I have read on this and other boards that epoxy bonds can be broken with a judicious application of heat. In attempting to remove roller tip tops from several rods to repair other problems, I have never been successful. Tried alcohol lamps, low heat propane torches and even electric soldering irons. In each case these were fiberglass rods and heat was applied slowly and carefully. The bond was tested many times during the process and went from not budging at all to the fiberglasss softening. Since I then had to cut more glass off the rod than just what was epoxied into the tip top I have given up and now cut the rod as close as possible to the tip and buy a larger top. People who bring a rod in for repair want to keep costs to a minimum so if there is a method that works I would appreciate hearing about it.

Hi CR-

Try using a Dremel tool with a cutoff wheel and cut a slot along the tube that the blank is inserted into. Be careful not to cut into the blank. When you've got the slot cut all the way thru, take a small screwdriver, insert it into the slot and twist. The roller top should come right off. Hope that helps a little.

Tom

In the Jan/Feb 2000 edition of RodMaker our Techniques column showed an excellent method for removing these tops. Most are adhered with an epoxy bond that cannot be broken with moderate heat. For that reason they are best cut off in order to keep from damaging the blank.

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