I've had trouble in the past securing small single foot guides on the tip section of fly rods. On my next couple of fly rods I'll be using either minima or rec single foot guides. I once tried super glue, small o-rings, rubber bands ect. I have also seen guide foot adhesive in glue stick form. How does this stuff compare to tip top hot melt cement? I want to try dental bands or those spinnerbait collars. Will any one at the expo have small(dental) bands? By the way do I even need to prep the recoil or minima guides if they look ok?

The guide foot adhesive is softer (more like a sticky wax) and it works great on all smaller guides, it however will not hold a heavy guide such as a large stripper when you turn the rod. I use it almost exclusively on my fly rod builds. Takes a little practice to get the hang of it, but once you do, I think you will like it.

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Dean,
Prep all of the guides. It just makes a much better job and it makes the guides much easier to wrap.

I wouldn't use any adhesive of any kind when wrapping rods. Just something to get in the wrong place and cause an issue.

Lots of methods to easily secure the guides with little hassle.

The easiest thing to do is to simply use thin ( 1/16th inch wide masking tape. Don't touch the end of the tape where it will adhere to the rod, or skin oil will cause poor adhesion for the temporary tape up.

Then, just go to a nice skinny band that nicely fits the rod. Although these bands work just fine, they are somewhat of a hassle.

Or you can go with the thread wrap method, where you put several wraps on the rod, and then just slip the end of the guide under the first two or three wraps and tighten the wraps down tight and you will be good to go.

Take care
Roger

Roger you da man. I appreciate all the comments. I think I'll give that last method a try. thanx

The guide adhesive from flex coat works great. it does not cause any problem with wraps or finish. Ive been using it with micros exclusively lately. The key is not to get a ton of it on. i use a set of tweezers to hold the guide, heat the foot up slightly swipe it across the adhesive stick then stick it on the blank. I tried tape and bands and all that jazz but just never liked it. A lot of people dont seem to care for it, but it does work well for me anyway.

I have also used the guide adhesive for about thirty years. I use it to hold micro guides and large guides on surf rods. I have no problems using it.

I use the guide foot adhesive and it works great. Lot easier to work with than little bands or tape for those with the arthritis in the fingers. Like Phil said, hit it a lick with the lighter, slide it across the glue stick and place on the blank. I hold it in place for about 5 seconds and then start wrapping. I have used it for guides up to byag25

I use the bands because they serve double duty, allowing for easy repositioning during static placement, and then holding the guides in place for wrapping. On thinner tip sections, double the bands over, for a firmer hold. I like to place extra bands on the blank, just in case I need to rewrap a guide.

George Forster
Fort Collins, CO

OK you glue the foot on, wrap it, and then find that you need to move it a little, what then?

If it needs to move then just move it. The guide foot adhesive is very weak. Just strong enough to hold them in place to wrap. They adjust very easily. I usually use bands while doiing my guide layout and test casting because they offer the easy movement needed during those processes. However when i am done, i mark my table with all the guide positions then remove the guides so that i can give the blank a quick clean up with warm soapy water to make sure there are no oils or contaminates that will mess with my finish. I then put the guides back on with bands (regular size guides) or adhesive (micros) then wrap away. Thats just whats easiest for me.

I do as Phil. Use bands for static testing and guide foot adhesive for wrapping. and I never have trouble moving a guide if it is not wrapped overly tight.


All of the answers are correct so try all if you want. I have not had a problem with stickiness on the blank. if you do not get the guide at the exact spot the first time and need to move forward or back all you need to do is scrape off the excess with your thumb nail.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio