Moisturizing cork ?

[Terrierman]

1 hour ago, fishinwrench said:

I can handle that project, but I'd have to cut the reel seat off.  It isn't THAT bad yet.  

I was just wondering if there was something I could soak it in (glycerin or something) that would bring it back to better condition.   

I'd try boiled linseed oil.  If you want it to penetrate a little more and be lighter, add 25% mineral spirits.  That stuff makes old treated wood look like new.

Edit:  I've got a few walnut handled kitchen knives that I totally ignore everybody's advice and run them through the dishwasher with everything else.  It does dry out the wood.  Once a year or so I just put them handle deep in a quart jar of boiled linseed oil overnight and they get a new lease on life.  If it works for them it will probably help with the whole cork situation.  Linseed oil is also used on very high grade walnut gunstocks.  Old school but it really is good stuff.

[snagged in outlet 3]

1 hour ago, Terrierman said:

I'd try boiled linseed oil.  If you want it to penetrate a little more and be lighter, add 25% mineral spirits.  That stuff makes old treated wood look like new.

Edit:  I've got a few walnut handled kitchen knives that I totally ignore everybody's advice and run them through the dishwasher with everything else.  It does dry out the wood.  Once a year or so I just put them handle deep in a quart jar of boiled linseed oil overnight and they get a new lease on life.  If it works for them it will probably help with the whole cork situation.  Linseed oil is also used on very high grade walnut gunstocks.  Old school but it really is good stuff.

The guy at the art fair that makes wood furniture but also killer cutting boards says coconut oil.  Makes em like brand new.

[BilletHead]

1 hour ago, bfishn said:

I've heard the Ronco Cork Soaker is pretty sweet...😉

          But wait if you order now we will include a second one just pay shipping and handling! 

[Flysmallie]

2 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

I feel like it needs something that will soak in and expand the cork..... but not immediately evaporate.   It just has no moisture left in it.   It's as dry as a potato chip.   Hasn't started chipping off in chunks YET but it probably will before long if I can't "rehydrate" it somehow.  

I feel like car wax would just coat it and dry out.....but I don't know. 🤔

Use a good carnauba paste wax and rub it in good. It works. Been there, done that. 

[Basfis]

This explains Wrench’s situation well…

 

 

[fishinwrench]

I knew I was coming to the right place with this question.  😂👍

[jdmidwest]

Dip it in spring water till it swells back up.  The problem is you don't use it enough.

Or you have over used it and the oils from the old 2 strokers on your hands have build up a residue on the surface of the cork.  Clean the cork with good dish detergent and then apply the spring water.  It may swell back up.

Its cork, it grew on a tree somewhere.  It needs moisture.

[Bushbeater]

I'd try the Linseed oil on another rod your not so attached to. It's good stuff for leather and may work well on cork. It's in the paint section of the harware store.

[fishinwrench]

41 minutes ago, jdmidwest said:

 

Its cork, it grew on a tree somewhere.  It needs moisture

My thoughts exactly.   The rod is about 20 years old, and served me well for summertime Smallies until I discovered it was the perfect White bass tool.  Guides and wraps are still fine.....but the cork has just become petrified.    This rod is pretty special to me, as me and it have had alot of good times together.

I actually have it's sister Elite series in a 4pc 7wt..... but the Legend Elites are a softer tipped rod than the original 2pc Ultra's were.  

[snagged in outlet 3]

25 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

ually have it's sister Elite series in a 4pc 7wt..... but the Legend Elites are a softer tipped rod than the original 2pc Ultra's were.  

My rod has a hard tip