I assembled an unwrapped rod blank (not as tightly as a finished rod) and gave it a light waggle. When I did I heard a distinct ticking at the top ferrule. Then I placed one hand on either side of that ferrule and flexed the ferrule. It felt like the tip of the male section was going back and forth inside the female ferrule.

I don't perceive this as normal, but want to avoid the expense of exercising the manufacturer warranty.

Any thoughts?

Jeff Shafer

If you are sure that the tip section is loose from the furrel, send it back, if it is a cheap blank, upgrade.

Are you shoure you have the two sections fitting correctly??



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/28/2005 07:30AM by bill boettcher.

You can fix it yourself, if you wish. What you need to do in that instance is remove just a slight amount from the bottom of the female ferrule. This will allow the sections to slide into each other a bit further, bringing the tip of the male section into closer contact with the upper inside of the female ferrule.

If the blank is new and you have yet to build on it, you may also want to just return it to the maker for a replacement. Once a rod is built, the above instructions usually provide the quickest and least expensive option.

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Now it sounds like you are just not putting the two sections together correctly?
Put them together and just before they seat, twist a little and seat them. Do this several times and they should fit better each time.
Or trim a little as Tom says.

The bottom of the female ferrule is seating before the tip end is. Assuming you are assembling he sections fairly snug, you won't fix the problem by simply using more force. You need to get the male section to seat further into the female section. If it's off just a tad, the first procedure will work. If it's terribly bad, I'd return it.

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You know if this is a new blank there is no reason you should have to do anything to make it the way it should have been when you purchased it. I would also recommend you contact the manufacturer. These things do happen I have seen my share here.

Todd

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com

Thanks everyone,

I did not bear down on the sections when I assembled them, as they are not wrapped. Didn't want to split the female ferrule. Returning the blank to the manufacturer, if my perception about the fit is wrong, will cost me $20 (~20%) more for my blank. As of now I plan to wrap the top three sections with cheap components and cast it with no grip/reel seat. Won't end up being a rod I'll treasure, but I won't risk good components on this particular blank.

I guess I could also just wrap that female ferrule, coat with epoxy and then do a proper bayonet assembly to see if the ticking/knocking go away.

Jeff Shafer

You won't likely split it if you just assemble it snugly - but don't go out and heavily load it without the wrap there.

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