I was just wondering what does everyone use to glue the tip top on? I have been using the tip top glue but I'm hsveing trouble wwith it sticking. I sand the area down I even scrapped it with a knife. Can I use epoxy that way it'll never come loose?

U-40 Quik Bond. I've used this on the 3 rods I've built so far and the tips haven't fallen off yet, so I figure its OK!

I was having similar problems too and it was because I was applying the glue directly to the rod tip and trying to slip the tip top, but then I saw a video where they cut small thin pieces of the glue and they were inserted inside the tip top tube then heated until it melted and placed on the rod tip. The last thing you need to do is remove whatever glue spills out of the tube. Hope this helps.

I use hot melt glue inserted IN the tube. I use a craft glue gun to make a lot of strips [www.rodbuilding.org] and then just stick one in the tip tube, break off what need, hit with a lighter and slide on the rod. The problem with epoxy is the difficulty in replacing tips.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

I know a few other guys who use hot melt glue sticks also. When I run out of tip top glue, I will become one of those guys.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

I do the same as mike, but use high temp glue sticks so they don't come loose if left in the boats rod locker or vehicle's from summer time temps softening the lower temp types of glue.

I also take a drill bit and run it into the tube of any tops just for grip.

I use Flex Coat 5 min

Bill - willierods.com

Steve, any paticular brand that you prefer.

Herb Bickings

You can u the glue. Cut a thin piece insert it into the the tiptop and heat the top, than install on rod tip. Never had problems. I would not put it on the rod first like others do. U can also use epoxy but if u are just replacing 1 tip top u have to mix 2 parts not worth it unless u are doing others.

I have found my best results with 5 min. epoxy. A little on the tip. A tooth pick to get it in the tube. Slide the tip on and let any residual glue that comes out stay right where it is. After the tip has set up a thumbnail will take the residual off the rod clean as a whistle.

High temp glue over an alcohol burner, get it melted then run a dubbing needle though it creating a thick "string" on the bottom side of the needle. Give it a few seconds to cool then peel it off the needle, roll a little between my fingers and press it down into the tube. Then heat the tube until I see the glue melt and start to "bubble out" and slide the top on the blank. Let it set for a mins until it is dry then peel off the excess. Experimented with a bunch of different ways but this worked the best for me.

I tried the tip glue on about 10 rods years ago.
All of them came loose while fishing, I guess it got too hot.
Since then I have used epoxy on everything and not had the problem again.

I have not had any problems removing tips wit epoxy either, just be real careful with the heat.

I do carry a small stick of the hot melt tip glue in my tackle box along with some gold tape (I think it is for trim) for emergency situations. Never had to use it though PTL....

t

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tom in indy

I agree with you Tom. I just tried tip top glue on a rod for test casting and the first cast the tip came right off. I have used epoxy for many years with no problems and no problems when they have to come off.
Heat gently applied will break that bond without hurting the tip section of the rod.

Ditto with what Tom & Jeff said.