Any good ideas on removing a machined aluminum cap from a REC aluminum rod tube? I would like to shorten it a bit.

Look closely at the seam to see whether it is epoxied on. I seem to recall that some of mine are bonded. If that's the case you should be able to heat the joint and break the bond. I use a small torch to break epoxy bonds on golf clubs.

Now, the situation may be more complicated if any of the components, either the tube or fitting, is painted. Using a torch to heat the components likely will mar or boil any paint that is heated enough to break the epoxy bond.

Jeff Shafer

Try looking at the bottom end first. If it has an aluminum plug, you can take something like a broom handle or a piece of pvc pipe that's cut straight on the end, insert it into the tube, rest the other end on a cement floor, and you should be able to tamp the end piece straight out. Cut the tube to length with a hacksaw/bandsaw and file the edges smooth. Insert the plug back into the tube making sure it's straight and tamp it back in with a rubber mallet. I shorten a Sage tube this way.

If you have access to a tubing cutter, you can get a much neater and more square edge than with a hacksaw. Although, you have to use what you have. Wrap tape around the tube to function as a straightedge if you must use a saw.

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For REC tubes that need to be trimmed to length, I put a heavy bolt (3/4" x 8") that I had inside. Put the head of the bolt toward the cap. Put the cap on and turn the tube so that the cap faces the floor. Shake the tube in one quick motion perpendicular to the floor. The bolt will act as a driver and pop the cap off quicker than you can imagine. You can then trim the tube to length adn put the cap back on with epoxy.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/15/2005 09:42AM by Bob Sale.

Kenny,
If your rod case is too long there are a couple of solutions I would suggest before any attempt is made to remove the cap and collar.
1. Cut the tube from the bottom. REC can sell you a decorative bottom which is simply adhered to the tube with slow cure epoxy. We also have press fit bottoms which can be inserted using a rubber hammer and a touch of epoxy if you wish. Both types of bottoms are inexpensive.
2. If you don't want to attempt any of the above, you could get a piece of foam, cut it to size of the I.D. of the tube and to the length that you want the inside shortened to. Push it to the bottom of the tube with your wading staff.
If it is a matter of overall outside length rather than inside length I would suggest solution #1 above.
There is another method which I can describe to you if you call me at REC.

In any event, good luck and happy angling.

Regards,
Dan Lanier/REC

Kenny,
Bob Sales method of removing the cap and collar is the third method I would have suggested if you were to call me. This is a quick method that we often use in our shop at REC.
Regards,
Dan Lanier/REC

I should also have noted to make sure that you do this over something soft like a towel so that the cap and collar don't get scratched from hitting the floor.

I should also have noted to make sure that you do this over something soft like a towel so that the cap and collar don't get scratched from hitting the floor.

Ken,

I use a 2 foot long dowel that is 1-1/4 inch thick. Put it inside the tube and shake to knock the bottom cap off. Then cut the tube and put the cap back on with a rubber hammer. Pretty much the same thing as the bolt idea above. Most of the tube end caps are simply pressed on and will come off fairly easily.

Joe

REC Rod Cases are not supplied with press fit bottoms so you could not simply punch out the bottom as Joe Douglas describes. Every REC rod case incorporates our exclusive CaseLockTM bottom system to ensure the security of case contents. We have a Case Lock system that is similar to a crimped shot gun shell. An aluminum disc is inserted into the bottom of the tube and then crimped into place.
Joe Douglas is correct that most rod cases are made with a press fit bottom that can be removed easily. REC rod cases are the exception.

Dan/REC

Thanks for the info.