hi, im new to rod building and am trying to educate myself on this subject where ever i can. one thing i dont understand is winding checks? it sounds like this is a component that goes on top of the cork handle, but im not sure. how do these work? what are they made of? thanks alot, mark

You are correct. They are used to make a smooth transition from the cork to the blank. Now, as far as what they are made of: many things, you can be creative, but if you are just starting and want to know the "norm" then it is rubber or "rubber-like" material fashioned in a ring shape with a taper. Go to any store that carries rods and look at them. I should answer your questions. Some people make their own, some turn down cork all the way to the blank and just wrap the thread right up the cork. Look at different custom builders websites to look at different options. have fun. Happy wrapping

Here is proof that I'm clueless. Which way to the Nickel Silver winding checks from REC go? I looked at my first rod (laughing) which I remember I had trouble figuring out which way the check went. It had a wedding band knurl on one end, and had a flat piece that was approximately 3-5mm long. I'll tell you which way I put it on after I hear the right way - lol.

Billy

Some people don't use 'em at all. If your cork or EVA foregrip fits well to the blank, you just make a thread wrap up next to it and finish right up to the grip. Looks good.

If you need to fill a gap or bad fit, which is what I think the darn things were designed for to begin with, you can use one of the manfuctured ones or just find some O-rings and use those. I keep a selection of good O-rings on hand use them if I have to. They stretch so the fit doesn't have to be perfect. Try it.

Jim Reid
Certified Professional Rod Builder