How to Make a Fly Rod Case From PVC

A sturdy case to pack a fly rod for storage or traveling is standard angler's equipment. Fabric tubes, better known as "socks," may protect a rod in the back of a closet but you wouldn't want to trust them to luggage handlers or even the trunk of a car. You can spend 30 dollars for a rigid plastic tube or higher for a classic aluminum model or over a hundred for carbon fiber. Or, you can gaze thoughtfully at the PVC pipes and fittings at your local home center and get a better idea. Guaranteed to withstand whatever knocks you can subject it to, a PVC fly rod case will set you back around $5.00 for materials. Add a hacksaw, primer and cement. It's not brain surgery.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • 1 and 1/2-inch or 2-inch diameter PVC pipe
  • Closed unthreaded PVC endcap
  • Threaded female PVC endcap
  • Threaded male PVC endcap
  • PVC cement
  • PVC primer
  • Hacksaw
  • Rags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length of the disjointed fly rod segments.

    • 2

      Cut the PVC pipe to the exact length of the longest segment. The caps installed on the end of the pipe will add sufficient length to accommodate the rod segment.

    • 3

      Wipe the pipes down to remove dust.

    • 4

      Test fit the closed end cap on one end and the female threaded end cap on the other.

    • 5

      Apply PVC primer to the outside of the last inch of both ends of the cut pipe.

    • 6

      Apply PVC cement to the outside of the last inch of one end of the cut pipe. Press the closed end-cap into place on the end of the pipe. Apply PVC cement to the outside of the last inch of the other end of the cut pipe. Press the female threaded end-cap into place on the end of the pipe.

    • 7

      Allow an hour for the PVC cement to fully cure and fumes to clear from the tube. Insert the rod segments, thread the threaded end-cap into the pipe and hand tighten.