U Build Rods RodKits Fishing Rod Building Manual pg. 10
2.2 If the butt cap is loose on the end of the rod blank we need to build up the thickness by
adding an arbor using 18mm arbor tape. This involves wrapping the tape around the rod
blank until the but cap fits snugly but not so much that it’s hard to push it on. Once you
have a snug fit leave the butt cap on the blank and proceed with the next step.
3. Fitting the Bottom Grip or Rear Grip. (The Longer Grip)
3.1 Check the rear grip on the blank. If there is movement between the grip and the blank and
you can slide it on and off easily without any resistance we need to build up the thickness of
the rod blank using arbors. (Like step 2.2).
3.2 Leave about a 5mm gap from the butt cap and wrap enough arbor tape around the rod
blank so that there is resistance when you try and slide the grip back over it. (Not so much
that it is hard to push it over.)
3.3 Pull the grip back off and start your next arbor about 10mm up the blank from the last one.
The gaps between the arbors are where the epoxy bonds the blank and the grip.
3.4 Repeat this process until the arbors support the full length of the grip.
4. Mixing UBR Handle Kit Epoxy Paste
4.1 Add 2 parts of A (4 millilitres) with 1 part of B (2 millilitres) to a mixing cup. This should be
enough to complete the rear handle and butt cap.
4.2 Add approximately 1 heaped teaspoon of fumed silica powder to the mix.
4.3 Stir thoroughly for 5 minutes with a stirring stick.
4.4 Working time is approximately 30mins at 25°C
Please refer to the UBR Ultra Clear Safety Data Sheet for complete safety
guidelines when using UBR Ultra Clear Epoxies.
Please wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
4.5 Check the mix. If it is stiff enough to stick to the stirring stick without dripping it is good. If it
is a bit runny add a small amount of fumed silica until it is the right consistency.
5. Glue Rear Grip and Butt Cap
We glue the rear grip and butt cap before proceeding because the reel seat arbors are larger
than the rear grips hollow and it cannot be fitted after the reel seat arbors are on the blank.
5.1 Apply the mixed handle kit epoxy paste to the end of the rod blank up to the first arbor for
the rear grip and the inside of the butt cap.
5.2 Push the butt cap into place and clean off any excess glue with methylated spirits.
5.3 Apply the mixed handle kit epoxy paste to the gaps between the tape arbors for the rear
grip. Don’t forget the area above the top arbor.
5.4 Make sure the gaps are completely filled with epoxy.
Epoxy on top of the tape will not provide any adhesion between the handle and the blank
only the epoxy in the gaps between arbors achieves adhesion. The arbors are only there to
centre the component.
5.5 Once the gaps are filled, coat the inside of the grip with some Methylated Spirits.
While blocking one end of the grip with one hand pour some methylated spirits in the other.