I have a new rod in which the front cork grip has developed( 2) 3/4 " cracks.Can thesecracks be fixed? I don`t want to resort to putting shrink wrap over the grip.

I assume you mean splits? Either via flexing the rod or using a thin needle, spatula, etc., see if you can open the split or crack and get some 2-part epoxy in there. Then release and allow the split or crack to close. Wipe off any excess epoxy that squeezes out. With a bit of solvent on a rag you may be done. Otherwise to restore a uniform appearance, you can lightly sand the entire grip to remove any remnant of epoxy or discoloration.

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If it's a new rod why not send it in for warranty replacement/repair?
Herb

Do these "cracks" result from manufacturer's putty/filler falling out from pre-existing "cracks"? It takes 200 years for a cork oak to produce usable cork, and the growth of building in cork oak forests plus the growth of wine aficionados pretty much puts "paid" to cork rod grips. You could resort to sanding bottle corks with 150 grit sandpaper, stirring the cork powder into clear-flexible epoxy, and carefully filling the gaps with this mixture, as smoothly as you can. Flexible epoxy does not sand down well.

or you can use this [www.mudhole.com]

The best day to be alive is always tomorrow !!
Think out side the box when all else fails !!!
Wi.

OOPS, not 200 years! Here are the facts.

The first stripping of the cork bark occurs when the tree is between 15 and 20 years of age, with subsequent yields at 9 to 10 year intervals. The harvested cork bark is removed from the forests, and are left out in the open air for six months

Better buy all the cork you can get before the tariffs go into effect. I hear good rings will be in the neighborhood of $25 ea. And that's not even the 200 yr. old stuff.

No, Europe is dropping-reducing their 25 year old tariffs in the face of retaliatory tariffs (better late than never) from the U.S. The monetary exchange rate is a far greater factor in the price of cork.


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[www.wineanorak.com]

The first stripping of cork bark may well occur at 25 years. This cork will be ground into pellets which will be put in a matrix of a rubbery compound which we are all familiar with. Clear cork bark - without the "grain" showing and requiring filling - comes from mature trees. Oaks are a long-lived breed - or they used to be.