Before I get fussed at I did do a search for this topic and did not find anything.

This is my first post on this site. I’ve been reading for a while. I have always wanted to build my rods. Casting, spinning and fly. I am 55 yrs old and have never done one before until this past weekend. I purchased two rod blanks. One each for spinning and casting. I also purchased two handle kits because I wasn’t sure on what to buy. The reason for my post is that I am very disappointed in the handle kits. They are both split grips with cork. The cork looked fine at first. The butt needed no reaming on the casting rod. However, the cork for the handle does not even come close to matching the graphite reel seat. Much smaller. The fore end had a existing hole that did need some reaming, but very little. However, I think the original hole was not drilled straight. When the fore end was placed and the epoxy dried I noticed the fore end at a slight angle as if the hole is not straight. Maybe I did it in the reaming, not sure, but it was so little I don’t know that I changed the angle. Anyway, how can I get these off without damaging the blank? Reel seat included. Thanks

here ya go some to read and if you have more questions just ask the group

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Wi.

Get a pair of work gloves and string a length of braided fishing line between your hands. Now work down close to the blank and see if you can "shave" the cork grip off in slices. This works very well with EVA or Hypalon. Cork may be a bit different, but if you get it to work it'll be a real time saver.

The reel seat may need to be spiral cut and broken from the rod. If you did a good job adhering it and used epoxy, they're very difficult to easily remove and few are salvageable.

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Dondi,the replies above should answer your question.
Next time,it would be wise to do a dry fit of the components before you mix your epoxy.

Removing a grip from a rod is one of the more difficult things that a first time inexperienced rod builder can do. The potential for disaster is quite high. You can do it but proceed with caution and take your time. It will be a learning experience.

Tape the exposed bank between the split grips using masking tape. You can carefully chip away the cork grip using a utility knife. Do not take a pair of pliers and try to ‘chew’ off the cork using the pliers’ teeth. This can easily result in cracking, splitting or crushing the blank. Once you get most of the cork off you can remove the remainder by careful scraping with the blade of the utility knife held at a 90 degree angle. Do not try to shave or cut it off, you may cut the blank. Instead of scraping the cork away you can carefully sand it smooth. You do not need to get it perfect because the new grip will cover everything, so flaws will never be seen. If you are happy with the reel seat and it’s location you do not need to remove it, you can retrofit your new grips from the rear. When reaming a grip to fit, use a reamer that can be chucked into a cordless drill. Let the grip slip in your hand while turning. this will help keep the hole centered. Do not force the reamer into the grip, just go in a little bit at a time and pull back to clear the cork dust. Check for fit often. For retrofitting the grip, you need for the grip to snuggly fit over the butt end of the rod, thus you may need to shim the blank a little near the reel seat. This can be done with dry wall tape or masking tape to get a snug fit. However, the area where the old grip was may be built up enough to get a snug fit. Use rubber/vinyl winding checks, because they wil stretch and fit over the butt, and wii give a nice finished look. Use a paste type of epoxy for gluing the grip in place, this will fill any voids and give a solid fit.

If you don’t like the reel seat then you can remove it in several different ways. The most dangerous way is to try and cut it off with a dremel tool or hacksaw blade, good chance of cutting the blank. I like to try and get it off in one piece. Once the cork is removed, I will get a piece of PVC tubing that will fit over the butt and butt up against the reel seat with several inches overhanging the blank. I heat the reel seat with a heat gun or boiling water. When the seat is good and warm I tap the end of the PVC tube with hammer. In most cases the seat will break free quite easily. With every thing removed clean up the best you can and install your new grip and reel seat. Just remember, be careful and take your time. I have done this hundreds of time with excellent results.
Norm

Good tips Norman..i especially like the tip to remove the seat with the pvc tubing..Thanks..

Thanks to all. I will try the PVC trick for the seat!

Thanks to all. I will try the PVC trick for the seat!