I've replaced several guides but this was my first major repair or what I would consider major up to this point. A friend gave me a rod he purchased at a fishing show. It was a custom built rod and the reel seat had come loose. The handle was a pistol grip so I cut that off first and then the reel seat pretty much came right off. Masking tape was used for arbors under the seat. Too me, it didn't look like enough glue was used either. There was also masking tape under the cork pistol grip. It was pretty interesting. With all the products available now I just can't see me ever using masking tape when building a custom rod for myself or anyone else. I was able to use the same real seat and rebuilt it with graphit arbors. I glued the seat back in place and replaced the pistol grip. Turned out pretty good.

Probably the seat was not prepped properly with a water breakfree surface.Just because its custom does not always mean it was done right.But if it was done by someone who frequents this board then it was most likely done right.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

Not too long ago I repaired 6 Sage fly rods a guy had custom built. He had not used them and wanted titanium reel seats - Lucky for him - he had not used them yet and sent them to me. All the reel seats came right off.

The original builder did not use masking tape arbors correctly. He created the arbors and applied epoxy to just the outer portion of the tape. No epoxy between the arbors.

Beginners should not use masking tape, for some reason most beginners don't get that the masking tape is to hold epoxy in between the arbors.

Christian

When I use to use masking tape years ago. I would wrap the tape tight then I would cut thine sliced lines into the tape all the way to the blank. The arbors were set in from the edge of the reelseat about 1/4 inch. I would load my bonding agent (Rod Bond) all over the arbors forcing into the cuts I made. As I place the reelseat in place, I twisted it on and packed the ends with more Rod Bond. I had enough working time to place my forgrip in-place and clamp it down. This would force the bond into the tape. I am glad there are better ways to make arbors today. I now use sticky wall board tape that has pores in it. I always scuff and clean the end side of my reelseat also.
Good Wraps Bob