James RickardHow to replace a rod tip
July 6th 2008 00:15
An economical way to pick up fishing rod is to buy one that's missing a rod tip at a someone's garage sale or some other place where everyone is getting rid of their "junk."
You can buy replacement tips at most sporting goods store or bait shops and it easier to replace a tip than you think.
You can buy replacement tips at most sporting goods store or bait shops and it easier to replace a tip than you think.
You can buy rod tips from retail stores or order them
Aside from what I've mentioned, another avenue to follow in your quest for a rod tip is to order online. There are plenty of mail order houses that supply rod building materials but, as I like to warn, it's not a good idea to order only one item because the shipping and handling will probably cost more than a single rod tip!
When it comes time to get a rod tip, make sure you get one that fits! This seems like common sense but, if you've never done this, it's easy to get the wrong size because tips come in various sizes that are all small!
Most rod tips you get are going to have either a silver or black finish. If you need another color, rather than wasting time looking for something you may never find, I recommend taking one of these and painting it with a good enamel to get the color you desire.
It will probably be necessary to clean the end of the fishing rod to get a true fit. Naturally, soap and water can get rid of a lot of crud on old rods. I also like to use denatured alcohol because it dries quickly with no residue.
Expensive or cheap rods make no difference, I've yet to find one that didn't have its tip secured with hot glue.
Right away you're probably saying, "I don't have a #%*% hot glue gun!" No problem!
If it looks like the tip has pulled off of a rod you have, use the heat from a match or lighter to heat the old glue and then wipe it clean with a rough cloth.
Heat a new glue stick in the same manner and smear a few drops on the end of your rod. Before the glue dries, try to put a few drops into the rod tip.
Push to new rod tip onto the end of your rod, making sure it aligns with the line guides. The tip should have very little or no play. This is where it's helpful to be working on a two piece rod. If you're fortunate enough to have a two piece, take the end piece and sight through the guides just like a rifle sight and you should see each smaller guide inside a bigger one.
It's not uncommon to find you're guides slightly out of alignment, especially on cheaper rods. Unless you're REALLY into this, I'd let it go providing the line spools on and off the reel okay. Just make sure you're end guide aligns with the guide right before it! If it doesn't, leave it on the rod but heat it with a match to loosen the glue and give it a twist to align it with the guide closest to it.
Give the hot glue a few minutes to get a good "set" and you have it! It's really pretty simple! You may have to go back and scrape some stray glue or wipe off a carbon deposit from the match or lighter but you're ready to put your reel back on and go fishing.
Good luck!
When it comes time to get a rod tip, make sure you get one that fits! This seems like common sense but, if you've never done this, it's easy to get the wrong size because tips come in various sizes that are all small!
Most rod tips you get are going to have either a silver or black finish. If you need another color, rather than wasting time looking for something you may never find, I recommend taking one of these and painting it with a good enamel to get the color you desire.
It will probably be necessary to clean the end of the fishing rod to get a true fit. Naturally, soap and water can get rid of a lot of crud on old rods. I also like to use denatured alcohol because it dries quickly with no residue.
Expensive or cheap rods make no difference, I've yet to find one that didn't have its tip secured with hot glue.
Right away you're probably saying, "I don't have a #%*% hot glue gun!" No problem!
If it looks like the tip has pulled off of a rod you have, use the heat from a match or lighter to heat the old glue and then wipe it clean with a rough cloth.
Heat a new glue stick in the same manner and smear a few drops on the end of your rod. Before the glue dries, try to put a few drops into the rod tip.
Push to new rod tip onto the end of your rod, making sure it aligns with the line guides. The tip should have very little or no play. This is where it's helpful to be working on a two piece rod. If you're fortunate enough to have a two piece, take the end piece and sight through the guides just like a rifle sight and you should see each smaller guide inside a bigger one.
It's not uncommon to find you're guides slightly out of alignment, especially on cheaper rods. Unless you're REALLY into this, I'd let it go providing the line spools on and off the reel okay. Just make sure you're end guide aligns with the guide right before it! If it doesn't, leave it on the rod but heat it with a match to loosen the glue and give it a twist to align it with the guide closest to it.
Give the hot glue a few minutes to get a good "set" and you have it! It's really pretty simple! You may have to go back and scrape some stray glue or wipe off a carbon deposit from the match or lighter but you're ready to put your reel back on and go fishing.
Good luck!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
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Comment by tlcorbin
Coffee Quip
Raven
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Was about to toss one of the kids poles (but got way-laid this weekend) - procrastination appears to be the winner in this case - thanks for the tip (so to speak).
Cheers and tight lines.
MNG
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
I'm always amazed by how many of them you see at flea markets and the like!
BTW--I was going through Virginia this weekend and saw a plate from ALASKA! What he was doing this far south at 4.00/gal. beats me!
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
I have an old rod my dad gave me that I've done work on and it may never be a great rod but, it's definitely worth more than when he gave it to me! I can see where rod making can be a very rewarding hobby! I'm too busy now but some day--maybe when I retire.