I have a blank with a 5.31/ 64 tip top measurement (apex to apex). Should I reduce the apexes so that a size 5 tip top fits or should I go with a 5.5? If I reduce the apexes, should I file, sand, scrape with knife, or...

Jim

You can reduce them, but not by much. If a 5.5 is not overly large and looks okay with a trim wrap butted up to it, I'd go that route.

.......

A 5.5 will most likely be too large. If your apex to apex is 5.31/64ths, your flat to flat on the tip should be about .072. .072 is only about 4.6/64ths. All you will need to do is gently sand the the apexes to fit a 5/64ths tip top. Just remember you can always gently remove the apexes, but in general shouldn't begin to sand the flats.

Jim

Just an added thought , as long as your sanding, you may want to figure out where your wrap will be on the rod, and feather those apex's to the tip top for a nicer transision. Much the way we do with the ferrule wrap.

Tight lines to all ~~