Broke my first rod

[triloguy]

I broke my first rod yesterday. I don't even know how it happened. It was a 9' 6 wt. 3 pc. When I pulled it out to get ready it seemed to be in 3 pieces, but when I went to put it in the vehicle it was 4 pieces. I think I almost cried.....
I am sure a few of you know how I feel. It broke in the first section about half way between the grip and the stripper. It broke cleanly.

I built it so even though the rod should be under warrantee I would have to put all new components on it.

So here is my question... First of all can I, should I, fix it? Second, how hard is it to take the components off? Or, should I just build another rod with new components?

Thanks for any thoughts you may have.

[ScottT]

Been through this scenario. A buddy brought me over a rod I built for him with the immortal words, "I closed the truck door on it and I think I scratched it".

Soooo...

1) You have to ship the entire rod back so they can match a butt section.

2) The grip is history - replace it.

3) You can "attempt" to drill out the reel seat, I've done it and it's a pain in the a$$ but it worked. Best done by a friend who has access to a precision lathe (ie, a machinist).

4) Suck it up and buy a new reel seat, insert, and grip and get it done in 10% of the time.

Good Luck!!!


ScottT

[Ouzel]

and I don't think you or I have broken our last rod. I feel that is a mixed blessing as I enjoy the planning and building of a new rod.

As posted trying to save components from the broken rod can be labor intensive and only can make the call whether you have more money then time or you just want to do it.

Typically even though they are saveable the guides & hook keeper can also be changed out depending on the age of the rod. You may want new lightweight, smooth, hard surface guides and either standard of single foot.

Don't throw out the old sections as when you are ready to put thread sealer and gloss on your new rod an old thinner section can be put into the chuck of a varible speed drill and the hollow new setion can be slipped over it. One, a drill set slowly enough makes a good rod turner and two the old section gives more/longer support and three the old section takes the heat if you tighten the drill chuck too much and you don't need to.

[triloguy]

The really irritating thing about this broken rod is that I have no idea how it happened. I guess that is better than knowing that you stepped on it or shut it in the door. Anyway I have already ordered another rod. Hook and Hackle has a great deal on their IM6 Moderate Fast rods. 40% off.

Have any of you guys ever repaired a broken rod? Is it even possible? I figured you could insert a solid composite piece in the break and "wind it up".
Maybe not...

Thanks for the input.

[Ouzel]

will always stiffen the rod and of course change the action. Where along the rod the repair is made will dictate if you can live with the change, often the best/only thing to do is replace the entire section. If it is the tip section all that is required is removing and placing the guides on the new section. If it is the butt section the handle and reel seat will involve more effort.

I've found it best to either return the whole rod to the mfg. for them match the replacement section or just start over with a new blank.