I did a search of the last year and didn't find anything on this exact topic. I am getting ready to make my first rod with an EVA handle, and want to machine down the end so that the butt cap will fit over it. I really don't have a way to shape it after I put it on the blank, and want to just chuck it on a mandrel and put it in my new Grizzley.
What I planned on doing was to use the digital calipers to measure the ID of the butt cap, and shape the end of the grip down to that. But, I got to thinking (sometimes too much thinking is dangerous!) The EVA is probably going to stretch once it is on the blank. Is it going to stretch so much that this is going to be a problem?
The ID of my EVA is 0.5", and the OD of the blank at the very end is 0.77"

Thanks
Steve Broadwell

The hole will stretch but the ID SHOULD remain the same. When you buy EVA grips, the end is pre shaped for an end cap and the cap still fits after stretching it on to a blank.

You should be OK



Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Mike

Thanks for the help. I went and measured it, and I will have to take it down some to be able to fit the butt cap on. But, not much, so I am just gonna take it down to where it is a real snug fit now, and hope it doesn't get bigger. If it does, I can probably just sand it down enough by hand.
Steve

Steve,
The EVA can be cut easily with a size D thread while turning on a lathe (See Tom Kirkman's Rod Building book). I also found that medium and fine grade drywall screens do a very good job of shaping the EVA on a lathe. Good luck with your project.

Mike Blomme

Hi Steve,
I often cut a recess for the butt cap on many of the rods that I build. I just wrap some masking tape around the grip to use as a guide and I use sandpaper to cut the recess while the grip is turning on a mandrel. I find that the grip will expand when it is stretched over the blank so I usually sand the recess so that the cap fits loose before installing the grip on the rod.