So here is my dilemma... a client brought me a five gallon bucket (his apparent method of storage) containing several ice rods that have been stored in the attic of his garage. Many of the rods had lures attached to keepers, and under a great deal of tension. I'm sure most of you can guess what I have now. I have 5 or 6 solid carbon and 1 glass rod with permanent curves in them. Or is it permanent? Is there a good way to straighten them? Or do I give a package deal on replacing all of them? I appreciate all of your input.
Scott

Scott,
Composite fishing rods / blanks are FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastics). Due to the “plastic” part of the equation, they can and will “take a set”, especially given the parameters on which your Bucket-of-Rods were subjected. I suppose the “warping” could be reversed, but it may take an equal amount of time that they lived in the bucket and also close monitoring to not go too far the other way. Is it worth the effort? May I suggest your client learn from the experience and purchase new, straight rods from you. Contact Rich Forhan; he deals with “magic wands”!!!

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

Scott,
There is a way, but it comes with a risk.
If the client has written the rods off already, perhaps he is willing to take the risk.

1. Start by suggesting to the client that he never ever store his ice rods like he has done with these rods ever again.
2. As far as the method. - "Heat will accelerate the method, but it comes at the risk of walking too close to the fire - so to speak and lose the rod entirely.
3. Remove everything from the rods, i.e. reels, line, lures and hooks. Suggest to the client that any time that the person is not fishing that the rods be stored in this condition. Then, further suggest that when being stored - all of the rods should be stored in a flat horizontal position. But, if the fishing season is still in force, simply suggest to the client that when not being used, that the lures be removed from the lines and that when not being used that the rods simply be laid horizontal and then stored horizontally - with the rods interlaced from butt to tip and tip to butt. That way, a lot of rods can be stored in a very compact space - even with the reels still attached with no fear of blank curvature

But, to continue -
I would suggest that you begin with the least expensive rod in the bunch to verify your technique - to potentially avoid damage to the more expensive rods.

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This is the method to try - but do it carefully and avoid excess heat -- just a few seconds of excessive heat and the rod will be destroyed:

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""A bend which remains in a rod for a lengthy period of time can result in a "permanent" bend due to memory.

Here's a trick which sometimes works to restore the original memory in any fiberglass or composite product.

Hang the rod by the tip. Attach a weight to the butt end, maybe 3 - 5 pounds. Using a hair dryer, or a heat gun (be careful with a heat gun, it can cause damage used in one place or is held too close to the rod) apply heat to the bent section.

You should see the bend "relax" into a straight alignment.

Stop applying the heat, and let the rod remain hanging for a couple of days. If you're lucky, the "memory" in the rod will be "reset" to a straight line.

A hair dryer might not work. If you use a heat gun, keep it at least 6 - 8 inches away, and keep it moving. Be sure to apply heat to the entire bend.

The rod should never feel more than warm to the touch."

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Note:
In this case - it sounds like the rod bends are such that the person is not likely to use them in their current state - so it may be the risk. But, just be aware that a very short time with too much heat - and the rods will be ruined forever.
Also be aware, that this method is more likely to be successful for glass rods as opposed to graphite rods.

Good luck and best wishes.

With all due respect, does it matter if they're curved a bit?

What he said...



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/29/2021 09:35PM by Kent Griffith.

Run a line through the tip-tops and hang em like a stringer of fish back up in the attic. They'll be ready to go by the time the lake is frozen.
If you can put a set in by tension, you can take a set out of em by tension.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/29/2021 10:17PM by Dennis Danku.

Dennis,
Just be a touch careful.
I was reading a post in another forum where a fellow took a temperature reading near the peak of his home - above the home insulation and with the temp hovering about 100F - in the shade, his peak roof temperature was 182 degrees F.

Maybe it is all right to hang a rod in a temp of 180 degrees - maybe not.

So, if you do hang the rods somewhere in the summer sun, perhaps in an uninsulated space, be aware of the potential temperature of the space where you hang the rods.

Roger, I understand what your saying about the high temps, all I'm saying is that you can hang those rod anywhere and they would return to normal.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

Most “low temp” structural epoxies, assumably including those used by blank manufacturers, respond well to post cures of 150*F. While 180* may be pushing the limit, my gut-feeling is that it would be OK but would be hesitant to go much higher.
Most structures which have been bent, naturally want to return back to zero. However, in this case, I would think the blank would have to be bent slightly in the opposite direction and then left to relax back to zero.
While Scott (or his client) doesn’t really have anything to lose at this point, again I ask, is it worth the effort? May I suggest building him replacement rods while the others hang in the attic!

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

Mark,
If these are high end Ice fishing rods that cost him over $100, it is worth it.

Take care