Can I replace my reel seat and grip?

[Seth]

I built a fly rod a while back and it is a nice Sage blank, but when i build it I did not do a very good job on the reel seat and grip and the reel seat is really loose now.

Is there anyway that I can repair the reel seat and grip on this fly rod?

[Gavin]

What did you use to attach the reel seat? If its 5 minute epoxy or hot melt glue it should let go with some heat. Might try to boil it off if you want to save the reel seat, but you may need to use the propane torch. After you pop the seat off, it may be possible to re-glue the grip, but if not, chunk the cork grip off the blank with the aid of a pair of vice grips. Cheers.

[Seth]

I used epoxy if I remember correctly.

If I get rid of the cork grip, how will I get another one on the rod since I have my guides installed already? Will I have to remove all of my eyelets and rewrap them to replace the cork grip ?

[Danoinark]

The reel seat should pull off the blank if you boil it. As to the cork grip, you more than likely will have to destroy it to get it off of course. The only way that I think you could put a cork grip back on is by doing it the way you suggested, taking the guides off that section and rewrapping, or tying to find large enough cork ring to make your own grip. This would take losts of sanding and finishing to accomplish that, but it might be done. Many builders make their own grips that way. Also ask the questions at http://www.rodbuilding.org/list.php?2

[Wayne SW/MO]

It would be a pain, but you could run a new grip up the blank, build up the area with fiberglass cloth and then slide the grip back into place. I think I would do as Dan suggested, remove the stripper and any other guides, then start over basically.

[Gavin]

If your going to replace the grip you will need to strip the guides off to ensure a good fit between the blank, first cork ring, and winding check (if you use one). If you have access to a suitable wood or metal lathe, I'd recommend making your own grip out of cork rings instead of using a preformed grip. You usually get much better results Cheers.