I'm guessing that when using cork tape on a surf rod you rely only on the adhesive backing on the tape to hold it to the rod and that you don't add any extra stuff like a two-part epoxy? Call me stupid but this is the first time I've really messed with this cork tape.

The adhesive backing holds it to the blank, but you finish over the ends with thread and epoxy, tape, or shrink tubing to ensure the ends do not peel away.

If you do add adhesive it will be hard to replace the tape when it gets roughed up. you can add a butt cap to hold it down or do a thread wrap.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

I have had cork tape on my rods for 5-7 years using only back adhesive and a butt cap / thread wrap ramp, still works fine. Still has that grippy feeling

I hate cork tape, but not because it adheres to the blank poorly. Just make sure the blank is clean, and you'll be fine. You don't need anything other than the sticky stuff on the back of the tape.

Chris by clean would you also scuff the area where the cork is going to be placed with a Scotch Brite gray pad and do a water test? Just a thought .I have never used tape before. To me it should be done to make sure all oils are removed and the tape is adhering directly to the blank.
Good Wraps Bob

Bob, I've never bothered to do anything other than wipe the blank with denatured alcohol. I do this to make sure there isn't any dust or other stuff to interfere with bonding; once it's clean and dry, I let 'er rip. Once wrapped, I roll the outside of the grip on a flat surface like a kitchen table or my brother-in-law's head, and this seals the bond, and makes cork tape stick to the blank very, very well. I've found no need for scuffing or anything like that.

I dislike cork tape not because I think it stinks, but because I think there's something else -- nylon twine -- that works way, way, better. But cork tape, despite what I say, is actually not a bad material.

Chrise other than using your brother in laws head for a roller you might try using your wives dough roller or a cheese cutter ( the type that has the wire and roller, cut the wire off). I use the cheese type on my weave or thread art. Don't let your wife know you tool her cheese cutter or dough roller LOL
Good Wraps Bob

I use a Wall paper seam roller, works well

I saw a post where someone was suggesting to wet the blank with alcohol so that the tape could easily be manipulated into position. Any comments?? E....

I would think what ever is used to make the tape sticky would be compromised by using alcahol. I use alcahol to remove sticky gum
Good Wraps Bob

Good morning,

I use the 1/16" HD cork tape for grips.

The thinner diameter lays better on the blank when installing. I will double wrap to make a 1/8" grip. The second layer is offset 50% so I do not have seams on top of each other. You can also start the tape at the opposite end.

When using double layers I install a layer of contact cement on top of the first layer of tape. This guarantees that the 2nd layer will not come loose.

I do seal each end under the reel seat and butt cap or wrap the ends.

Many surf rod customers do not want a reel seat so I offer to place shrink tubing over the cork tape in the area where the reel seat will go. Then they can clamp or tape away to their hearts delight when installing the reel.

Shrink tubing is so much easier to replace than the cork tape and much less expensive.

Capt Neil Faulkner