Looking at some of the manufacturers as far as guides, i look up a rod tip top for a rod that has a size 5.5 and the catalog states 8-5.0, 6-5.5, 8-6.0 how do I know what is the correct size for the rod tip? Is it the first number or last that you pay particular attention to? It's very confusing for a first time rod builder, so if someone has any information on how to size and order tip tops it would be helpful. I have emailed the manufacturer that i usually order from but havent heard back from them. I know there is a lot of talent here would love to hear what they have to say about it.

In your e-mail, the first number is the ring size, the second is the tube size. The tube size is in 64ths. of an inch, and is generally reasonably accurate. The ring size is the outside diameter in millimeters of the guide ring; the inside diameter varies according to ring width. Generally you're okay matching the ring size of the tip top to the size of the first guide, but go bigger rather than smaller if there is a question.

The 8-5.0 and 6-5.5 listings seem to be transposed. A 5/64ths tube goes better with a 6 mm ring and a 5.5/64ths. tube goes better with an 8 mm. ring. In your e-mail, the only choice you have is the 6-5.5, although I general order one tube size above and below, since the rod tip diameter can vary.

Jim

The first number is the ring size in mm. The second number is the tube size in 64ths of an inch. Usually you would order the ring size the same as the second ring from the tip. You need a gauge to measure the tip of the blank to figure out what size tube you need. You can get them from any of the sponsors on the left, they are cheap. When you order tips, you should order the next smallest and the next largest, as well as the one you measure you need, just in case.

Bill in WV

Drill bits (marked in English units) can also be used to gauge rod blank tip diameter (OD), or the tube size of an unknown tip-top. Calipers are even better, ...

If your drill bits are marked in Metric units:
_N_ millimeters / (25.400) x __64ths = _N_ 64ths inch tube size

-Cliff Hall+++ Merry Christmas

Thanks for the help, i have the gauge but was confused when i was looking at ordering the tip tops.

William,

Question! Why would you order the ring size the same size as the 2nd guide from the tip and not the first guide?? Theoretically, that could result in, say, a size 8 guide, them a size 6, then a size 8 tip top. Just curious!

Mike

i had just put the different sizes in the question to use as an example, thats not what im using on a rod.