I have a couple of older rods that I would like to add a hook keeper to.  I can build a hook keeper out of a bobby pin but I have no idea how to secure it to the rod?  Can anyone suggest what I would need?  Can I use stuff that can be found at my local hardware store or will I need custom rod building materials?  Thanks.

Just about any tackle shop will have what you need. all you need is thread and some finish opoxy.

If you want a cheap fix, use two small zip ties. Take the first one and put it on the blank just above the cork. Before synching it all the way tight thread the other one through. Pull the first one tight and then pull the other one as tight as you want to create the desired hook keeper size. Cut off the ends of the ties and you are done!

I think this would fall into the LBH handbook as a cheap yet efficient fix!

Thread:

http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Our-Catalog/Nylon/Nylon-Thread-Size-A-100-Yrd

Thread finish (epoxy) and color preserver if you don't want the thread to fade:

http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Our-Catalog/Flex-Coat

Then go hear and click on the Kevin Brotz link (video) for Part 5: Wrapping Guides and Part 6: Finishing your rod:

http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building-101

If you wanted to add a hook keep to your order:

http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Our-Catalog/Hook-Keepers

Since it's just a hook keep, you could probably get away with sewing thread if you really wanted to.

Also, if you do the above, you can now do 80% of building your own rod.

http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building-101#

If you don't want to do the above, a ghetto approach would be to take your bobby pin and 5 minute epoxy or JB Weld.  If you put it at the base of the rod where there's no flex, it'll hold.  For a while.

These work well too....

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_66598_100004000_100000000_100004000_100-4-0

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_58449_100002007_100000000_100002000?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

I keep a bag or two of these around and like the best.  Simple and easy and have available for customers who don't want a hook keeper on the rod, but then decide might be nice to have something.  Keeps the hook held and out of the way.  

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_44434_100010010_100000000_100010000?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

Agree with ejtaylor822 100%......

This is the best for adding HK's by none builders....

I use the Fuji EZ Keeper's on all of my rods that I don't wrap HK's to.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_58449_100002007_100000000_100002000?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

Tight Lines!!!  

In the past I have used a short piece of 40lb mono looped in half and then used electrical tape to secure it to the rod. I have probably 3 rods that have had these type of hook keepers on them and they have all lasted at least 3 years. I also find it is easier to unhook certain types of baits using the mono compared to the factory hook keepers.

The Fujis are great.

If it is a baitcast setup, can you not just hook it on the reel crossbar?

with a zip tie  they make one that on one side there is a loop for a cable wire or telephone wire or whatever  just zip tie it on    the rod at the nut that tightens down the reel and you got it

I use these on several of my rods rather than mounting a production hook keeper. The hole is for mounting the bundle with a screw.

http://www.cabletiesplus.com/Products/5-Mounted-Head-Cable-Ties-(40-lb)-(Natural)__CP-5-40MH-N.aspx

Thanks for all of the responses.  I want to use one of the drop shot style hook keepers so that I don't have to take the bait off the hook to hook it on the keeper.  I have a couple of more questions...

could I just wrap the keeper in thin diamerter braided line then put some kind of epoxy I find at a hardware store to hold it?

It'll probably hold ok if it's in a non-flex location.  Get a piece of dowel and do a test.  It's ghetto but it should work.

Thanks for all of the responses.  I want to use one of the drop shot style hook keepers so that I don't have to take the bait off the hook to hook it on the keeper.  I have a couple of more questions...

could I just wrap the keeper in thin diamerter braided line then put some kind of epoxy I find at a hardware store to hold it?

When I build a Drop Shot rod needing a good keeper system I use the

DROP-SHOT WEIGHT KEEPER SYSTEM...

Check it out, doesn't even need to be wrapped come with a rod tape for quick application.......

Good Luck & Tight Wraps!!!

thanks reel mech. that looks like it would be alot easier than experimenting.  

These work well too....

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_66598_100004000_100000000_100004000_100-4-0

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_58449_100002007_100000000_100002000?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

I keep a bag or two of these around and like the best. Simple and easy and have available for customers who don't want a hook keeper on the rod, but then decide might be nice to have something. Keeps the hook held and out of the way.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_44434_100010010_100000000_100010000?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

Any of these will work perfectly.  I know, have a couple of newer rods with no hook keepers and had to go the BPS and buy some hook keepers.

If you want a cheap fix, use two small zip ties. Take the first one and put it on the blank just above the cork. Before synching it all the way tight thread the other one through. Pull the first one tight and then pull the other one as tight as you want to create the desired hook keeper size. Cut off the ends of the ties and you are done!

I think this would fall into the LBH handbook as a cheap yet efficient fix!

even easier is get the zipties that have the holes in them for screwing down..but i always use the fuji's plus they come in some nice colors and fold down out of the way.