My first attempt at using fiberglass drywall tape for bushings failed pretty miserably. Everything was going well until I went to disassemble the handle after fitment and the bushings were destroyed in the process. The problem is that the fiberglass tape has adhesive on the outside as well as the inside so it ends up sticking to the handle components. Am I doing something wrong? Thanks!

I drywall tape the same as the mesh tape sold in rod building catalogs?

Get the Flex Coat arbors. Easy to use.

Ryan,
Sounds like your fit was a bit too snug. Just get an easy slip-fit and it'll work well.

I use the standard drywall fiberglass tape without any problems at all. I cut it in half widthwise, and start wrapping it around the blank, using a butterknife to spread rod bond into the weave of the tape. Every few turns, I spread it, and apply more if necessary to be sure the rod bond is running continuously through the layers. I usually wrap a bit larger than I need, and then trim it back so that the reel seat slips over the arbor without being so tight that it moves the upper layers of tape. When everything is right, I generously butter the arbors with rod bond, and slip the seat into place. Works every time.

Rich Levy Wrote:
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> I use the standard drywall fiberglass tape without
> any problems at all. I cut it in half widthwise,
> and start wrapping it around the blank, using a
> butterknife to spread rod bond into the weave of
> the tape. Every few turns, I spread it, and apply
> more if necessary to be sure the rod bond is
> running continuously through the layers. I
> usually wrap a bit larger than I need, and then
> trim it back so that the reel seat slips over the
> arbor without being so tight that it moves the
> upper layers of tape. When everything is right, I
> generously butter the arbors with rod bond, and
> slip the seat into place. Works every time.


Do you not let the fiberglass tape dry first before you apply your reel seat?

No you do not let the arbors dry. I fit mine dry to a light-snug fit. I use a Caliper set to the reel seat I.D. to measure the size then remove ,coat and set the seat by screwing the seat over the arbor by twisting it in the same direction as the tape was applied. After reappling the tape I wrap tie it with thread before setting the seat to keep it in place

Seems like a lot of work. Flex coat arbors are a lot faster, easier and no mess! Pretty inexpensive also (Just my opinion!!)

Mike

Seems like a lot too me also

I think my problem then was just that I was trying to make the arbors too snug. I will try making them fit looser next time. I would have used the Flex Coat arbors, but the space that I needed to fill was quite small because of the reel seat I used, so I was afraid that I would have broken the foam arbors if I sanded them so thin.

Thanks for the help!

If you fit them into the seat FIRST. Then after they are dry use a reamer to fit too the blank.
If you have to make them thin - the rod bond keeps them strong

I see says the blind man!!!