I have a .328 nickle/silver winding check that is about an inch from fitting down the blank to the top of my cork handle. Can this be filed to fit this much further down? Should I stick with sandpaper or take a file to it? Thanks.

Your in good shape. File it however you wish but not to much at a time. Watch out for scratching the rod while test fitting. My winding check that I am mounting is just a hair to big but after wrapping It will be just fine. Good luck and have fun

if you can wait, here's your chance to start a stock pile of winding checks by holding off and ordering the right size. order a few extras too. sorry gary, maybe you're already at that point. personally, i'm curious how it might turn out (the filing). i might try a dremel-type gizmo for ease.

eric
fresno, ca.

Gary,

I also use nickel silver winding checks on my fly rods, and like to size them myself. My practice has been to get the blank first then measure for a winding check. When I purchase one, it is my preference to get one that is larger than the diameter of the blank. I do this because I like to have a cushion of thread or just epoxy between the NS winding check and the blank. If the blank flexes that far down the blank, I don't want the winding check cutting into the blank. This practice was passed down by a friend who had a fly rod break off cleanly right at the ring. It was the impression of the blank manufacturer that his ring, fit exactly to the diameter of the blank, cut into the rod.

For this reason, I would avoid having an exact fit.

When I wrap thread back against the cork grip and mount the winding check over the thread wrap, size A thread adds about 15/1000 to the blank diameter.

I hope this helps.

Jeff Shafer

Thanks, also, the check has two different diameter at the top and bottom. Does the larger diameter go towards the butt or the tip? Is the smaller diameter supposed to fit into the cork? Thanks again.

Small diamiter towards the tip. It should lay flat against the foregrip Think it will look funny the other way ?

A winding check that fits within an inch of the grip can be stretched by being forced over a tapered punch to the needed diameter. I normally use a wooden block with a hole drilled through it having a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the winding check but larger than the inner diameter of the winding check as a sleeve to stretch the check to the desired diameter. With the winding check placed over the punch just tap the punch into the hole in the block until the check is the desired size. This can be done with a check that is slightly undersized as you have indicated. If the difference in the diameter of the check and the blank is too large however you will split the check if you stretch it too much.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

Stans method is the one I use . You can get a cheap tapered punch at a the home store or auto parts .
Have fun , JHD

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