I had a customer drop off a Duckett Rod which he bought two weeks ago. The first five guides from the butt up have a crack in the epoxy. Do you think it is OK to put another coat of epoxy on top or should I strip them all down?

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

I would strip them. The guide feet probably will wiggle around under it and ruin the new coat of finish once you put stress on it for a while. It is easier to just rewrap than take a chance on losing a customer.

I am with Ben It would be the best way to be sure

Bill - willierods.com

Bill,
I had three Duckett rods in for repair this winter and saw the same thing. The fiinsh was brittle and came off pretty easily. I would definitely strip them.

I would also strip and re wrap them. I have also repaired a few of those rods, the stuff they use is very brittle and did come off with ease.

That finish may be a UV type and an older one at that. They tend to become harder and more brittle upon each subsequent exposure to the sun. Keep in mind that the "life" of a commercially produced rod is considered by most manufacturers to be about 3 years, so they consider such finish adequate for that period.

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Thank you for all of the replies. The customer does not want to go with the expense of re wrapping 5 guides so here comes the Thread Master.

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

Bill,

Probably too late if you've already started refinishing, but in a similar circumstance, I applied Perma Gloss to the existing guide wraps, and allowed it to soak into the cracks. I kept applying until no more soaked in, then allowed to dry for several days, then coated it all with new epoxy. This helped to more securely encapsulate the guide foot, and to also hide the cracks in the original finish better.

Just a thought,

Take care,

Chris