Ok, I give up! Please someone help me with this. I measure the rod blank where I want to put the winding check but they never seem to fit. Do I need to take the measurement and convert it or something?

Measure blank OD in mm and order the next LARGER size. That's as close as you'll get.

Comments deleted



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/20/2016 04:30PM by John E Powell.

10-4,
Many of the rods are somewhat close in size. As a result, the need for two many different sized checks is reduced. But, i keep about 30 different sizes in the sizes that I may need so that I generally always have the correct diameter on hand.

I generally use the ones that have a bit of stretch, so I like to use one that will just come tight on the blank a few inches above the final location. Then, the check stretches just a bit for a final perfect fit.

In the case of metal checks, I use checks that are a touch larger and will generally have a couple of thicknesses of thread wraps on the blank before sliding the check in place to insure that it stays in place. I also put a couple of drops of glue on the spot to secure the metal checks in their final position.

Be safe

Like Roger, I keep s supply and replenish it when I see that I'm getting low. I prefer the metal winding checks. When I build a rod, I wrap thread where the winding check will be. This cushions the blank. When you put tiny dab of epoxy glue on the bottom side of the winding check, the winding check will be fixed in place permanently.

If you only build one or two rods a year, you should ask your supplier to fit a winding check for the rod. I also think you might ask your supplier to include a winding check one size larger and one size smaller to insure you have one that fits best.

Good luck,
Mike Blomme

10-4 on Michael's advice on ordering 3 checks when ordering a rod blank. Tell the supplier where the check will be located on the blank and have his send along three checks. One the right size, one smaller and one larger to take care of anything that happens along the way.

Be safe

Or, with proper design of the components, and preferring really clean design, do without winding checks. Many of the rods I see today look like carnival booths with all the gaudy winding checks. If you cannot get rid of them, and if you, like I, prefer cleaner designs, get the black vinyl checks, which are pretty tolerant of size issues, and after you install them, put a filet of wrap epoxy into that blank to winding check junction so that the winding check almost disappears, and you'll have a nice, clean, elegant rod.

I also like vinyl winding checks. Easy to install, look good, last forever, and cheap.
Norm

Great thread for us beginning builders!