James RickardWeekend tip--replacing cork
October 6th 2007 00:07
Cork grips look really sharp but, what do you do when they start to look shabby and the rod is still in good shape?
You'll be better off if you kept them looking decent to begin with. It's pretty convenient to secure your hook into the cork but, this practice leads to a degradation of the handle. Why not shell out a little money and buy a set of hook keepers for your rod? These things usually come, at least, a couple to a pack and cost less than a lure and a heckuva lot less that a new rod!
To return that "new rod" look the first thing you want to do is simply take some soap and water to the handle. You may be surprised how a little cleaning can help the appearance of things!
If this still doesn't meet your standards, you can take some fine sandpaper and lightly go over the handle, being careful not to remove too much of the grip.
If you what to go all out, like this post's title, and replace some missing cork here's what you do--grind up some corks from wine, champagne, etc. Then, mix the cork filings with a clear adhesive. I mention clear because it blends a little better with the pigmentation of the existing handle and allows the color of the "new" cork to show through. Try not to use any more adhesive than you have to because most of it dries shiny and you don't want your repair to be too noticeable.
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
You'll be better off if you kept them looking decent to begin with. It's pretty convenient to secure your hook into the cork but, this practice leads to a degradation of the handle. Why not shell out a little money and buy a set of hook keepers for your rod? These things usually come, at least, a couple to a pack and cost less than a lure and a heckuva lot less that a new rod!
To return that "new rod" look the first thing you want to do is simply take some soap and water to the handle. You may be surprised how a little cleaning can help the appearance of things!
If this still doesn't meet your standards, you can take some fine sandpaper and lightly go over the handle, being careful not to remove too much of the grip.
If you what to go all out, like this post's title, and replace some missing cork here's what you do--grind up some corks from wine, champagne, etc. Then, mix the cork filings with a clear adhesive. I mention clear because it blends a little better with the pigmentation of the existing handle and allows the color of the "new" cork to show through. Try not to use any more adhesive than you have to because most of it dries shiny and you don't want your repair to be too noticeable.
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
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