Never really thought much about this until now... I'm just finsihing up a longer cork handle for an 11', 6/7 weight fly rod I am converting to a switch rod. As a general rule should the winding check of a fly rod be deliberately adhered to the blank & cork handle or is the final thread wrap with finish sufficient to hold it in place without concern for any undo movement or noise? Thanks in advance!

Peter, either way will work just fine. I don't think I have ever seen a winding check come loose. It held in place by the thread if it is a good fit. If the fit is not that great, then I would adhere it to the cork and the blank both.

Peter,
I do it both ways.
Often, it is more convenient to have the winding check adhered to the blank , when the handle and reel seat is glued in place. This is especially true, if the winding check is a touch large. The glue will hold it secure, even without the thread.

Be safe

I usually glue the winding check to the cork grip, using a tooth pick to place a couple of tiny drops of epoxy glue (rod bond) in place.

When using a metal winding check we always go slightly oversize to assure no shear point there,
and then put a small dab of epoxy on the blank underneath to secure it.

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

If you are building a rod for really aggressive fish, like bonefish, you may want to reconsider putting anything on the blank that could snag the line. After fishing for them and seeing how fast stuff happens, I won't put a keeper on a fly rod. The frame of the first guide is fine for a keeper.

Michael, he is talking about a winding check, not a hook keeper.

I always do, but that's just me... Should work either way.
Jeff

Right Randolph, how'd I get that wrong? But another comment on the right subject this time, if I use the compliant, rubber/plastic winding checks, I fully encapsulate them in epoxy. They sort of disappear, and I never have winding checks that are split by ozone exposure or whatever causes some factory rods to have split checks after a few years. Even the top brands made right here in the good ol' USA.