Just glued a recessed handle on a 9' Allstar Elite and noticed a split in the cork at the recessed grip. I test fitted the handle multiple times and never noticed the crack. I've got it glued tight to the blank with several rubber bands around the recessed cork. Should I remove the handle now while I can, spare the $30 and start over or could I be alright? I do plan on treating the cork but am not sure if that matters to my current predicament.

Any fast advise would be well appreicated!

Steve

What about an "INVISIBLE WRAP" to secure the cork, without being too conspicuous? ... You could use white silk; or white regular nylon; or clear nylon or fluorocarbon monofilament in very low #-test.

I can't say I've done this over CORK, but an over-wrap of WHITE 2/0-SILK Thread or WHITE Size-A REGULAR Nylon Thread should turn TRANSLUCENT enough (WITHOUT CP) to let the natural color of the underlying cork come thru and not be too obvious.

Picking a Thread Finish that gives you the right texture may be a bit tricky, but if you keep the build-up LOW, there shouldn't be too much shine to the finish.

Also, if you treat the cork, you would want to make this strapping wrap the last step.

Good Luck, -Cliff Hall+++, -USA*****

How wide is the split gap that is visible when it is in place?....If it's for a customer, Id scrap the $30 and do it over...if it's for yourself...then do whatever you feel comfortable with...If it was for myself I would simply reinforce...possibly the method Cliff explains...but for a customer...I'd make it perfect...that means do it over if it is visibly noticable or if there is a chance that it may get worse.

You could also fill the crack with a mixture of cork dust and epoxy and then sand flush after everything has set. Done well, you'd almost never notice it.

...........

Or even better...squirt some titebond III into the crack then clamp together for an hour or so...titebond dries the same color as cork...no dust needed. Sand flat and go fishing.

Andy Dear
Lamar Fishing Products