I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere and it may be unimportant or just a routine exercise for experienced rod builders. What are the pros or cons of plugging the end of the male end of rod sections on tip-over-butt ferrules? How is it done and with what? Some blanks have it and some don't? What's the word on this? Thanks.

Most people seem to use Rod Bond. I've used a black RTV rubber gasket material that comes in a tube. Either will work. I don't know if it adds anything structurally to the rod, but I bought a fly rod for my son that wasn't plugged and when we were casting it, I broke it right there.

Actually, it does add a little extra crush resistance to the end of the rod. At the opening of any tube or hollow shaft, when you flex it there you can create minute cracks as the structure goes a bit oval. The plug in the end tends to resist that a bit. You dont' want anything absolutely rigid, but something that does offer some resistance. Cork, EVA, Rod Bond or silicone rubber are all good for this.

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I've used PC-7 paste epoxy with great success. It is a dark grey color when mixed so it blends well with most blanks.

I also use this for my reel seats so it is a great product. Of course Rod bond is always good as well.

Lou

Hot glue . Squit it in until it forms a little mound , turn the rod over quickly and dip in cool water and hold it in the water for a bit . This is what most manufacturers use to plug the male ferrules , quick and easy , a little messy but wipes off with goo-gone or alcahol . Got to do it relatively quicly because the hot glue will just run down the inside of the balnk , whole process should only take a couple of seconds , then when the glue is cooled cut it with a razor so it is flush .

Shai

When you put your reel seat on, just take a little and stick it in the end, then wipe the end off

Being a neophyte rodbuilder I am by no means an expert on this. However, I use 5 minute epoxy which is slightly thickened to begin with, add a little balck pigment and a pinch of milled fibers and dab a bit into the end. It kicks fairly quickly, then I knock the edge off and fair it on my beltsander. Looks good and very neat.

The only thing is I don't think 5 MIN is water proof??

Just a tad of PC-7.