dumb question maybe, has anyone ever tried using tube silicone as a winding check?

No, bu?t I've used my excess gel epoxy adhesive to build a ramp like check.

I you use the flexible black ones and use a lot of wrap epoxy on them, totally encasing them, a nice filet forms at the check making it basically disappear leaving a nice black-appearing filet.

Theoretically a winding check is something you wrap the thread against, right? Are you planning to use the tube silicone before or after wrapping? If you do a short black wrap against the grip then do the tube silicone I expect it will look a lot like what I do. But I expect it may be more difficult to form. Give it a try and let us know how it goes?

The high grade silicone should last well; it has a lifetime warranty. I've had some on my barn roof for years and it still is in good shape. I think it has turned a little cloudy, though.

Spence, form it with a wet finger?

was planning on using it over a wrap, I dont have alot of inventory on hand, and dont always no what size check to order, so I thought silicone might be a good option. think I'll test it on a junk rod. I'll let you know

Mike,
I certainly would not use silicone as a winding check.

The simple reason is that virtually nothing sticks to silicone. So, even if you put a layer of epoxy over the silicone, the epoxy will not be sticking to the silicone - it will just be housing the silicone and would, I think, create a virtual soft spot on the rod that would be easy to nick and or cut or wear through.

But, use the silicone as a winding check. Use the rod for 5 years and in 5 1/2 years report back as to whether you have had any issues or not.

If you really wanted to use the winding check, just take an old piece of rod blank and put a piece of slicone on the blank in front of a piece of cork or eva to form the equivalent of a rod grip and then put on a couple of coats of epoxy and let it cure.

Then, after a week or so, just try nicking the area with y our thumb nail or a fish hook etc. to see how it stands up to what would be routine wear and tear on the rod.

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If you want a winding check, there are many many excellent products on the market that have stood up to the tests of time and use. You might consider using one of these winding check products currently on the market.

Take care

good information, thank you

If you find yourself short on winding checks or butt caps, consider the hardware store.
There are sections that have specialty washers for instance.
Or chair tips for buttt caps.
Not as economical maybe as the real thing, but could work in a pinch.
You may even find something that works better for you.

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381