When working on a new build and installing an epdm foregrip, what is the best method for applying x flock? The ID of the epdm grip is .6875 and the diameter of the blank above the reel seat is 13/16. I’ve used the method of using some rubber cement to lubricate the blank to slide the grip down into place before, but it make take a little bit more effort this time. Normally I get the grip close to the seat, slide the flock on and heat the end closest to the seat then push it the remainder of the way to get a nice clean edge. I don’t know if that will be possible in this case. Do people typically just install the grip and then heat shrink the flock with it butted up against the reel seat? Or is there more effective method I’m missing?

I never use anything underneath shrink tubing when i install to use for a grip so i can't help you there but X Flock either fits of it doesn't and if it doesn't you need to purchase the next larger size so it will slide over what you happen to have underneath . I have made the mistake of buying the wrong diameter before but since most of it will shrink close to 50% going larger still works in most cases.

Batson Enterprises has a pretty good tutorial on heat shrink application in the The Rod Bench - Tips and Tricks section of their website. I' ve not had any problem rolling the ends over to form a good flat mating surface to reel seat and winding check. You might want to ream your grip a bit more, but the rubber cement trick works very well if done correctly.

You can spray the rod with super 77 3m glue, let it dry to a light tack then side the tube on and shrink the tube keeping the x straight. Then I put a wrap on the ends at the seat.

Thanks Grant, that Batson tutorial answered my poorly phrased question which really was if you could flock the grip before installing it on the blank!