I need to replace a broken guide. The thread wrap is epoxy coated -- pretty thick. Any tips on removing the existing epoxy coated wrap without damaging the rod? Thought I would ask before I go to work with the trusty old Exacto knife.
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Rod Repair Question
- Thread starter LDUBS
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You need to use heat to soften the epoxy - But be careful, as too much can soften the rod blank resin.
Just the flame from a butane grill lighter, briefly applied, is enough. Get the wrapping resin just soft enough and you can slice it at the guide foot, and then peel it off.
Just the flame from a butane grill lighter, briefly applied, is enough. Get the wrapping resin just soft enough and you can slice it at the guide foot, and then peel it off.
Thanks! That sounds like the ticket.
Tinny Fleet
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Hmmm. Actually, I would not use heat. Sure it will help get off the epoxy, but IMO it weakens the blank underneath, reducing its structural integrity. IME there is no substitute for the following: use a sharp razor to cut the threads along the side of the guide feet, never cutting toward the blank. Some folks will cut on top of the guides foot and that's fine too. Peel the guide off. Then carefully cut away the chunks of stiff epoxy/varnish. I then scrape the area formerly occupied by the guide with the razor blade's edge held vertical, scraping as you go. Use fine grit sandpaper if needed. Have done many hundreds this way, and have perhaps 50 teed up right now for guide freshening.
thill
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I build rods and do a fair amount of repair. I only heat tip guides, and just a little. For regular guides, lay your razor or exacto knife flat on top of the guide food, and shave toward the guide. Make sure to keep it flat and not dig. The first pass, you will probably only shave some of the epoxy, but then you will shave the thread from on top of the guide foot.
Then, you should be able to peel the rest of the epoxy and thread off. After that, soak a piece of cloth or paper towen in isopropyl alcohol and soak the remaining epoxy and then lay your razor flat and carefully shave a line in it. Then peel that off.
If you are careful, you will get it all off without leaving a trace. If you are putting another guide in it's place, any scuffs will be covered, but be careful, and it will go fine.
You CAN heat epoxy, you just need to be very careful. I stopped doing that a long time ago, except for tip guides, as previously stated.
Then, you should be able to peel the rest of the epoxy and thread off. After that, soak a piece of cloth or paper towen in isopropyl alcohol and soak the remaining epoxy and then lay your razor flat and carefully shave a line in it. Then peel that off.
If you are careful, you will get it all off without leaving a trace. If you are putting another guide in it's place, any scuffs will be covered, but be careful, and it will go fine.
You CAN heat epoxy, you just need to be very careful. I stopped doing that a long time ago, except for tip guides, as previously stated.
Stay away from using heat.
As has already been pointed out the blank itself can be damaged badly from heat.
To remove guide thread wraps covered with epoxy I’ve found single edged utility razor blades held in your fingers to be the best tool for that job.
Large razor knives and other sharp blades with handles allow you to get lots of leverage when “shaving” through the epoxy and if you slip with a big razor knife, you can destroy the blank.
Hold a razor blade horizontal to the wraps you want removed and slowly and gently start to shave off layers of the epoxy.
You‘re not trying to remove it all in a single pass.
A little at a time over many passes is the way to go and will get ‘er done just fine.
Work slowly and carefully and you’ll develop a feel for it.
Its not hard, it just requires you taking your time.
As has already been pointed out the blank itself can be damaged badly from heat.
To remove guide thread wraps covered with epoxy I’ve found single edged utility razor blades held in your fingers to be the best tool for that job.
Large razor knives and other sharp blades with handles allow you to get lots of leverage when “shaving” through the epoxy and if you slip with a big razor knife, you can destroy the blank.
Hold a razor blade horizontal to the wraps you want removed and slowly and gently start to shave off layers of the epoxy.
You‘re not trying to remove it all in a single pass.
A little at a time over many passes is the way to go and will get ‘er done just fine.
Work slowly and carefully and you’ll develop a feel for it.
Its not hard, it just requires you taking your time.
overboard
Well-known member
I'm no expert, but have replaced a few rod guides with success without using heat and by just using the razor blade method being mentioned by others,
Thanks everyone. I managed to get the old wrap & epoxy coating off using the razor blade without causing any damage. Luckily I had the thread color left over from before and got the new guide installed.
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