Does anyone have any good ideas to fix cork handled rods? I have two of my favorite rods with handles that are tearing/pitting and every other bad thing that could be happening to them.
Is it both the fore and aft grips or just the rear? If it is just the rear it can be cut off and an new grip slid on. It will have to be reamed a bit over size because of the taper, but U-40 rod bond is thick like Peanut butter so it is just a matter of getting it enough on and twisting as you slide the new grip on. Fore grips are harder because either you remove the reel seat (usually destroying it or strip the guides and work from the skinny end at which point you might as well completely refurbish it if you are that attached to that rod blank.
There are also several varieties of rubber sleeves that are heat shrinked in place.
There are also some methods to mix cork dust with epoxy and fill the holes and cracks. Might be good for awhile; personally since I have the know how I would rebuild rather than do a partial fix.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
Native Manta Ray 14
Hairball it is the fore grip.
Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught.
This a probably your easiest option; the stuff is very durable.
http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Our-Catalog/Other-Grips/Flocked-Rubber-Shrink-Tube
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
Native Manta Ray 14
Take it to Haddrells and see what they can do.I had my handle fixed like new.
Stonoman