How do you replace the cork handle on a fishing rod?

Answer 1

Not hard to do, I do this all the time. Don't know what kind of rod you are working with, and if you are wanting to replace the rear or fore grip, but I'll try to give you some ideas. I would recommend that you change the entire grip since you probably don't have a way to spin the rod and sand it as you would have to do if you replaced a section. There are preformed grips available, measure and get one just a little longer than what you need. Don't forget to measure the outside and inside diameter when getting the grip.

Remove the old grip, hopefully we are dealing with the rear, and clean off any excess glue. The blank needs to be clean to make sliding the new grip easier. You will need to size the inside diameter to fit over the blank. Use a round file or I have reamers that are basically sand paper on a stick. Once the grip slides over the blank because of the taper of the blank it will fit loose near the reel seat. Use masking tape to shim this area up so that the grip is snug but still can slide. Now use a two part epoxy to attach the grip to the rod. When gluing coat the rod blank so that when you slide the grip forward you have excess. This will help fill voids on the inside. NOTE, DO NOT use 5 min epoxy, use a slow curing, you will need some working time. If it is the fore grip you will need to remove the reel seat also and build it from the grip back.

There is another fix that you may want to consider and works very well and is becoming more popular. There is a product called Gator Skin. It is a shrink tubing that has a velvet type of finish.(comes in black only) Repair the damaged cork using a wood putty or dough, sand smooth, then cover the whole grip with The Gator Skin. Apply heat, and the tubing shrinks to form a water tight seal around the cork. Does not add weight to the rod, or deaden the feel of the cork, and is much cheaper.

You are welcome to email me direct with more information and I be glad to supply any addition information you need.

Answer 2

Cork has few advantages, firstly it does absorb moisture but only a little meaning it keeps its shape, its light which keeps the rods over all weight down, its easy for the rid builder to work with, because it can be shaped easily using a sharp blade, also as mentioned it floats which can help should you drop your rod, however the reel will be likely to still pull the rod under, also its comfortable in the hand, especially on a fly rod where it also looks good and is traditional, quality cork should last for years and can be replaced at the end of all that, cheaper cork will eventually start to disintegrate and lose its shape, for saltwater rods i prefer synthetic as its great for the harsh ocean conditions for fresh water rods it has to be cork, i also looks great.

Answer 3

You don't have to buy a new rod at all, if its a fly rod its even easier to replace, as you simply remove the reel seat and scrape away any loose or cracked cork then buy a new length of cork and fix it in place with epoxy resin, ive done it many times before as cork doesnt seem to last as long as it used to, its the same as when your builing the rod then you can shape it using a sharp razor blade, dont let it get damp though as this with cause it to expand leave it a few weeks then its good to get submerged if you wish.These are good quality for the price and easy to fit.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/index/index-display.jsp?id=cat20366&navAction=jump&navCount=1&cmCat=MainCatcat20166&parentType=category&parentId=cat20166

Answer 4

First you have to take the butt of the pole off, then the cork will either be in sections like an inch long, or it will be just a full piece just pull that off and replace. Good Luck.

Answer 5

Your gonna have to buy a new rod buddy, just buy a cheap one or electrical tape it.