rod repair

[fchupaska]

I have a fenwick smallmouth rod that I broke at the handle in between the reel seet and the butt of the handle. Its not a straight cork handle but the style that has the continued rod in between. I think it may have been stepped on and weakened. First cast and it broke in my hand. I escaped with minor injury. It's still attatched, but dangling by some strands. Looks like an easy repair, but I was looking for some advice on the appropriate resins and tapes too use. I imagine I could get by with using fiberglass, even though I have no exprience with it. Just trying to get an idea of where to start with know-how tips and recommended repair kits. All of the repair kits that I have found online are mostly for rod tips and guides. I appreciate any advice anyone may have to share.

 

[Rollcast]

First cast? Take it back to where you bought it and exchange it! Or check with Fenwick as to the warranty. If it is as you describe, it would take a lot to repair it. If you tried it, it would be an internal sleeve but again, take it back. I have had a Fenwick fly rod of over 20 years.

 

[Racefish]

I used to be a rep for them and depending on which series you have most of the Fenwicks have a lifetime warranty. Go to the fenwick site and download the replacement form fill it out and send it and the rod back. You can get about anything you want back, just call and talk to them, they are very easy to deal with.

 

[Rollcast]

Racefish, thanks for the info! emoThanks

 

[fchupaska]

broke it on the first cast of the day. sorry I left that detail out. I've had it for about six months, and I bought two at the same time. Good idea about the warranty, but I'm pretty sure this is a result on my end and not a faulty product from Fenwick. I have a flat bottom boat and I strap my rods to the front deck. It's cutting it kinda close when the trolling motor folds onto the bow, so I'm thinking something may have happened there. I also like the idea of internal sleeve. I was thinking external but internal would look a lot better in the end. thanks for the information fellas. I really appreciate it.

 

[Racefish]

Just tell them it broke on the hook set and all will be good.

 

[Jmax]

There is no need to lie. Just tell them you have had it for six months. You went to use it and on the first cast that day it broke. Not sure what caused it to break. That is the truth and should be covered. emoAngel I would leave out the thought it was stepped on, that is an assumption on your part and could cause the warrenty to be voided. emoGeezer Jmax

 

[fchupaska]

found a broken rod laying around with a straight cork handle. cut the cork off down to the graphite core and it turned out to be the perfect diameter for an outside sleeve. the inside of the cork was perfect because there was no taper. took some light sandpaper to remove the leftover cork and glue residue, cut to length and used a two-part glue epoxy with a push tube applicator. shined it up with a little spray-on polyurethane and we're good to go. turned out to be one of the simplest things i've attempted to do in a long time. found everything in the garage; didn't have to go buy anything, which is always a plus. guess its a good idea to hang on to those broken rods.

 

[Rollcast]

Rod repair people don't throw any old rod away.

 

[vhype]

IF your good with 2 ton epoxy, have some fiberglass mat and some pipe tape you can fix it yourself. Cut the mat in 2 inch wide by 8 inch strip. Fit together the handle. Mix up the epoxy and paint it on the rod. Start on one end and wrap the mat by painting the epoxy. Over lap the mat as you go. Finish at the other end and continue to paint the mat all in one direction. Now get the white pipe tape and start at the beginning of the mat. Wrap the tape in the same direction as the epoxy mat. Wrap tape really tight to squeeze the epoxy and mat. Tight off the tape with a bread wrapper and let set up. Will it be ugly yes but it will be fixed and stronger than ever. Plastic gloves will be helpful too!