Thanks for the priceless lessons, David. Once I figured out that these bushings went under the reel seat I was able to insert them perfectly. I went this route simply because of sensitive issues. Somehow the light went on, which is always a pleasant surpise. I like your tip about the drywall tape. I also learned that you can use a "glue stick" to adhese the single-foot line guides to the rod instead of masking tape. Lots of new challenges with this spinning rod, so I'm pretty excited. To reem the grafite fittings, do you use the rattail rasp? JGW