I just got a St. Croix handle kit (FAB-120) and was fitting the parts together to see how it worked.

What I don't understand is why the cork butt piece does not fit the metal piece that glues into the end of the reel seat. Have a look at this photo:

[onlinedesign.us]

If I push the cork butt on as far as I can, there is still a good 3/8th's inch gap. Is this normal? If I had a cork ring, I suppose I could use that to fill the gap. Or I guess I could trim the shaft with a hack saw.

Thanks.

The bore in the cork grip should be deep enough to completely accept the reel seat hood. If not, bore it deeper.

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The last bit of the fighting butt is harder to twist in (to keep it from unscrewing at the wrong moment). There is a usually a rubber ring set in a groove on the shaft that adds the friction.

I have installed many of these and have never had one not fit.

You should not have to trim the FB.

If for some reason it still does not screw in, double check by removing the rubber ring. If it still does not work send it back.

Christian



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/18/2006 03:24PM by Christian Brink.

It screws in all the way. The shaft that you glue the cork butt to is too long. I would drill the hole deeper but its nearly all the way thru to the end of the butt now (and I don't have a drill that size.)

What I was wondering was is it common that the quality control (or whatever you call parts not fitting together properly) common on rod components?

Someone put the wrong cork or shaft in the kit.

Have them send you the right piece.

No this is not common. Nor are kits where the fighting butt cork and the insert shaft are not preglued.

Christian