So as the title suggests I'm having some trouble sliding EVA grips down the rod blank. Currently I've been using a whole lot of epoxy but that makes a big mess and requires a bit of clean up.

I'd have to think theres something else I could use to get the handle down the blank and figured someone on this forum knows what that might be! If you have any suggestions please let me know.


Thanks, Denham

It's not so much what you use, but where you put it. If your grip is just pushing a bunch of epoxy down the blank, you're not getting much, if any, epoxy between the grip and the blank. See the FAQs page for the proper method for installing EVA. Do it as instructed and you can just about push the grip anywhere you want it with just two fingers.

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I usually ream them until they are a snug fit within a couple inches of their final position. It's not much more cleanup than with cork or a foam core grip.

The explanation on the "FAQ's" page is a good one .
Another thought is that reaming will make it easier if there is a large difference in size.
But, using alcohol liberally as well as some epoxy will let it slide easier, and then dissipate.
That leaves just the epoxy to set up and hold the grip tight.
We usually lubricate with epoxy just above where the grip wants to "grab", and a small "ribbon" all the way down to where it is to rest.
Then, holding one hand as a sort of "stopper", pore the alcohol down from the upper open end, and quickly slide the grip down.
I have a 2x4 "push board" with a few different size drilled thru it
And then a small bit of strong board mounted to the wall at a comfortable height as a "push spot".
That allows me to use both hands on the board to push with-out "squeezing" the grip as it moves down.
Or, simple have a place on the floor that you can use body weight on the board to leverage the grip down.
Hope this helps.

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

Simplest method is the Jim Trelikes rubber cement technique. Thousands of rods being used under all conditions without failure. Ream, boil heat, stretch, spray, dip.....why? Well, if that's how you want to do it, do it. At least look at his method and make your eva installations easy as pie. And give Jim a salute if you end up using it.

Same with the FAQs method - no heating, no stretching, no reaming (unless there is a huge disparity in size). Just apply epoxy, and slide into position with two fingers.

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Those west coast boys know some tricks.

Thanks for all the replies from everyone. I think proper lubrication was my main issue at first.

I also watched a video using the Jim Trelikes method of rubber cement which looked like it required basically no cleanup. Think that'll be what I try next! Thanks again