As I posted on an earlier thread, I'm trying to help a friend build a centerpin rod. I ordered the Mudhole Tennessee handle kit because it came with rings and I thought at least it would make a good mock up.
Um, I'm not the sharpest fly in the box, but the rings don't fit over the flares on the handle end. Am I supposed to cut and reglue the handle to make this work?

Without knowing the make and model of the grip, yes, the rings are not supposed to fit over the flare. if it is the HKS-20" I thought it was already cut. If you have a long cork grip with rings that are not cut simply cut near the middle. ream and mount it, epoxy and clamp back together, light sanding, good to go....... hope that answers it
Buzz

the proper model number that I am referring to is HKS-9

Buzz

[www.mudhole.com]
HKS-8
Thank you.
I guess that kind of makes sense, because if I turned my own handle I couldn't see any way around doing it just that way. Just wanted to check.
I think that handle is too fat for what my friend wants anyway. What I really need are the sliding hoods that go on a reel seat.

Jon,
If you received a Tennessee handle in one piece with flared ends and is too big, you can put it on a lathe and remove the flare at each end. Then, if the grip is still too larger, you can further reduce the size of the grip.

I personally don't like sliding rings, because I always feel that they tend to feel a bit uncomfortable in my hands.

I would rather simply tape the reel to the cork handle.

Your choice.

Even with the rings to hold the reel You may still have to tape it cause the rings there is no guarantee they will stay tight

Bill - willierods.com

I'm just doing what my friend wants. His current handle is basically a very whittled down full wells grip, so the flare is important. He wants the rings, so we are going in that direction, too.
The interesting thing is that the handle comes with 4-color full glossy directions, just not for the model of the handle I ordered. Mudhole might want to put up a video on that or something.

Jon,
When you make a tennessee grip, use two segments. Turn each side so that the ring is a nice slip fit onto each segment.

Turn the ends out to the flare that you wish for the handle.

When you get everything complete to your satisfaction, slip the two rings on the grip and then glue the two segments together.

Be safe