I’ve always built my own rods.
This winter has been the first time I’ve ever fished in really cold weather though (teens), and for the first time, my tips have been coming off (or at least coming loose and rotating on the end of the rod). I’m assuming the two are related.
Short of regluing them on after every time they come off, is there anything I can do to alleviate this happening?
What are you using to install your tips?
fishbum
Flex Coat Tip Top Adhesive.
I quit using that for the very reasons you stated above. Although a lot of people swear by it and the ease of use, I do not. I have started using rod bond. That being said if you ever need to remove the tip good luck it takes a lot more work to get it off. My suggestion is glue again with the same adisive after cleaning real good and a light sanding of the blank where the tip will sit. You should be good for another 4-5 years maybe more.
Use a hook hone to scour inside of the tip top for better grip. If you have space do few loose wraps of thread and use rod bond adhesive.
One item is all you need for tip installation AND removal when desired … Flexcoat 5-minute epoxy. It will NOT come off unless heat is applied, at which time it will be removable without major effort.
I use and love Rod Bond. However, IMO a tip top is not the proper application. It is a bit too difficult to remove AND it doesn’t flow as well.