Install Foregrip To Fishing Rod Blank

Whether choosing cork or EVA for your foregrip, the following instructions explain foregrip installation as well as the importance of winding checks.

The Purpose Behind Foregrips and Winding Checks

Located above the reel seat, the foregrip is highly customizable. Often optimized according to durability, ease of use, weight, and application, foregrips are much smaller, but are equally as important to the fishing rod's overall performance.

During the fitting process of foregrips, there are often rough edges created by reaming. Visually fixing these edges for a better finished look, winding checks go on the front end of the foregrip. Winding checks are small rings usually made of rubber, metal, or plastic.

Installing foregrips is easy and the rest of rod building is no different.

How To Mount Cork Foregrip

For a cork foregrip, begin by reaming out some of the inside diameter so that it will securely fit the tapering above the reel seat on the rod blank. Using a razor wand or an extreme reamer will give you the best results with a foregrip.

Don't forget, you can ream the cork more, but you can't replace what is already reamed out. To avoid over-reaming, ream in smooth even strokes and frequently test the cork foregrip by sliding down on top of the reel seat.

You will know when you've reamed enough because the cork foregrip will slide down the blank, but stop just above the mounted reel seat. Once the inside diameter of the cork foregrip fits snuggly, apply epoxy on the rod blank where the foregrip will go.

Then, slide the cork foregrip down the rod blank and over the epoxy until it reaches your desired position.

How To Install EVA Foregrip

In some respects, an EVA handle is much easier to install because it often doesn't require any additional reaming.

Start by sliding the grip down the blank to the binding point. Once again, the binding point is where the EVA first meets resistance and must stretch to proceed any further. Using a china marker, label the spot just above where the foregrip will sit.

Apply an epoxy glue from this mark down to about an inch from the top of the reel seat. In addition to securing the EVA, the epoxy will also act as a lubricant as you slide the foregrip down in place.

If you need any extra leverage, place the butt end on the floor then stand over the blank and push the EVA foregrip downward.

Guide To Installing Winding Checks

Winding checks add a professional look to the finished foregrip. To apply a winding check, start by applying a small amount of glue in front of the foregrip.

Next, slide the winding check down until it is flush against the blank and the foregrip.

Once the winding check is successfully installed, remove any extra or exposed glue with 91% rubbing alcohol.

For more about foregrips, winding checks, and custom rod building, visit Mud Hole Custom Tackle.

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