What are some of the things you guys do to stop the epoxy from getting on the hook keeper to stop it from folding over. I have tried a couple of things but am not totally satisfied with my results. Thanks Scott

I think you are saying that you are having problems with epoxy gumming up the works. My advice use less epoxy and take more time. You could also try stopping your wraps a few turns shorter so you don't need to get epoxy as close to the folding part. If you are putting epoxy on with a motor try hand turning your rod when you put finish on the hook keeper wrap.

is it a double foot hook keeper or single? if single just tape it to the blank on the opposite side of the epoxy and then apply super thin coat of epoxy(you could try letting the epoxy set up a little before you apply so it doesnt flow in the hinge but not sure how that would work) and if using a double foot do the same just do one side let it dry then do the other side

Scott,

I feel your pain! That's my favorite keeper, but it's also the most time consuming. I do them with a Forhan locking wrap, so stopping short of the hinge isn't an option. I do most light rods with two coats of Lite and I'm really careful not to get too much on the keeper wrap. I let the rod sit for about a 1/2 hour before putting it in the dryer, flipping it every five minutes or so. When the keeper is in the "down' position, I'll take a length of "D" thread and wipe it across the keeper's leg just below the hinge to remove excess finish on both sides of the leg. It's an extra step, but i haven't had a folding keeper stick since I started doing it.



Mark Griffin
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C&M Custom Tackle
San Dimas, California

Scott,
I second Mark's advice. One other thing I'd add, while hand turning alternate the rod position with the keeper at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock. This helps avoid finish flowing up the keeper leg, as it wants to in the down position.