I have been replacing several tip tops.

 

I started by removing one from a rod that happened to be the right size and putting it on the rod that needed it. I used this glue, but with not great results.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/374574977171?_skw=fishing+rod+glue&epid=25066641506&itmmeta=01JRTRKMHN2AYG4556ZYXCEMG7&hash=item5736689093:g:lZoAAOSwwGdf82Pq&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA0FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1evTxy70%2BWMFmlaBEGi4Y3BqR95FnpVmxsipimXSRpkB%2FUkBikV5dz59j%2F1Ihll2FbO4UE1oAWpBCuh5HNtQqPvPp1dqbwh2ygm56R2aj5t1Rslw2IUzhnYVUJ3hjbZpUN%2F7qUZhr8E1Gy2Z70kRmnkHFxiIxfEw9vj0tOtx%2B%2F2JSgO02GJiQti7LdUmrkHgoxalJ8g85ZzlF8mxdFkqu2tsUwLf08eapo%2FXPmdqaHcuag2sim21AZmLsrSGZFXvHQ%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR87JztjGZQ

 

The problem is, that the after the glue is dried, I can twist the tip top with moderate force. I've replaced this tip twice, with a used tip, one was a cheap one that didn't last very long, the other was a stainless. Both tips I've used a fair amount and they seem to have held okay, though one of them actually twisted a little on the rod and I heated it and straightened it.

 

I then have purchased this, and used the kit's new top with similar results on a different rod.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/374574977171?_skw=fishing+rod+glue&epid=25066641506&itmmeta=01JRTRKMHN2AYG4556ZYXCEMG7&hash=item5736689093:g:lZoAAOSwwGdf82Pq&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA0FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1evTxy70%2BWMFmlaBEGi4Y3BqR95FnpVmxsipimXSRpkB%2FUkBikV5dz59j%2F1Ihll2FbO4UE1oAWpBCuh5HNtQqPvPp1dqbwh2ygm56R2aj5t1Rslw2IUzhnYVUJ3hjbZpUN%2F7qUZhr8E1Gy2Z70kRmnkHFxiIxfEw9vj0tOtx%2B%2F2JSgO02GJiQti7LdUmrkHgoxalJ8g85ZzlF8mxdFkqu2tsUwLf08eapo%2FXPmdqaHcuag2sim21AZmLsrSGZFXvHQ%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR87JztjGZQ

 

I do understand the sizing system, and I am pretty sure that I don't need the half size for either.

 

I heated the old tip and removed it. Wiped the rod with a rag to remove whatever old glue there was. I cut a good sliver of new glue and put it in the rod tip, heated it and put it on the rod. I twisted it all the way around for a good adhesion, then held it in place until the glue cooled.

 

Honestly I think the glue is not good in either instance. Is there a better glue?

 

But perhaps I'm doing something wrong. I'd be open to a video of how to do it, if someone that knows what to look for can link one that shows good practices. 

Epoxy

I've ordered tips and epoxy from Mud Hold. Works well. Even replaced a few guides. I'm not the best, but looks okay on my 30 year old rods.

Scuff the rod tip up with some 120-150 grit sand paper and clean with acetone or alcohol before you use the hot melt. When you do the gluing maybe only turn/twist a 1/4 to 1/2 a turn and back.  You might be letting it cool too much and you're breaking the seal.  

     If you go the epoxy route it will work but if you ever have to change it out again it might be a problem.  It would also depend on the type of epoxy you use.

     My opinion is rod builders use hot melt and I'd stick with that and try altering your technique.

FM

That glue is just fine.  I used it for years to good effect.  I don’t prefer epoxy because if you need to change it later epoxy can take a lot more heat to soften and remove. Enough that you could damage the blank itself.  There are a couple key things to get right in using hot melt for a tip top.  First, the tip top has to fit the blank well.  If there is too much gap between the blank and the metal you aren’t going to fill it with glue.  You can buy a tip top set or just a couple that are close in size to what you are using and then go by trial and error.  The tip top should slide onto the blank smoothly, but there shouldn’t really be a gap and it certainly shouldn’t ‘wiggle’.  Second, clean the blank. You need a good base to adhere to.  Use a scotchbrite pad or similar thing to take the shine off the blank.  Not sandpaper unless you have 800 or higher grit wet dry and even then a scotchbrite pad is better.  You’re only taking the shine off the blank to give the glue a wetting surface.  Lastly, Hotmelt glue is thick, even when you heat it up.  It is easier to use a razor blade and cut a couple little slivers that you can slide down into the tip top.  Then heat the tip top until it is all melted.  Then slide the tip of the rod in.  That way you’re never heating the rod blank itself.  When you have hot glue on the blank you can’t get it hot enough for long enough before it starts to set up.  It will also use the tip top to scrape it off the blank.  When you fill the tube there is no where for the glue to go but back out between the blank and the tip top.  Let it cool a little and just peel away the excess. 

Fishingmickey got ya covered..

 

no muss no fuss

I use waterproof, expandable epoxy.  Use a toothpick to get some into the tip top.  If you apply to the rod, and the tip is a tight fit, then the glue may get pushed down the rod.

Slice off really thin slivers of the tip top glue stick and stuff the tip top full with them.  Heat with a lighter and put it on the rod.

1 hour ago, Alex from GA said:

Slice off really thin slivers of the tip top glue stick and stuff the tip top full with them.  Heat with a lighter and put it on the rod.

Thanks. I didn't stuff it full. Perhaps I aint using enough.