I am thinking about trying to remove a nickel silver reel seat (Struble U20) from a fly rod using boiling water. Rod Bond holds it in place. I've read many posts on the process, and about the use of a plastic bag to protect the wood insert. In my case I don't care about damaging the wood insert, but would like to leave the cork grip in place. Ideally, I'd like to be able to re-install the U20 seat with a different wood insert. It would actually be advantageous if the hood inside the cork would remain in place as to not disturb the cork. This removal seems full of risk - mainly risk of damaging the cork, which is of more value than the blank.

After reading the posts on boiling off reel seats, I've decided that I don't need to wrap the seat in a plastic, but will the boiling water have a negative impact on the cork grip, which includes a couple of rings of Exotic Burl?

Jeff

Jeff,

I have done a couple of the boiling water tricks, and what your trying to do is kinda simple.

After your water is boiling, only dip the bottom half of the reel seat in the water, it takes several minutes for the heat to soften up the rod bond.
If you can have someone help you by holding on to the blank as you pull and twist, get the first half off then work on the insert.
It will come off much easier if you split or cut deep with an Exacto knife, remember go slow and easy, if you do it right the insert will come out from underneath the front part of the reel seat.
The cork will not get hurt by the steam or boiling water as long as you don't keep it under the water for very long.
REMEMBER GO SLOW AND EASY. you will do just fine. If all else fails a Struble dealer can sell you a cork replacement for the front hood or you can make your own.
One last thought depending on how old or how much dirt or corrosion there is on the reel seat it may discolor a little or a lot, it shouldn't but it may.