ive got a 10 1/2 foot shimano convergance rod that has a chipped tip top lining that cuts through my line. Where can i get this fixed and how much is it gonna cost me?

thanks

Tip top replacement is pretty straight forward. I don't know what it would cost you to have someone else do it, or where you would take it. I would suggest doing it yourself. The hardest part is going to be getting the exsisting tip top off. If tip top cement was used by the factory (which I kind of doubt) gently heat with a match or lighter. Be careful to only heat guide so you dont burn the rod. With a little heating the tip top will come off if tip top cement was used. If epoxy was used I don't have any really good solutions except cutting the rod off at the tip top. I know this doesn't sound like a very good answer - somebody out there might have something better? You will only lose 1/2" or so of your rod. Replacement tip tops can be found at many of the larger tackle stores. You will have to bring your rod in with the tip top removed for the proper fit. I would reccomend using tip top cement to put the new guide back on instrad of epoxy so the next replacement will go easier. This is the same stuff the arrow fletchings are glued on with. Sources for guides: Outdoor Emporium, Patricks Fly Shop, Kaufmanns Fly Shop - there are others if none of these will work for you.

Steve

I've had the ceramic tip guide break out too. I replaced it myself by just buying a matching diameter tip replacement, heating it up with a lighter, pulling it off with pliers, and putting it back on with a little more epoxy. Next time I took it into the local sports shop where I originally bought it and they fixed it the same way for the price of the new tip and it cost only $2. I'd try Sportco or GI Joe's.

Don't use epoxy. Use hot melt glue, you know the stuff that comes in round stick form. As mentioned before heat the tip with a lighter, pull the old tip off with pliers. heat the hot melt with a lighter until the tip is gooey, dab some on the tip of you rod, immediately place the new tip on with pliers and turn to the right position.

If it is glued with epoxy, that too can be heated and softened. It takes more heat than hot melt to do it, however, so be very careful to just heat the tip of the guide (it's toast anyway) and tug gently with pliers straight off the tip end.

If that doesn't work, you've still only lost the top 1/2".

Your other option is to fill that chip spot with some epoxy, let it harden well, then gently sand into shape with some 400 grit, then 600 grit sandpaper. Might do the trick?

Mike

A suggestion from Rodbuilding.org is to tie off the tip to something and pull as you heat it. Idea is that it comes loose with the minimum amount of heat that way. You are trying to avoid damaging the blank with too much heat.

About a toss up whether to use tip-top glue or 5 minute epoxy to replace the tip. Suggestion if you use the glue is to shave off a sliver with a razor blade, insert it in the tip and heat it before you slide the tip on. Insures that you get it all the way in there.

If you use ferrule cement (hot melt glue) to replace the tip top:

1. heat the cement until it's runny.
2. dab some on the rod tip.
3. heat the tip top, not the rod, and instantly slide and position the new tip top on the rod tip.

Heating the tip top will soften both ferrule cement and expoxy for the purpose of removing the old tip top.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

yeah i know how to do it myself but for the price of the guide and gas i might as well have someone else do it. Went to AS&M today and they did it for $2.50. Turns out the graphite was cracked right the base of the tip and lost about a 1/2 inch anyway.
thanks.