I just built a new spinning rod and when first trying it out it seemed to make a creaking sound when under pressure. I have never noticed this before. I assume it is the finish flexing. Is this normal?

If you allow too much finish to wick up around the guide feet, what you are hearing is the finish separating from the guide frame. At least this is what happens most of the time. Try to be careful around the guides and not allow too much finish to accumulate around the guides. Every rod will creak some on the first flex after finish. If you are worried, examine the flexed rod under load to see if any finish cracks can be observed. You should also wait a couple of days before you start flexing the finished rod to allow the finish to cure.

Terry

spray it with WD 40 or som e other type of lube. i've had this happen and posted about it several years ago on this forum

I mean spray where teh guide foot touches teh epoxy

My experience is that it is the guides creaking. I have seen this before and it has disappeared after some use.

When I am adjusting guide feet to match up with the blank I hear this creaking. The guide has yet to be installed and is in my hands when I hear this. It has never produced a problem. Have fun catching fish on the rod as it is.

Capt Neil Faulkner

X2 on Billys suggestion.
When I have this happen, I just use sewing machine oil on each guide.

Take care
Roger