Is it neccessary to rough up the blank area where the cork grips are to be set before setting in rod bond or does it really matter. Thanks.

I choose to. It helps with adhesion and for what little time it takes I'll take the extra insurance.

Yes it matters. You want a water-break-free surface condition in place before mounting grips. Not necessarily "roughed up" but deglossed.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

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Yes, it really does matter. There is a good chance the bond will break over time if you leave a glossy finish. Most of the repairs of loose grips I have done are because there was a nice shiny surface where the epoxy didn't adhere and the grip was loose at that point.

Ream the grip to ensure a snug but not overly tight fit, prep the blank to a water break free surface and epoxy away.

Have fun!

Terry

I usually use 320 grit sandpaper before I glue anything to the blank. Since I build all my grips on the blank, I measure how far up the blank I need to degloss the blank, then lightly sand until there is no more shine. Some will disagree with me here, but I then put a little acetone on a paper towel and wipe the area down. There won't be enough acetone to harm the blank, and it ensures a good bond. Never had a grip or reel seat come loose in 44 years.

The last step in surface prep should never be a solvent wipe - the solvent wipe should come first. I believe Ralph covered this in his article as well.

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BoB

I use Loctite 0151 (Hysol) to bond the grip to the blank. With excellent success.

The first step of the manufacturer’s directions is...

Step 1. “Before mixing, prepare surfaces to be, clean, dry and free of oil, grease or wax. Epoxi-patch bonds best when the surfaces are thoroughly roughened with an emery cloth or sand paper and cleaned with solvent prior to applying adhesive”.

I agree with Ralph and Tom that a final wipe with solvent is not necessary. BUT, if I should have a problem with the assembly, the first thing the manufacturer will ask is, did you follow the directions.

Therefore, I feel more comfortable in giving a final wipe with solvent as the manufacturer recommends. Plus, I never had any issues with this Epoxy by following these instructions.

The bonding of a grip be it cork, foam, etc. to a blank is not critical. The loads and stresses on a grip are not that severe or critical that solvent cleaning prior to adhesive application could be detrimental to the process.

A thorough cleaning, de-greasing and possibly a light abrading with or without a final solvent wipe is more than adequate.

John

we all have way's to cut cornners in doing things in life, but I have to save a lot to cut a corrner in building a rod I want it to last,
I clean frist, ruff it up , an clean it again , it only takes a small bit of time to do it , this is what I do , it is over kill I know but it is my rod an I am not the best rod builder, I do the best job I can my 2 CTS

William Sidney
AK