What is the best epoxy to use to mount grips and reel seats? I have used 5 min epoxy on the first two rods I built. I bought some rod bond a while ago which brings me to my next question. Is there a shelf life on epoxy? My rod bond I bought almost two years ago but never opened it. I also have some other epoxy for guides which is old and unopened. Should I just get new epoxy or use what I have?

Hi Michael,

I use Quik Bond to mount my grips and seats. Regular Rod Bond is great as well.

This should answer your other questions. [rodbuilding.org]

Take care,

Chris



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/19/2016 07:48PM by Chris Herrera.

Rod Bond every time. It has a thousand other uses!

If the epoxy hardener for guides has already heavily yellowed, I'd get a new 2 bottle set, only because of the color over light threads/white blanks

I use 5 minute, 15 minute, 30 minute or 60 minute epoxy depending on my needs for cure time. All of the above will work very well for these rod building tasks.

Be safe

I only use one structural epoxy: GFlex 650 liquid from West-System. Cures very flexible for grips, bushing, seat.
[www.jamestowndistributors.com]

I buy it at West Marine - no relation to West System Epoxy.

Herb

"If the epoxy hardener for guides has already heavily yellowed, I'd get a new 2 bottle set, only because of the color over light threads/white blanks."

If you only wrap with yellow, brown, or black, on dark blanks, this is never a concern......lol.

Chris

Some times U40 Quick Bond (15 minute set) or if I think it will take longer U 40 Rod Bond for grips. Rod Bond should stay good for 3-4yrs. if in 80 degree temps or less. Your guide epoxy is fine for anything other than white rods.

Unused epoxy does not deteriorate over time, what does happen, is the hardener will yellow, and as mentioned above this can be an issue on white wraps and blanks.

jerry & others, I think the question refers to epoxy adhesive not finish so the yellowing is irrelevant.

Mike, looking at the technical data sheets you'll find that longer setting epoxy has higher strengths than the 5 minute. So I'll urge you to use the regular longer setting one. Also, it allows you more time to adjust things in place. Most brands guarantee up to 12 months or so with some up to 2 years. After that, it's best to test before use.

Hi Ken,

Michael also asks about some "epoxy for guides" that he has, hence the appropriate comments regarding potential yellowing.

Take care,

Chris

Ken,
You are 100% correct in that slower setting epoxy adhesives have higher tinsel strength.

Although that is true, I have never seen a joint made with 5 minute epoxy on a rod build give way. So, even though the slower drying epoxies are stronger, the 5 minute epoxy is actually much stronger than what is actually needed for a secure joint.

Good luck

Thanks again for the help.

Mike P.

Hi MIchael,

Two year old unopened Rod Bond is not a problem. It has a very long shelf life. You could almost say it has an unlimited shelf life. If, however, the "Resin" (white) part becomes difficult to stir then it has most likely become crystallized. The remedy for this is easy. Take the lid off and microwave it for ten second increments until it is relatively hot (the jar will be hot to the touch but not too hot to handle). Keep an eye on it. You don't want to melt the jar or totally cook the resin, just get it hot. Now stir it good and it is ready for use again. Let it cool to room temperature before mixing with the Hardener. Once in a great while the Hardener might (very rare) become crystallized. If so follow the same procedure as with the Resin.

Dan