Boy have i got a good one this time.lol. A friend of mine has an old rod that he'd like me to replace the old guides with new, and change the thread wrap colors. I told him that's not a problem. But then he asked if i could turn the reel seat around. Right now he has a locking down reel seat, and would like it turned around for a locking up seat. I told him i'm not sure about that. That's my question. Can this be done, and if so how would i go about it. Really could use help on this. Thanks in advance for any info. Jack

Since you are redoing the guides, not a problem. If there is a foregrip, it would have to come off alone with the reelseat, which might have to be cut off and replaced with a new one.

What type of rod is this? Fly, spinning, or? If it is a fly rod, it could be fairly simple to remove off the butt end and reverse if off with out damage.

Jack,
I have done it quite a bit.
Although it may be possible to save the reel seat, I never try since reel seats are so inexpensive.
I just use a dremel tool with an abrasive cut off wheel on it to slice it first on one side, and then slice it on the other side. Pry it off of the blank, cut off the mandrel, clean up the blank and you will be ready to put on a new reel seat with associated mandrel.

Take care
Roger

Yep! Can be done and I agree with Roger about cutting off the old and replacing with new.

That said, if you can place the rod butt in boiling water with the reel seat completely submerged for 5-10min you should be able to twist the seat off and reuse it. Many factory rods (especially old ones) are notorious for using paper arbors and not so great adhesive construction processes. The cork or EVA may not come off except by cutting but the seat can often be removed without destroying it.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Is it a graphite or some type of metal reel seat?

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

The first question, already mentioned, is it a fly rod or a conventional rod. A fly rod would be relatively easy. I would question why he wants it reversed. It could change the balance on the rod slightly. I would also make sure he is willing to pay for the work involved in doing it or, since it is a friend, you are willing to invest the time.

Turning it around will change the length of the butt grip length since the fixed hood will be on the opposite end of the reel seat.