What is the purpose of ferrule wax ?

It is typically marketed as a way to both extend the life of ferrules and prevent ferrules from becoming stuck.

I don't use it and strongly suggest to those who receive one of my rods to keep the ferrules clean and dry and to use no wax or lubricant.

Actually, I have a habit with two piece rods, that if the joint has been sticking is to simply wipe the smaller portion of the joint along side my nose. There is generally enough skin oil in this area to just give just a bit of lubrication in the joint to minimize sticking.

The best part of this source, is that your nose generally comes with you where ever you go.

Take care

Carbon to carbon ferrules should not be lubricated. They are designed for a dry-fit. Keep them clean.

Wax serves to attract dust and dirt and changes the fit of the ferrules.

There was once a product made by U40 that was rather unique - Ferrule Lube, but the company no longer manufactures it. Thus, go dry and clean.

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Roger's (nose) skin oil trick works!

Have fun
John

John DeMartini Wrote:
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> Roger's (nose) skin oil trick works!
>
> Have fun
> John

Carbon to carbon ferrules don't like nose oil. That was for older metal to metal ferrules. You need a clean, dry surface for good carbon to carbon ferrule fit.

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David,
My dad taught me about lubricating the old metal ferrules with the natural skin oil from a quick wipe on the side of the nose. Dad is 98 years old now = that was well over 50 years ago! While Roger’s veteran knowledge, insight, intellect and willingness to share is more than respected, I may have to side with Tom on this one, unless of course you are referring to hand-drawn NS ferrules. Thanks Roger and Tom.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

I don't use any kind of lube. I do lightly wax then aggressively buff it off. Want to leave nearly no wax. But a nice clean level surface that won't attract dirt.

I realize that these ferrules normally should not be treated with anything, but if one has a rod that often gets "stuck" for whatever reason, (most likely due to something wrong with the fit) isn't a little lube of some sort a reasonable solution? We had to put a rod in the freezer once to release the ferrule. Would not some lube help prevent recurrence? What else can be done?

A re-fitting of the ferrule is the best alternative. It's not terribly hard to do. A past issue (or two) of RodMaker details the process.

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Hello All.

Tom I found 4 repair articles on Ferrule Repair.

Vol-4, Issue 1, Page 16, "Ferrules, Repairing Plug and Spigot Types" by Ralph O'Quinn.

Vol-5, Issue 3, Page 22, "Ferrule Lapping" by Bernard Elset".

Vol-13, Issue 1, Page 22, "Ferrule Fitting and Restoring" by Tom Kirkman.

Vol-22, Issue 3, Page 22, "Ferrule Refitting" by Tom Kirkman.


Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

The big difference between "Ferrule Wax" and other lubricants is price. Coming soon: "Ferrule Cleaner" for carbon ferrules - not to be confused with soap and water.

Article by Ralph O'Quinn,Volume 4, issue,1, page 19, Paragraph heading "ferrule Wear"

"Clean out the female sections with cotton swabs and alcohol, apply Ferrule Lube and keen them clean. All that black stuff you remove with your cotton swab is graphite dirt. It is a powerful abrasive and simply abrades your ferrule every time you put it together and take it apart. Ferrule Lube does a magnificent job of preventing that from happening." " A little U40 Ferrule Lube applied now and then will extend the life of ferrule indefinitely."

I realize this may be old technology and thinking may have changed, but the common denominator is to keep both ferrule surfaces clean and dirt free.

Vol-5, Deals with metal Ferrules.
Vol-13, Does not reference any preventive maintenance.
I don't have any thing past Vol-16

I believe Michael Sutheimer has an excellent approach.

Have fun



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/18/2021 02:50PM by John DeMartini.

Thanks, Tom. You answered directly and clearly the question that was asked.

I love the way Tom answers questions . If a commenter is clearly wrong about something he will quickly correct them and that's the way it should be , direct and to the point and the best part is that It's NEVER in a harsh or offensive manner .

Keep in mind that everyone has an opinion. Some are more valued than others. But still, an opinion. There are very few absolute facts. Ask Phil.

There are just as many absolute facts out there as there are opinions the problem is there is many people in todays world that don't understand the differences. It's taken quite some time and it can still be a struggle but I have learned it's best to let these people believe what they want to believe and move on.

There are innumerable absolute facts, thank heaven. Unfortunately, there may be an equal number of mistaken opinions - and people eager to present them as facts. Rod builders are not exempt.

My ears are more oily, or ear wax is great for ferrules.

Oil or grease of any kind in a tip-over-butt ferrule will acquire and hold sand or grit, turning the male end of a tip-over-butt fiberglass ferrule into a reamer. Best to keep ferrules clean and dry.