Is there any reason that I can't think of as to why it'd be necessary to use a butt cap or cork plug to fill the end of a blank rather than to leave the hole exposed? I'm having a difficult time with smooth transitions to butt caps at the end of carbon fiber handles.. that's why I am asking.

Rods are bass / walleye rods that will be fished from boats so they shouldn't be getting dirt and the like jammed up the blank. They look fine and without a butt cap that's just one less thing to add for weight - is that reasoning wrong?

Thanks

Even with bass fishing, the butt of my rod has been known to dig into my stomach, especially on a longer handle. I'd think no butt cap might be uncomfortable.

Another thought that comes to mind is that the butt cap could protect the end a little from being chipped or what not if there was some rough use.

Also, what about if it rains? With no butt cap, water could freely run up inside the blank. Might not be a big deal, but just a few random thoughts.

Are you fitting the butt cap into the handle? If not, you could leave a foam cap a bit proud and round the edges. I think that looks good. If my rods didn't have big butt caps my ribs would break.

Anthony

The foam core handle extends 1/16" from the end of the blank. It's rounded (the carbon sock covered foam grip) at the end so there's no bare blank sticking out past the foam. The butt grip on this particular rod is 7" long. The handle would be resting along the forearm rather than against the ribs I would think.... unless a flathead hits.

Just having a dickens of a time with the sock material on edges lately. First couple went on pretty nice but here lately I've wasted a lot of material by getting bulges and wrinkles. Just have to keep messing with it.

I hadn't thought of water getting into the blank as Alex mentioned though.

Thanks

If you look in the last issue of Rod Maker Magazine at the “hot handle” article that will pretty much answer your questions!

So long as the bottom edge is protected from damage I think there would be little harm in leaving it open. Unless it stays outdoors and a wasp decides to build a nest!!

Steve Gardner Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If you look in the last issue of Rod Maker
> Magazine at the “hot handle” article that will
> pretty much answer your questions!

Googrief... that magazine was sitting right here on the desk. Even though I've read the article a couple of times I didn't think of it while messing with this handle. You're right, that pretty much covered my question!

Thanks much

I have been using Zipp carbon fiber bar end plugs for my carbon grips. They are made for cycling and can be found in either local bike shops or online. They come in a two pack for around 10, and they look pretty good, I'll post a pic tonight.

Scott Sheets
www.smsrods.com

Great tip Scott! The Zipp ends are just what I was looking for, thanks.

No prob. I got the idea from Rich Gassmann. Well at least the idea of using Cycling end plugs, took a while to find the Zipp ones.

Here's a few pics

[www.rodbuilding.org]

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Scott Sheets
www.smsrods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/30/2008 06:58PM by Scott Sheets.

For the most part, butt caps and plugs are partly cosmetic and partly intended to protect the end of the blank from damage, within reason. If you're not worried about either of those, then leave it off or do something different.

.............

Here is a link to another solution, "Butt Plugs".

[www.schneidersrods.com]

We use them whenever we want some protection and finished look to the end of a butt grip,
fits up inside the end of the blank and flush to the end of the grip.
Hope this helps,

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381