I have a great 2pc 5wt glass Fenwick in terrific shape that I picked up last year ... but the grip has ridges/ripples from not being properly dried. Sanding didn't change the feel for my liking.. I wanted to replace the cork and save the lock-up seat (hooded under cork) and try to do both from butt up.

I tried the boiling water technique with not a budge. Did Fenwick use a special glue on those seats/corks? How do I break the adhesion on seat & cork(after prying off cork)?

Thanks

Why not replace the grip from the tip down? This would involve removing a couple of guides and the hook keeper, but would make replacing the grip very easy. Just slide the new grip in place and rewrap the guides. Fenwick used Gudebrod NCP chestnut brown for the thread wraps. There are current threads available that match this Gudebrod thread color. Removing a few guides is much easier than removing the reel seat. If needed just rewrap the rod.
Norm

Replace all of it, save time , [ lots ] only try to save it if that is the only thing that will work ,

William Sidney
AK

To start with cork is an insulator so the boiiing nor most heat applications are not going to be successful

Norm's suggestion is not only the easiest and best resolution, it's also the sanest.

To remove a cork grip, do the following:

1. Take a pair of slip joint pliers , and using the pliers in its extended position, chew the cork off the blank.

2. Then,with the use of heat to soften and a razor blade held at right angles to the blank scrape any residual cork off the blank. The heat will soften and the razor blade will quickly remove any remaining cork and or glue from the blank. Then, use 100 grit up to 600 grit to smooth the blank. and then replace it all - by removing guides as needed before replacing the grip.

Best wishes

A google search for - Fenwick Grip 7" (No Inlet) - will give you options for the replacement.

I use Rogers technique above...
1. Take a pair of slip joint pliers , and using the pliers in its extended position, chew the cork off the blank.

But after that I will take a dull bladed knife and just scrape off the remaining cork.
You can also get an idea of what kind of glue they used and if it (glue) is coming off easily from the blank.

If it does come off easy...you may be able to just give the reel seat a good twist and it may release.
If it doesnt...then I would go to the Drimmel cut off wheel for the reel seat..

A friend of mine and fellow rod builder who recently passed away, got good at removing and replace deeply gouged cork rings and replacing rather than the whole grip.

Hello All.

Here is a little light reading for you on grips, there is a lot more too.

Volume/Issue.....Article.................Author.................Page.
21/3 Grip Repair, Cork, Precision. By Ted Huff. 12
16/3 Grip Repair; Quick Cork Replacement. By Tom Kirkman. 24
19/3 Grips: Easy Cork Grip Removal. 10


Have Fun!

Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.