I have some pre-assembled rear cork handles. One of the grips will slid onto a blank I am preparing to use for a crankin stick. The handle did not require any rasping and is not snug to the blank. I am afraid if I use it the rod bond will lose its adhesion after some fishing time. When is the I.D. of a handle too large to be used on a rod? I normally use a snug fit with the rod bond acting as a lubricant as well as an adhesive agent.

I'd just wrap some masking tape around the blank to tighten up the fit.

Steve Bro
(BroCo Custom Rods)

Depending on how much space you need to fill, you can use thread wraps to fill a small difference, or, fiberglass dry wall mesh to fill a larger space.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/11/2010 12:43PM by George Forster.

If you do the tape, do not wrap the blank completely with the tape. I - depending on how large a space you have would use 1/4' tape and make an arbor every say 2" - 2 1/2" Just to snug it up. Prep the blank well for good adhesion.

Bill - willierods.com

Mark,
I simply take the blank, and use 3/4 inch wide masking tape to wrap the handle to allow the grip to have a nice fit on the tape enlarged handle.
I leave a 1/8th inch space between each 3/4 inch wrap, to allow the epoxy glue to adhere to the blank itself.

It just takes a few minutes and I have never had a blank come loose, and great sensitivity.

With respect to blank preparation, I just wipe the blank from end to end with alcohol before starting work and that is all that I have ever found to be necessary.

Take care
Roger

Fiberglass drywall tape is perfect for this.

DR

If it is a space greater than 4 or 5 mm I'd consider using a foam arbor as well as drywall tape. Turn arbors on lathe to snug OD with handle. Ream arbor for snug fit to blank and glue up. I glue my arbors on first and let them cure so they do not slide when the handle goes on.

If you use regular tape, be sure to coat all tape surfaces with epoxy to prevent the tape from disintegrating a few years down the road.

That's my 2 cents.

Thanks Gentlemen.