I'm attempting re-build of an 8 ft spinning rod that is over 35 years old. Is there a safe method of removing the old metal ferrule?

The old glass rods don't take heat very well. I'd spiral cut it and then unroll it from the blank. Make sure not to cut into the blank. A light cut followed by the insertion of a screwdriver bladed, then a twist, is usually enough to do the job.

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Hi Melburn,

Although Tom is absolutely right about the heat tolerance of older glass, may of the rods built in the time range you indicate were assembled with a thermosetting glue, which can be heated, with care (I usually use a lighter, bringing the heat from the side for a few seconds only while rotating the blank) and the ferrule removed. If the ferrule is in good shape, you may want to try this before trashing the ferrule - some of those vintage ferrules (like the old Herter's and Browning blanks) were nickel silver and are worth keeping. Also, there's no compelling reason to remove the ferrule to do a rebuild- if it's solid and clean, just polish it up and reuse it. Thjis will save building a spigot ferrule or sizing a new metal one - just mask off the ferrules if you're going to paint or prefinish the blank. Best of luck.