First of all, I want to say thanks to Tom Kirkman for his wonderful book -- I loved it, and had a blast building my first custom rod, which was a surf rod.

I'm building my second surf rod, and I have a stupid question about cork tape, which I didn't use on my first rod (I used EVA). The question is about basic reel/grip construction when using cork tape.

From a conceptual standpoint, I think I grasp what I need to do, including short putting EVA grips over the cork tape where the tape meets the reel seat. My question, though, is about the tapered ring that goes at the top end of the foregrip, and keeps the cork tape from unraveling. What the devil is it called? Is it just thread wrap, like what's on the guides, or is it a ring that I can buy? I've looked all over Mudhole's website, and can't find it.

I know it's a stupid question, but any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Chris , there are no stupid questions , It is only stupid when you dont ask . We have what you are looking for , and will be glad to help with any other questions . We are on the sponsor list Fishsticks 4u , or call 804-746-9711 . Robert

Chris , there are no stupid questions , It is only stupid when you dont ask . We have what you are looking for , and will be glad to help with any other questions . We are on the sponsor list Fishsticks 4u , or call 804-746-9711 . Robert

Chris; There is nothing you have to buy it is a ramp you build
. you can ramp up thread in layers or you can trim down the cork tape using sand paper on your lathe

Hi Chris,
Back in the days a lot of guys just used electrical tape and then a coat of finish but I never really liked that very much.
Now I just get some electrical heat shrink tubing in the right color and diameter. Works great and looks very good too!

Good luck and have fun!!

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Thanks for the responses. I went home and looked through Tom Kirkman's book, and there was a section in there that dealt with this situation. Tom recommended using thick thread, and wrapping it just like a guide, and I think I'm going to try that. I do like the other ideas, though - one of things that I love about rodbuilding is that there are so many options, and none of them is "wrong," so you can have fun doing it.