I know this might sound dumb, but Gander just sent me my GSX Elite in a stapled, cardboard rod tube. I've never dealt with this form of shipping before, as I usually get taped cardboard boxes that are somewhat easy to open. Never experienced this from Gander, as they usually don't use these expensive tubes for free shipping The tube is made out of cardboard, while each ends have 3 staples that are attached to a cap. I really don't want to just cut the tube open, as it actually seems kinda useful. I've tried getting the staples out by ending the ends, but they are made out of pretty thick metal. Anybody got a solution?

 

Thanks, Pen

 

 

Try wedging the staples out with a flathead screwdriver so that you can get the cap off and slide the rod out. I saved my tube as well and turned it into an "ultimate wiffle ball" bat. I'll explain the game if you really want to know about it. Anyways, I made good use of that tube until it broke down the middle. I don't know what you're going to use yours for, but that's how I used mine!

Thanks, but I'm really ticked off at GM right.

 

You would think that a rod shipped in sturdy rod tube with foam on either end would arrive in perfect condition right? But no, the tip completly snapped off the rod. Guess I'm going to be calling GM right now with a big complaint.

wow dude, really sorry to hear that. Probably some bozo didn't know what he was doing and shoved the rod in the tube.

wow dude, really sorry to hear that. Probably some bozo didn't know what he was doing and shoved the rod in the tube.

 

yea just calling Gander right now

I'm curious... was your rod shipped with a cord or thin strap tied tightly around the reel seat threads and the other end of the cord/strap stapled into the tube end cap short enough that the rod tip couldn't reach the other end of the tube?  If not, it should have been.

 

 

oe

I'd recommend a chainsaw   Cut that sucker right down the middle.

 

Whether the rod survives is immaterial, at least you will have opened the package.

You're supposed to soak the tube in gasoline and burn it off. The flames cure the blank.

I'm curious... was your rod shipped with a cord or thin strap tied tightly around the reel seat threads and the other end of the cord/strap stapled into the tube end cap short enough that the rod tip couldn't reach the other end of the tube?  If not, it should have been.

 

 

oe

 

Nope... I wonder if that's why the tip broke off. Here's the pic of the rod.

Thanks, but I'm really ticked off at GM right.

 

You would think that a rod shipped in sturdy rod tube with foam on either end would arrive in perfect condition right? But no, the tip completly snapped off the rod. Guess I'm going to be calling GM right now with a big complaint.

 

I wouldn't get too upset.  

Rods break during shipping - it happens.  

And the more you do it - the more you realize that some companies pack their products better than others.  

Once you find out which ones do - these are the people that you deal with in the future.  

The others are left behind.  

You'll be able to get a new one quite easily, but if it's prepared & shipped in the same manner, you could see similar results.

 

A-Jay

i love those tubes. Never seen them stapled or whatever, but they protect better than anything when used correctly. Bass pro and TW always uses them. Amazon has started , too after a complaint or two from me about the shattered pile of carbon fibers that used to be a rod because of the crappy cardboard box shipping method. Anyway, I put one inside my bazooka rod carrier to bolster its strength.

 

y'all beat me to the chainsaw comment, lol

try getting a rod blank from St.Croix , they sent my Big Nasty in a 4''diameter cardboard tube that is really sturdy , had all kinds of foam sheeting wrapped around the blank , was in it's own sleeping bag , St. Croix knows how to ship rod blanks !!!    

In answer to the original question, I've found the easiest way to take out packing staples is to use diagonal cutters, grab one end of the staple and pull it out, then get the other end.  Of course you don't pinch the staple hard enough to cut it.

Thanks for the help guys, in the end, i just used scissors to open the staples and pull them out.

 

A replacement is on the way due to the rod being broken.

I'd recommend a chainsaw   Cut that sucker right down the middle.

 

Whether the rod survives is immaterial, at least you will have opened the package.

 

Now that was funny !