James RickardHow to replace a line guide
August 31st 2008 02:15
If I keep writing stuff like this, I can change the name of this blog to "The Frugal Fisherman!"
Since I got all those rods the other day, I though I might as well show you how to replace a line guide.
Line guides are those circle gizmos on fishing rods the line goes through. Sometimes a guide falls off as in the case of the vintage rods I got. Another reason to replace them is because the old guides have rusted. Maybe they got chewed up by using abrasive line or it may be that the thread holding the existing guides has become frayed or faded.
If you decide to replace a rod guide, it's important to try and match what is already there unless you decide to replace the whole set. Cost is one thing you will have to consider because it will probably cost as much for ONE guide at a bait shop as some sporting goods stores charge for a whole set.
When it comes to guide placement, every rod is going to be different. I prefer to try to use the old guides as a starting point IF THEY'RE THERE. That brings up another reason to try this--the existing guides may be out of whack! Sad as it may be to realize, if this is the case, you may have a lousy rod in general. However, redistributing the guides will definitely help.
For guys who are heavily into rod making and repair, there are special tools to do everything we are about to cover. However, you can do simple jobs with only some special thread, tape, a tea cup, a couple sheets of typing paper, a telephone book, and some clear fingernail polish.
Assuming you're going to go with a whole set of guides, begin at the end closest to the reel using the largest and work toward the end as the guides get progressively smaller.
You MAY want to cut up an old milk carton to make a cradle for your rod, but that is up to you. A lot of guys like it but it's a little awkward for me.
The very first thing you'll have to do with the new guide is file the edges that go against the rod until they taper into a knife like edge. This is added work but will make wrapping much easier and provide a cleaner finish.
Then, tape the guides into position. If possible, I like to use tape that is the same color as my thread because if you have a separation in the wrap, they tape may hide things. Lacking colored tape, I just use cellophane tape. Remember, the thread holds the guides in position, the tape just keeps them in position for the wrapping!
Thread comes in different thicknesses and colors. Be sure to use thread made expressly for rod wrapping because regular sewing thread is too weak and lacks sleekness which results in a poor wrap. Also, sewing thread usually has a "fuzz" on it and that affects sheen. If you try and substitute regular thread I guarantee you'll be disappointed. SOME thread used in upholstery seems to work okay but, you're on your own if you want to travel that path!
Wrapping thread comes in various diameters. Size A is the thinnest and is good for fly rods and light rods. D is pretty common and often found on medium to heavy rods and some surf rods. Size E is heavier and used for surf rods and saltwater rods. You may also see EE out there. That's for REAL heavy rods--maybe something to land a shark!
A lot of books say to begin at the front of the guide and work toward the rear. I do the exact opposite. I must have screwed up on DAY ONE and can't change now!
To begin, make a loop around your guide and rod. Make a slip knot and bring it tight against your rod and guide. Take the loose end and tape it toward the front of the rod and save it for later use.
Take your thread spool and place it in a teacup or something similar to keep it from rolling away.
During wrapping, it's important to keep tension on your thread. Open the phone book about half way and insert a sheet of typing paper. Lay the thread across this and cover it with another sheet before closing the book. The typing paper will keep ink form dirtying your thread. If you use black thread, you don't have to worry!
After that, begin slowly turning the rod, watching as each spiral of wrap goes onto the rod. If you notice a gap in your wrap, it's okay to nudge the thread over with your fingernail, dull knife blade or similar object. Gaps can be fixed but, what you DO NOT want are overlaps of thread!
When you have about six or eight wraps left to go, take the lose end you taped and form a loop. Continue wrapping, leaving the loop exposed yet covering part of it with the finishing wraps.
Lastly, take the end of your wrapping thread and pass it through the loop before pulling both ends tight.
Take scissors and cut the thread away from the spool, leaving enough in case you have to pull things tight again.
Burnish the wrap with a wooden stick and close up any gaps you may see.
A special epoxy is made made for the finishing step but, we're going cheat and use clear fingernail polish to coat the wrap we just made.
After about an hour or two, use a very sharp razor blade and cut the ends of the thread and you should have a rod fit for using!
Since I got all those rods the other day, I though I might as well show you how to replace a line guide.
The upper rod has a double footed line guide but the bottom rod has guides with a single foot.
If you decide to replace a rod guide, it's important to try and match what is already there unless you decide to replace the whole set. Cost is one thing you will have to consider because it will probably cost as much for ONE guide at a bait shop as some sporting goods stores charge for a whole set.
If your line looks like this, it may be because of the guides.
For guys who are heavily into rod making and repair, there are special tools to do everything we are about to cover. However, you can do simple jobs with only some special thread, tape, a tea cup, a couple sheets of typing paper, a telephone book, and some clear fingernail polish.
When you begin, it should look something like this. You may also notice that remnants of the old wrapping can be seen. The new wrap will cover this.
You MAY want to cut up an old milk carton to make a cradle for your rod, but that is up to you. A lot of guys like it but it's a little awkward for me.
The very first thing you'll have to do with the new guide is file the edges that go against the rod until they taper into a knife like edge. This is added work but will make wrapping much easier and provide a cleaner finish.
Then, tape the guides into position. If possible, I like to use tape that is the same color as my thread because if you have a separation in the wrap, they tape may hide things. Lacking colored tape, I just use cellophane tape. Remember, the thread holds the guides in position, the tape just keeps them in position for the wrapping!
Thread comes in different thicknesses and colors. Be sure to use thread made expressly for rod wrapping because regular sewing thread is too weak and lacks sleekness which results in a poor wrap. Also, sewing thread usually has a "fuzz" on it and that affects sheen. If you try and substitute regular thread I guarantee you'll be disappointed. SOME thread used in upholstery seems to work okay but, you're on your own if you want to travel that path!
Wrapping thread comes in various diameters. Size A is the thinnest and is good for fly rods and light rods. D is pretty common and often found on medium to heavy rods and some surf rods. Size E is heavier and used for surf rods and saltwater rods. You may also see EE out there. That's for REAL heavy rods--maybe something to land a shark!
A lot of books say to begin at the front of the guide and work toward the rear. I do the exact opposite. I must have screwed up on DAY ONE and can't change now!
To begin, make a loop around your guide and rod. Make a slip knot and bring it tight against your rod and guide. Take the loose end and tape it toward the front of the rod and save it for later use.
Take your thread spool and place it in a teacup or something similar to keep it from rolling away.
During wrapping, it's important to keep tension on your thread. Open the phone book about half way and insert a sheet of typing paper. Lay the thread across this and cover it with another sheet before closing the book. The typing paper will keep ink form dirtying your thread. If you use black thread, you don't have to worry!
After that, begin slowly turning the rod, watching as each spiral of wrap goes onto the rod. If you notice a gap in your wrap, it's okay to nudge the thread over with your fingernail, dull knife blade or similar object. Gaps can be fixed but, what you DO NOT want are overlaps of thread!
When you're finished, give both ends a tug to make sure the wraps are tight and then cut them so they're flush.
Lastly, take the end of your wrapping thread and pass it through the loop before pulling both ends tight.
Take scissors and cut the thread away from the spool, leaving enough in case you have to pull things tight again.
Burnish the wrap with a wooden stick and close up any gaps you may see.
A special epoxy is made made for the finishing step but, we're going cheat and use clear fingernail polish to coat the wrap we just made.
After about an hour or two, use a very sharp razor blade and cut the ends of the thread and you should have a rod fit for using!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
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