Cleaning cork

Pete · 01-23-2002, 12:46 PM

I'm sitting here looking at a half dozen rods. The new TH is making the other rods feel neglected. How should I clean 20 years of crud off the cork? On my old drift rod it's like shellac (sp?)! Should I even try? What's your call?

Pilar · 01-23-2002, 12:48 PM

Hey Pete, use that WD-40 in your box and a clean rag. Spray it up and let it soak for a bit, then wipe it off with the rag. It'll smell good too when you are done. Don't forget to spray the reel and guides on the rod while you are at it.

Jellyhead · 01-23-2002, 01:13 PM

I've just sanded it off in the past. Looks like brand new when you're done.

Aaron

01-23-2002, 01:41 PM

Light steel wool make them new, then some armor all type stuff?

GutZ · 01-23-2002, 01:50 PM

Yep, Sandpaper 200 grit. Not too much though!
GutZ

Rauly · 01-23-2002, 01:52 PM

I have found that Mr. Muscle oven cleaner does the trick for me. Spray it on and wait 5 minutes then wipe it off and it is good as new.

PEEPS · 01-23-2002, 05:37 PM

And THEN...
Seal the cork with U-40 Cork Seal!

Actually, I got some for the last rod I built, (A blank and kit I got from TH) but haven't put it on yet. I read good comments about it on rodbuilding.org. The bottle says,
"Enhances that cork feel"
"Toughens the cork"
"Reduces chipping, degradation of cork, etc."
"SEALS AGAINST DIRT AND OILS"

But I don't think it would work too good after the wd-40 cleaning. Says it's a water based product.

[ 01-23-2002: Message edited by: PEEPS ]</p>

rcl187 · 01-23-2002, 07:00 PM

When I originally bought my rods the cork handles had a plastic protective thing over them. I never took it off. People usually laugh at me for this but it makes it much easier to clean and the cork looks brand new - even on my salt water rod which see's 150 days plus of weather a year.

fishchaser · 01-23-2002, 08:35 PM

I have never taken the plastic off my cork either. I thought I was the only one that kept it on. Cork is brand new. :grin:

HOGTIDE · 01-23-2002, 09:17 PM

Lightly soiled cork, I use Dawn. Scrub it down and rinse it off...looks like new.

Old egg/herring oiled handles , I use SOS. Scrub it down gently and rinse it off....looks like "almost" new !

Always rub my rods down with WD-40. Partially to clean them off...partially to stop sticky bait stuff from adhering next trip out.

Just finished going through all of my Salmon rods and reels during these dreary cold nights. It's even cold in the garage these days !

[ 01-23-2002: Message edited by: HOGTIDE ]</p>

Fishhead · 01-23-2002, 10:55 PM

SOS-SOS-SOS works great! :grin: but only on the cork not on the rod!