Can you split an EVA grip length wise to install it on a blank without removing the reel seat? Customer wants a shrink wrap X grips. The cork is in bad shape so I figured I'd try spliting a grip to ift it around the blank. The use shrink wrap to seal the deal then glue the grip to the blank as normal.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/25/2009 07:40PM by Clyde Hunt.

cut the eva spiral cut, you'll get a better bond going back together than length cut.

If the grip is reamed or sized correctly I see no problem. I'd check the shrink tube to see if it also loses length as it shrinks, that could take a bit of figuring to get right.

I've done something similar with EVA and Cork.

I had better results when using cork though. I cut it length wise, then glued and clamped the cork back in place. Once dried, I sanded the handle smooth on a rod lathe so the seem was even with the diameter of the cork, then shrink wrapped it.

The EVA was a bit tougher. I was able to see the seem once the shrink wrap was shrunk over the EVA. What I did afterward was use a base of smooth shrink tube that I found at Harbor Freight Tools in a roll. It's a thicker, electrical shrink tube thats a little stiffer then the x-flock. Then all you do is shrnk your x-flock over it.

Both required a little work at the joint where the grips met rod finish, but both of mine just required a little coat to make it smooth.

The Harbor Freight Shrink tube is actually very durable vs other shrink wraps and can handle some abuse from rod holders.