Rod Repair
by: Harv
Dateline 12/28/98
This technique was demonstrated at a "Rodcrafters" seminar by Clay Johnson,who is an engineer. It is a method to repair a broken rod.
You need a internal 'plug' that fits both sides of the break, & an external 'sleeve". What we've found to work well is a metal telescopic "pointer" available at office supply stores, or a metal antenna from radios & phones.(garage sales are a good source, I often buy an old radio for $5 & strip the antenna !!)
First, glue the internal plug into ONE side & let dry overnight. The next day, slip the metal sleeve over one side, glue the internal plug & metal sleeve at the same time (it's a little messy,but you can clean up with plain ol' RUBBING ALCOHOL-much safer than acetone !!!)
Let it all dry then a thread wrap over the metal sleeve, color preserver & finish will make the repair look neat. I've fished a couple rods of my own this way & hardly noticed the difference.
"Rodcrafters' is a worldwide organization of rodbuilders whose concept is "learn by sharing", founded by Dale Clemens. There is a quarterly magazine, "Rodcrafters Journal" .there are also regional seminars around the country during the fall/winter/spring.
The "National' seminar is the largest, held in Allentown, Pa. in March, and there are 90+ rodbuilders there who share info & demonstrate techniques all weekend. It's a great place for a novice to go! If a rodbuilder goes away without learning what they went for, it's their own fault ! I have attended each year since 1980 & have done demo's & talks on various rodbuilding subjects, & have learned a ton over the years (it's usually a "new" guy who will knock your socks off with a trick that the old salts haven't seen yet!)
For more info about Rodcrafters, visit this site.
