I have an assortment of the cheap rubber checks that I've been using. I like the look of the aluminum better. Is my only option to measure with calipers the diameter of the blank or is there some standard out there? Thanks.

Gary

Gary,
That's the way to do it if you don't want to stock a supply..
But I keep a large quantity on hand and I just fit using trial and error.
Herb

Thanks Herb. Do you have a brand you like to use?

Gary,
I only use the REC anodized aluminum wc's
[reelseats.com]
Hherb

These are nice. A perfect fit to the front of a size 16 reel seat.

[www.anglersworkshop.com]

Cheap enough to keep several sizes on hand.

Metal checks should never be forced down over the blank and into position as would be done with rubber checks. They should slide freely into position. If it fits tight use a bigger size.

Thanks. These are mostly all for fly rods.

Don't let them slide freely down the blank on their own, the inner edge is sharp and it will cock to the side while loose and jam tight on your blank, marring the blank while being a pain to get free again, six inches higher than it should be. I put two fingers under them and cradle them down into position.

The black flexible ones can look very handsome when they are wrapped first with a short wrap of metallic. Then when the wraps are coated, put some excess at the check, totally encapsulating it in a nice filet of clear finish. It will look very good with the black then metallic then color. Simple, classy, not gaudy like so many metal ones are.

Good point Michael. I haven't used any metallic trim but I do finish them as well. I'll have to try it.

I also like the rubber vinyl winding checks. They will stretch into place, look good, and do last a long time.
Norm