I’m trying to repair an old cheap spinning rod. I’ve already removed the old guide and rod tip, cut and fit the outer sleeve I’m using to patch the rod, and now I just need to replace one guide.

 

I’ve read in this forum recommendations to watch Mudhole videos. I’ve been to their site and looked around just a little bit and looked at their youtube channel, but I didn’t see a video on how to replace a guide. Can anyone point me to a good video?

 

I’m not looking to do this perfectly. It’s like a $20 rod, so I’d like to cut corners wherever I can. Do I really have to buy special thread and epoxy?

No you don't need to buy anything special. I did a guide years ago with old braid and super glue that was good enough until I broke the rod. 

 

I would have any of my nice rods properly fixed, but for your situation you'll be fine. 

You don’t need the special equipment but here’s the general idea. Use a cardboard box with v notches n run the thread thru book for tension. 

we can’t post links. Just google wrapping rod guides

 

A Mudhole video is the first result with those search terms. I see now how to wrap. So as far as coating the wrap, I have some JB Weld epoxy. Is that too stiff? I have super glue too. Would that be better?

Clear nail polish would be my 1st choice for a 'cheap' repair job...get a bottle at the $1 store.

 

Many moons ago, I built myself a fly rod when I was chasing trout in Northern MN...I even tied my own flies....long time since, but some things I still remember.

Thread and epoxy if you’ve got it laying around (unfortunately I have all kinds of stuff laying around) 

Yeah, I've got nail polish, but that seems like it would be pretty weak. I was thinking of using black polish over the JB Weld epoxy just to cover the color of the epoxy.

 

I have brought a few older rods back to life my replacing the wraps on the original guides and or replaced a few guides as needed.  Clearly a pure novice and did quite a bit of learning on the fly.

But, it's actually pretty easy.  

Ocne I had 'the supplies', I took my time and they came of OK.

Not perfect but fishable.

These two sticks remain in my quill and I expect to be using both later on today.

Good Luck

A-Jay

3 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

But, it's actually pretty easy.  

Ocne I had 'the supplies', I took my time and they came of OK.

 

I've found most DIY things are pretty easy once you have the right tools and materials and know how to do it. 😆

 

Seriously though, it does look easier than I thought. I may do some others later and buy the right stuff. Those you did look nice 👍

38 minutes ago, fin said:

Yeah, I've got nail polish, but that seems like it would be pretty weak.

The guide epoxy is just to protect the thread - provides little strength...most of your holding power is the thread wrap.

I've replaced a few guides...picked up guides, thread, and epoxy from Mudhole. Also picked up a rod -dryer...I think it was $40.

13 hours ago, fin said:

Yeah, I've got nail polish, but that seems like it would be pretty weak. I was thinking of using black polish over the JB Weld epoxy just to cover the color of the epoxy.

Jb weld won’t flow and level

out. Epoxy finish isn’t structural. Clear nail polish is the easiest diy and works well. Thread wraps should be tight enough that you can budge the wrapped guide with firm finger pressure. 

For cheap rods, I just use sewing thread and super glue.  As noted, the glue/epoxy just keeps the threads from unraveling.  It's the thread that does all of the work.  So just about any glue or epoxy would work.  Though I'd stay away from anything too soft (like Marine Goop), too thick (JB Weld), or water soluble (Elmers School Glue).  Not that they wouldn't work, just that they'd be less than ideal.  

 

The hard part is getting the threads to line up in order, so they don't clump up or cross over a bunch.  But if you take your time and go slow, it's not too hard to do it by hand.  Especially with good light and eyesight.  

If you use the JB Weld epoxy make sure to do it outside. That stuff is brutal. Also make sure it’s mixed incredibly well if it comes in the 2 part tube. I used it and had trouble getting it to harden. Started over a few days later and squeezed a large portion into a cup and stirred it really well and it’s held since. It’s not super pretty though. Like others have mentioned it is very thick

As for finish (inexpensive)...you can buy a 6gram pack of ProKote for $3.89 from MudHole.

ProKöte Rod Building Thread Finish (mudhole.com)