Rod breakage question

[Shoemoo]

I was putting reflective tape on my rods when I noticed one had grooves worn in the tip. This rod had Sufix Performance Braid on it. It wasn't an expensive rod, but it wasn't a low-end rod either and I've only had it two years. You would think most rods these days would have braid-proof guides, at least on the tip.

Anyway, I went down to a local tackle store and had them replace the tip. The guy behind the counter had some difficulty getting the old tip off, and I saw the last 1" of the blank bend rather alarmingly after he heated it. He also had to trim about 1/4" off the end of the blank to get the new tip to fit and scrape it with a knife to get all the old glue off. The new tip seemed OK at the store, but when I got home the blank snapped right at the base of the new tip when I was restringing it. I did bump the tip against the ceiling when picking the rod up, but it was a minor bump compared to it's been through in the past.

The shop replaced the tip again for free, but the guy implied it was my fault and all but accused me of breaking it. I only lost about 1/2" off the tip, but it bothers me because I'm normally very careful with my rods and have never had one that broke as a direct result of my actions. I think either the knife or bending weakened the blank.

Has anyone ever had a rod break under these circumstances?

 

[LedHed]

Seems like he didn't have the right size tip. Shouldn't have to cut off anything or "shave" a blank to put a tip on.

 

[Jig Man]

I think I would find another store to work on my rods....

 

[papaperch]

When I ran a bait and gun shop. We offered rod repair. Conservatively speaking I must have replaced well over a 1000 rod tips.

I never had to shave one to get to fit. He did not have the correct size in stock. Tip sizes are according to how many 64ths of an inch. Meaning that a size 5 is 5/64. A 4.5 is 4 1/2 64ths. Sizes most common 4 to 7

To remove a tip a heat gun is my favorite tool. Open flame like a lighter can be used but heat can become to extreme easily. Any remaining glue should be removed by a solvent. Acetone works good for this. We had a sizing gauge ( still got it ) that determined the size of the tip.

I wholeheartedly agree with Jigman. Find a different shop to work on your rods.

 

[Kdog]

If he overheated the blank to remove the tip as evidenced by your statement "I saw the last 1" of the blank bend rather alarmingly after he heated it" that section was pretty much destroyed and the breakage you encountered was a direct result of his mistake.

This little video shows the correct way. If his actions were markedly different I suggest you show the video and ask for an apology http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building-101/Replacing-a-Damaged-Tip-Top

When I was ~11 years old, I learned all about replacing tips because bicycles are not made for carrying fishing rods. We had an old fashioned hunting fishing store in the neighborhood and the gunsmith (owner, employee, chief cook and bottle washer) taught me a whole lot about patience. Slowly heat with a candle 2-3 seconds at the guide half of the tip try to turn the tip, repeat until tip comes loose. Although I no longer use a candle the same rules apply.

As far as braid wearing guides, yes it does. Most of my rods have ceramic guides and the few that do not Have had the tips replaced with either alconite or ceramic guides. These do not seem to wear but occasionally get damaged or the inserts loosen. It is a simple fix and I have a box of assorted tips and guides just for repairs. I have replaced all of my tips with Alconite guides or Ceramic (SiC) so I do not need to worry about them.

Good Luck!

 

[hookup]

what kdog said

aint your fault, he just overheated the tip

some of the cheaper rods use epoxy or some other glues that are not hot melt and when the tip goes on, its on to stay.

sounds like a good opportunity to go rod shopping

 

[Shoemoo]

It wasn't the diameter of the rod tip that was the problem, just the length. The tips he had didn't go all the way down to the rod wraps and showed about 1/8" of the blank between the base of the tip and start of the wraps. It's a Berkley lightning rod I mainly use for 1-15 pound catfish, and maybe Pure Fishing had their own guides made up in non-standard lengths.

I try to support these guys because they're the only local tackle shop in the area, they really do have a lot of stuff and are also the only place that does tackle repairs. All the other stores are big chain retailers. I've never had a problem before now, but then again this is the first time I've ever needed my gear repaired. The rod was sitting on the counter with the end of the blank over the edge, and he had a hold of the ring on the old tip with a pair of needlenose pliers. When he pulled the old tip off the very end end bent down by about 60 degrees, not when he held it over the lighter. I think from now on I'll just do my own repairs if it's simple stuff like the tip.

At least I learned this with my cheapest rod and not my XML-Ti rods that originally cost $200.

 

[hookup]

The tips he had didn't go all the way down to the rod wraps and showed about 1/8" of the blank between the base of the tip and start of the wraps.

In this case, I would have added a couple wraps of thread & the flexcoated but then that's the difference between retail & a hobby.

If it was one of the old style Berkley lightning rods, I know some that would prefer that rod over your XML-Ti's.

 

[Shoemoo]

It's not the old ones. I got it in a combo from Costco about two years ago.

I love my Ti's, though. While I've never broken a rod, I have mashed a few guides over the years. The Ti's have recoil guides so I never have to worry about that. Some people don't like the noise recoils make with braid, but I use Nanofil and they aren't noisy. Plus it shoots through the recoils like greased lightning. I have two (a 7' L and a 7' MH) and wish I had bought one of the 7.5' ML version when they were available. I was very disappointed when Cabela's went back to standard guides.

 

[eyecrosser]

Shoe, have replaced several tips myself and had shops do it. I agree with what was said above. A minor bump didn't weaken that rod. The guy replacing the tip overheated it and should have never shaved anything off the blank. Rather than replace the tip I believe he owes you a replacement rod. If he is the owner then discuss it with him, if not ask to speak to the owner. I would do my business elsewhere if you don't get any satisfaction. This guy obviously had no clue what he was doing or just didn't care.

 

[hookup]

Braid is noisey no matter what guide you use. I mostly use Alconites or Titaneum Silicon carbonite guides and braid is still loud. Doesn't affect the bass though --- most of the time.

Bottom line, if your happy with what your fishing, then you choose correctly

 

[redman]

Stacy I do know a thing or two about Berkeley's Lighting Rods. They are made on China by a company by the name of Guen wie. All the tips and guides are standard. Yes will have to agree that you need to find a new shop to do your repairs. I have more than a few Lighting Rods and never any problems. I don't use any braid so can't give you any advice that way. I will tell you that dollar for dollar they are one of the best buys on the market today.

Redman