I have a question regarding a graphite blank I am building on. It appears the blank has hollow ferrules, i.e. there is no plug in the blank section ends at the ferrules?
Has anyone ever used a blank that had the same? If so, how did you handle this?
Thank you,


Tim

You can fill the top of the male ferrule opening with a piece of EVA, or squeeze of dob of RodBond in there. A properly sized cork plug will work too.

Not all have it, and it's not required, but it does add a bit of hoop strength at that particular point so many blank makers recommend and/or install one.

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Okay Tom, Thank you, this is the first blank that I've built that didn't include the solid male ferrule end. I didn't realize some manufacturers did that!


Tim

Have a couple of Sages' that do not have plugs.
I like plugs to keep dirt out.
I use Goop or 6000 squeezed into male ferrule and set Goop side down on plastic wrap to cure
Herb

I use the two part plumbers putty. Just a pinch worked together and jammed in there. Let dry over night and good to go.

There is no need for a plug, the male section is already re-enforced by the female section which is generally re-enforced by wrapping.

Like Herb, if they are open, I plug them with rod bond. The only purpose I can see is to keep dirt out, as most of the manufacturers that do fill them only do so about 1/4".

There is a reason for a plug, as Herb and Phil mentioned it keep dirt and foreign matter out.

Ron Weber

And, to provide hoop strength on the end of the open "tube." If the female section loosens and slides out at all and the rod is flexed, you can see cracks develop on the open end of a male ferrule section.

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Another thing I have noticed is the rod doesn't come apart as easy. Makes for a better vaccum. I usually just use a piece of foam glued in there an old sandal works well lol.

I ended up fitting a piece of cork into the butt section and used rod bond with the cork and other sections.
Thanks to all for the advice.