How to Install Bamboo Rod Ferrules

Bamboo fly fishing rods are the preferred rod for fly fishing. Some bamboo rods are made from a single piece. But these are easy to break and difficult to store. Instead, most hobbyists separate the rod into pieces. Each piece has a male ferrule on one end and a female ferrule on the other. The ferrules fit into each other and allow the rod to be taken apart into pieces for storage. Each ferrule is measured to 1/64th of an inch. Sizing the bamboo for the ferrules is a time-consuming process.

Things You'll Need

  • Ferrules
  • Lacquer thinner
  • Cotton swabs
  • Caliper
  • Bamboo, 8 feet
  • Miter box
  • Hand saw
  • Toothpick
  • Masking tape
  • Sandpaper, 150 grit
  • Drill
  • Sanding block, 400 grit
  • Pliobond adhesive
  • Lighter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the ferrules thoroughly. Dip cotton swabs in lacquer thinner. Wipe out the inside of the ferrule. Continue to wipe the inside with fresh thinner until the swab emerges clean. Repeat with each ferrule.

    • 2

      Use the caliper to measure the inside of each ferrule. Each section of bamboo will have a male ferrule at the bottom and a female ferrule at the top. Find the sections of bamboo that correspond to the measurement of each ferrule.

    • 3

      Cut the bamboo 2 inches beyond the section that fits the ferrule. Use the handsaw in the miter box to ensure a straight cut. Measure the length of the male ferrule. Add this measurement to the smaller end of the bamboo section. Mark this measurement with a piece of masking tape. This will protect the end of the bamboo from splintering while cutting.

    • 4

      Insert a toothpick into the female portion of the ferrule to measure the depth. Mark the depth on the toothpick. Add this measurement to wider portion of the section. Mark this section with tape. Cut both sections with the handsaw and the miter box.

    • 5

      Lay the end of the section on top of a small piece of sandpaper. Roll the section on the sandpaper to adjust the fit and ready the bamboo to accept the glue. Check your work by placing the ferrule on each side of the section. It should not be too snug; leave enough wiggle room for the glue.

    • 6

      Thin the edges of the ferrule that taper to the bamboo by rubbing them with 400 grit sandpaper. A fast way to achieve this is fasten the ferrule to a drill and rotate the ferrule against a sanding block. Clean the inside of the ferrules with lacquer thinner again to remove any debris.

    • 7

      Apply several drops of Pliobond adhesive to the inside of the female ferrule with a toothpick. Insert the bamboo and rotate the section to make sure the tip is thoroughly coated. Remove the ferrule and apply several more drops of adhesive to the inside of the ferrule. Light the lighter and heat the ferrule and the end of the bamboo cane. Start the lighter at the closed end of the ferrule and stop at the open end. While the ferrule is still hot, press the ferrule onto the bamboo. Repeat with the male ferrule.

    • 8

      Repeat the process for every section of the bamboo fishing pole.