I am in the process of stripping a couple of old factory rods that I have and rebuilding them. In the past I have used a metal saw to saw off the reel seat. However, I find that it sometimes cuts into the blank. I plan to extend these factory rods so need to make sure that the blank remains perfect. What is the best method to remove these old reel seats w/o damaging the blank? Thank you in advance.

Hi Lam,
Try putting it in a bucket of very hot water for several minutes and then twisting it with a pair of multi-grips. You might have to do it a number of times before it comes loose.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

I just put a lovely burl reel seat on a bamboo blank. Beautiful except I forgot it was bamboo, hexagonal instead of round and I had not aligned it on one of the six flat surfaces WHERE THE GUIDES NEED TO GO! I took the bottom cap off, got a heat gun with a nozzle that fit into the rear opening and blasted it with hot air. I had padded channel lock pliers holding the reel seat so I could twist it off without burning my hand. The Rod Bond softened and the seat twisted off but the burl spacer broke in the middle. A little contact cement, a little sanding on the lathe and a coat of Lumi-Seal and it's good as knew-re-installed now the correct way.

Many other ways to remove-I'm sure others will chip in, but I was trying to save this seat since it was brand new. As with any other aspect of Rodbuilding-make a mistake, correct it, learn lesson and never make the same mistake. There are plenty other mistakes to be made.

I always try the heat and twist method first as described. If that doesn't work use a cut off wheel on a dremel tool and carefully cut the reel seat then pry it off the blank with a screwdriver being careful not to pry against the blank. Wouldn't do this with a flush fitting reel seat.

Rufus
Port Saint Lucie, FL

I know that more than one person has suggested heating the reel seat and then twisting it free. I don't agree with this, as twisting the reel seat could cause the blank to splinter - especially if the blank is also very hot. Try to pull the reel seat off as straight as possible.

Jeff

X2 - jeff.

Take a band saw and saw the reel seat off.
Or use a dremel tool with an abrasive wheel to cut through the reel seat on each side of the blank. Put a screwdriver in the new slot, twist and the reel seat will pop off.

Roger

Don't know what style of seat you are talking about, but I have had 100% success putting the reel seat in a ziplock bag and the submersing it in boiling water for 10 minutes and the pulling the seat off. Sometimes have to repeat the process, but has always worked. Be careful with twisting to avoid harming the blank.

Dremel tool works best for me. I once tried a hacksaw and had to buy a new blank. Since then I have used a Dremel-type tool several times with success and not even a scratch on the blank.
Michal

I use the dremel tool (With a Diamond cutting Wheel) approach! after using most of the above mentioned procedures here. I found it less time consuming and cost-effective since I do not have room for a band saw and the Dremel seems to cover a wide variety of makeshift tooling for the job at hand ! Have fun and make sure to wear EYE Protection when you cut things with that Wheel. I have seen to many folks lose there eye ...really I have! Good day Builders !

Rick H.

rwheil@msn.com

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I always use the dremel then pop it apart with a flat screw driver even on full contact seats. You don't have to split it 100% to get it to split open with a screw driver. I haven't figured out how to split one with band saw.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

Rick Heil Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I use the dremel tool (With a Diamond cutting
> Wheel) approach! after using most of the above
> mentioned procedures here. I found it less time
> consuming and cost-effective since I do not have
> room for a band saw and the Dremel seems to cover
> a wide variety of makeshift tooling for the job at
> hand ! Have fun and make sure to wear EYE
> Protection when you cut things with that Wheel. I
> have seen to many folks lose there eye ...really I
> have! Good day Builders !

Couldn't agree more with the above post,
I have only had a dremel a short time but it has made quick work of some reel seats, HOWEVER it does seem like a small toy that wouldn't hurt and on several occasions I have found myself looking directly over it making sure Im staying away from the blank and THEN realised it's time to get the safety glasses on, Im still learning but hopefully now not the hard way, be careful !!

Thank you guys. Will try the dremel. If that doesn't work then into a pot of hot water it goes. Thanks again!

carefully make a cut on one side Two if you want Insert a screw driver and twist Like said It will loosen and come off

Bill - willierods.com

One thing on the Dremel. It does work great, but you're using very high rpm's and the wheel can grab and jerk down on you if you don't maintain tight control of the tool. Above all, take your time and let the Dremel do the work.