How to Replace a Rod Cork

Replacing the cork on a fishing rod adds new life to the trusted pole. When cork wears out, holding the rod becomes harder, especially when wet or slick. New cork adds life by absorbing more moisture, providing a tacky surface to hold and allowing the natural oils on your hand to seep in, giving it a patina. Bulk cork, such as that on an old cork-board or a cork sheet, makes a suitable replacement.

Things You'll Need

  • Cutting tool
  • Sandpaper
  • Epoxy
  • Bulk 1/4-inch-width cork sheet
  • Black electric tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slice the old cork on the rod handle lengthwise. Peel the old cork off the rod, much like removing a large section of rind off an orange.

    • 2

      Sand the exposed handle to remove old glue, and any remaining pieces of cork. Also, the sanding makes the handle porous and better able to soak up epoxy.

    • 3

      Wrap the cork sheet around the handle and cut the length down so the material wraps around the handle fully.

    • 4

      Take the cut piece of cork and cut it height-wise to the size of the handle.

    • 5

      Coat the exposed section of the rod handle with epoxy and do the same to one side of the cork. Wrap the epoxy side of the cork to the handle and push the ends of the cork as close together as possible to make a firm seam.

    • 6

      Let the epoxy cure for six to eight hours.

    • 7

      Wrap a small piece of black electrical tape around the ends of the cork so half on each strip is over the cork and the other half is over the handle. Make the tape wraps as tight as possible.