What is the proper way to size a tip top for a new blank. Should it fit tight ? should there be a little play? Should you use the smalest size you can fit on?

Thanks Jim

It should slip on easily, without being overly large with noticeable slop. You shouldn't have to force it, nor should it rattle around on the blank tip.

Even though tops come in 1/2-64ths sizes, there are still times when you can't seem to get one to fit the way you want. Don't forget that an underwrap of A size thread can suffice as great shim material for those tops that just seem a little too loose.

When gluing, whether with hot melt or 5-minute epoxy, put some adhesive down into the tip-top tube as well as on the blank tip.

...........

If you have a rod tip which is in between sizes you can sometimes use the one which is too small and increase the inner diameter using sandpaper taped onto a small drill bit - just remember that you want to do it in stages since the tip top will get hot and may ruin the finish due to the heat.
I just did this to a Snake Brand 5.5 tip top that was too small for a Lamiglas fiberglass rod and Snake Brand dont make any larger sizes - besides a size 6.0 was way too big - worked out great. You loose some wall thickness on the tube but I believe it is still plenty strong for the job.

Peter



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/21/2005 02:39AM by Peter Mulbjerg.