I'm building a Sage XP 4wt and have searched and read the archives about sealing the male ferrules with black RTV. Some have mentioned Rod Bond as a better (stronger) alternative.

If I use Rod Bond, how much do I use? How do you get it into the ferrules? After I put the sealant in should I stand the sections vertically with the male end down and if so, how do I keep the sealant from dripping out?

Aside from strengthening the ferrule is there any other benefit from sealing?

Appreciate any thoughts and advice.

Joel

When you use Rod Bond, just use a craft stick or something else flat and push in about a 1/4" worth. You don't need to do anything special to keep the Rod Bond in place, it will not run. Sealing the ferrule will also help to keep moisture out.

Jeff - Platte River Rods

Joel,

I use my handy dandy spatula. There are oh so many uses for them in rod building that I now have a half dozen around fo different sizes and qualities for different applications. Press it down as jeff suggested. I like to put enough in so that I think it is enough to fill the last 3/4" of the tip. Once I have it all in, I flip mine over and tap it down by tapping the blank against something soft (a piece of foam on a hard floor works). This will force the rod bond nearest the end of the tip and make sure it is fairly even. Then just let it dry.

Rick
rkoontz@andrew.cmu.edu

Jeff and Rick - thanks for your responses. I appreciate the help!
Joel

I just did this task on four rods tonight and what I did was to take a small piece of eva foam trimmed to the approx inside diameter of the male ferrule. Then I gently pushed it in using the end of a finish brush, just about a quarter of an inch down. Then standing the rod vertically against the edge of my tying table held with a rubber band. I filled the last quarter inch with flex coat 30 minute epoxy using a needle. I am new at this so I can't say if it will last but it looks good.