I am a relatively inexperienced builder and I had the bright idea of refinishing an old South Bend fiberglass rod that I had sitting around in the garage. It has been a great learning experience and I think the only thing I have left to figure out is about the ferrules that I ordered for it. I ordered some American Tackle FSS Chrome Plated Brass Ferrules and have a couple of questions about them.

1. What is the best way to attach them to the rod? i.e., What to bond it with? Any special preparation?

2. The male section is open at both ends, do I need to plug the end that is inserted into the female ferrule? If so how?

Mating surfaces need to exhibit a "water break free" surface condition before bonding (see article in library on surface prep). I'd use two part epoxy for bonding.

The male ferrule should be rounded and closed on one end. It's odd that your's is open on both ends. I've not seen one like that before. I would use something like RodBond to plug the end, although I suspect you could get by fine even if you left it open. It's covered and enclosed once you assemble the rod.

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