2 rod sections stuck together

Question
joe: hello again. i obtained an old fenwick voyageur sf74-4 rod and the lower 2 sections (butt section + 1st eye section) will not release (seized securely at the ferrule). do you have a secret to getting them apart? many thanks....

Answer
Hi Ted,

Yes, the trick is patience.

The #1 rule about ferrules is "ferrules together, hands together; ferrules apart, hands apart."  Regardless of what kind of ferrules, put one hand on either side close to the ferrule when you put them together, put your hands far apart when you are trying to take them apart.

The #2 rule is NEVER try to pull or twist them apart using pliers.

There is a #3 rule that applies to graphite rods only.  These rules are for fiberglass and bamboo rods.

Ferrules usually get stuck because of a buildup of dirt or grit or even grease that forms and has been left too long with the rod assembled so that it "hardens" or "sets" and won't move.  Always take the rod apart after using it and clean the ferrules.  Use a commercial ferrule lubricant instead of the oil along the side of your nose or any sort of grease.  You can use a light coat of soap...save a small sliver of soap from your shower, dry it and put it in your vest or tackle box.

I'll assume you have tried to take it apart, but let's try again with each of these in order and see which one works for you.

First, grasp the butt section down near the handle and grasp the second section just above the ferrule.  Holding the butt section next to your body try to push the second section off (away from) the butt.  Don't bend the rod or twist the rod, just push the two sections apart.  If it does not work, try the next one.

Next, hold the rod behind your back with your hands at shoulder width.  Bend down at your knees and hold your hands against your legs (thighs).  Spread your knees apart while keeping a good hold on the rod.  If it does not work, try the next one.

Next, at the lowest heat setting possible, turn on your hair dryer and blow warm air across the ferrule for 3 or 4 seconds.  Try one of the first two techniques again.  Repeat the application of warm air in 3-4 second intervals punctuated by attempts to pull the rod sections apart until it works or you get tired.  If this does not produce results, send me an email at [email protected] and we'll talk some more.  DO NOT use a heat gun for this and DO NOT get the rod hot; it is fiberglass and you will damage it; warm air in short bursts only.

Once you get the sections apart, clean both male and female ferrule components.

Thanks,  Joe

p.s. Rule #3...if this were a graphite rod, you would assemble and dissemble the ferrules using the bayonet method.  That is, insert the male section 90 degrees off of having the guides lined up and then twist to lock the ferrule with the guides lined up.  Take it apart by reversing this move; twist the male section 90 degrees and pull apart.  This will seat the rod sections better on a graphite rod and make the release easier as well.