I'm new to this forum, but I wonder if anyone has ever successfully removed an old fiberglass rod from an aluminum baitcasting handle? I want to reuse the rod on another handle.

You should be able to remove it with heat, just heat the seat up very slowly,getting it to the appropriate temperature without scorching the blank. I've also used a Dremel with success. Good luck.

Brittan Battles
Battle Fin Custom Rods

James,

If the handle was attached with epoxy, you might try submerging it into a pan of boiling water. The hot water would soften the epoxy enough , (if affixed with it), to enable it to be twisted off of the blank. I would suggest placing the handle and lower portion of the rod in a plastic bag before placing submerging it into the hot water for a little protection. It is kind of a trial and error process as far as how long of time to submerge the handle. Then gently twist and pull the handle, making sure not to fracture the glass blank when pulling off the handle.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

Thank both of you Brittan and Donald.I tried the heat from an open flame,but probably did not get the metal hot enough. I'll try the boiling water next. The rod is a Garcia Conolon,No.2524-A. It's probably from the 1960's and it is in like new condition. The handle is about 6 inches long and angled downward.I'll be installing the glass rod on a Champion Featherweight handle if I can successfully separate the glass from the Garcia handle.

Which piece are you trying to save - the handle or the rod blank?

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The rod blank,but if the two can be separated I could see some value in saving the handle.

On further thought,maybe the correct question is ---Does anyone know what type of adhesive might have been used in the 1960's?

Heat can damage the rod blank so be very careful there. Glass blanks won't withstand much heat. Spiral cutting and splitting the handle off is a common method to save the rod blank.

There were a number of nitro-cellulose type adhesives used on rods back in that time period. I'm not sure what amount of heat is needed to break their bond, although many have and still do it. Just be cautious of the rod blank if you go this route.

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Thank you Tom. I'll proceed very carefully.

If I am not mistaken,Conolon used a product called NARMCO cement. If so, then heat should break the bond. I would secure the handle in a vice and when heated,pull the blank straight out of the handle. I don't advise twisting. That,in and of itself can damage the blank. If all else fails, I would use a Dremel tool with a cutoff wheel.

Thanks for the info on NARCO. It's been a bit cold and wet here in south Texas, so I haven't set up a propane burner and tank yet, but I'll do it soon.

Today I set up the burner and tank to heat the rod handle. I had the water at 200 to 210 degrees F and tried to separate the parts after one minute,five minutes and fifteen minutes. I used a padded vice to hold the handle and pulled straight back so the fiberglass would'nt get twisted. The handle changed color and held fast. So I used a Dremel tool to cut the handle aluminum in a spiral and broke the metal off of f of the rod. Thank each of you(Brittan,Donald,Tom & Chuck) for your advise.The adhesive appeared to be some kind of very hard rubbery substance of a dark yellow color.