefore eliminating the need for cord to aid in gripping. The smooth butt would work for the butt end, but I suppose my main focus would be the foregrip with the butt end getting done for symmetry reasons. Thanks again.

I wasn't thinking about the foregrip, thats another problem. If you are considering cutting the grips and seat off you can make an entire handle assembly and fit it the existing section just as if you were adding an extension. That was covered well in Rodmaker (sorry, don't know which issue). You get a new handle and the same rod with little or no noticeable difference in action. Cork can also be slit and mounted for the foregrip. Bob Balcombe does that, he may chip in. I think the cork has to be soaked or something, but it works.

Grant, thanks for the reply. I suppose an extension is an option, but I would be very curious to hear from Bob to see what technique he uses to split and install the cork. Ideally that's what I want on the grips. Any idea if that topic was covered at any point in a past issue of rodmaker or an a forum here? Thanks again!

Shawn, I'm not real sure how he does it. I've e-mailed him asking him to get in touch with you. If that doesn't work, it goes something like this...bore the ring to the size you need, soften it for a while, perhaps in hot water, then split through one side to the center. CAREFULLY, fit the split around the blank, Rod Bond the split and the ring, clamp and you should be good to go. If I remember, it may waste a few rings depending on how soft you can get them. An alternative would be bore rings to the correct diameter and then split them in half, Rod Bond them on the blank (could alternate the joints) and clamp. With a good, fine tooth saw or blade, the joints would not be very noticable. I may try a scrap piece tonight just to see if that'll work.

Shawn go to search and type in cork repair under Bob Balcombe. The whole method should be there. If you can't find it I well email you the system. I tried emailing you and it cam back.
Good Wraps Bob

Bob, thank you for your reply! I tried a couple variations on the search, and the only thing I am getting back is your above post. I'll continue to try, but in the event you have the time to send me email, that would be great. I usually use my work email and some people can get through while others can't. Has something to do with the filtering on our SMTP server. In any event, the email I signed on with this reply is my personal account, shawnmtaylor2004@yahoo.com
I look forward to reading the information.