Wanted to ask you all a quick questions about waxing ferrules. I’ve read parafin was can be used. How much should be applied? Where can I get some. Is there something better that I could use. I’ve never practiced this type of application before, but after having to send a rod off to get fixed because I (and 6 other people) could not get it to come apart at one of the sections, I feel I need to do something so this won’t happen again.
Thanks in advance.
Greg
White unscented candles are made of paraffin, if you want to buy a 10 life time supply you can get it in most home canning departments, they use it for the top of jelly jars (at least they used to) after you take some for your rods you can make great fire starters from the rest by putting dryer lint into cardboard egg cartons then pouring melted paraffin wax over the lint in the cartons.
Eric
Greg,
I used to have an old Sage RPL 4 piece rod that had a habit of separating at one ferrule after I fished it for a while. I started carryng a birthday candle in my fishing fanny pack and I would wax that ferrule before I started fishing. The problem went away completely and it never separated again, even after casting/fishing all day long. Simple solution but it worked great for me…
Jim Smith
Eric and James, thank you both. With three kids in the house finding a birthday candle should be very easy. I also like the idea of making fire starters with the paraffin. Thanks again for your insight.
ditto! I was watching this thread for the answers. Thanks folks.
I hear about all this waxing and oiling and such for ferrules and it is the dead wrong thing to do. I do not give a rat’s rectum what you have done for the last hundred years, if you have been waxing or oiling a ferrule, you have been doing it WRONG. The wax and oil attract DIRT. DIRT is what has caused that ferrule to stick. This is nothing more than plain old Common Sense. Here is how to fix it.
First, you CAN get the ferrule apart. Hold the rod behind your knees with one hand on each side of your legs right next to your knees. Spread your knees apart. The ferrule will pop loose. Your legs will give you the extra oomph to separate the ferrules.
Now. take a drill bit that is smaller than the inside of the female ferrule. Wrap it loosely with 0000 steel wool and dip the works in a touch of mineral spirits. Now insert that into the female ferrule and gently twist it around a bit. It doesn’t take much. Remove that and clean out the residue with a cotton swab. Wipe the male ferrule off with mineral spirits and dry it off. DO NOT apply anymore wax to gather more dirt. The ferrule should fit like new and separate with a nice “pop.”
The only time it makes any sense at all to wax a ferrule is when it is loose. The wax will provide a temporary and artificial “fit” that will need to be cleaned off and re applied occasionally. The proper thing to do when ferrules get loose is to have your handy dandy rod repair guy fit new ferrules for you.
If you want to wax your ferrules and trap more dirt in the wax to wear them out faster and make them stick again, go ahead.
Kevin,
I understand how you can fit new ferrules on a bamboo rod, but, do not know how you would do it on a graphite rod. Could you explain that process. Everything you explained above is what I have been told to do with metal ferrules on a bamboo rod and I know some graphite rod manufacturers not only recommend waxing but also include ferrule wax with the purchase and most fly shops sell ferrule wax.
I guess I am just confused…
I guess we got told!
If the ferrules are sticking, bamboo or graphite, it id due to dirt. Wax traps dirt. No wax, less dirt.
That separation technique will work for both metal and graphite ferrules.
If a graphite ferrule is loose, wax will only provide a temporary fix. It will also attract and hold more dirt accelerating the wear. Since the ferrule is loose due to wear caused by dirt in most cases, the solution is to replace the finish that has worn off. This can be done with a very light coat of PermaGloss or better yet, a light coat of clear spray on urethane. Rough up the male ferrule with a bit of Scotchbrite pad and mask the rest of the blank off from that area. Apply one or two very light coats and fit should be restored. I have not tried putting a thin coat of PermaGloss on the inside of the female ferrule with something like a cotton swab, but I would bet that would work as well.
I know folks have done this for years and years. It is treated by some as a religious ritual almost. Just remember what sandpaper is and how that wax will bind the abrasive to the male ferrule and “sand” the inside of the female ferrule over time.
Perhaps it’s just a matter of too much wax. I just rub the male ferrule along the side of my nose before i put the rod together. No need to carry around candles.
Karel
SAGE: Periodically wax the ferrules (where the rod pieces separate) lightly with paraffin to ensure a firm fit and proper function.
http://www.sageflyfish.com/equipment-care.html
Orvis includes ferrule wax with each rod purchase and the booklet that comes with each rod recommends using ferrule wax:
http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=9G97
I’ve been using paraffin wax on my rod ferrules for decades and I have never had a ferrule stick or come apart on any of my rods. I’ve seen many, many, many rods come in for repair when the owner tries to remove stuck sections or when their rod comes apart during fishing. I have never received a rod for repair because of grit or dirt wearing out the ferrule, but it is a good practice to take care of your rod, put it in a case and sock and keep it clean and free of grit, sand or dirt.
Note: Do not use wax on the metal ferrules found on bamboo rods.
Years ago, I had concerns about 2 methods…
I then had occasion to visit noted bamboo rod builder Jeff Wagner. I asked Jeff about the ferrule issue & I still use his method…BATH SOAP! Yep, just give those ferrules a swipe with a bar of Ivory & I’ve never since had a stuck ferrule. After all, what’s easier to clean off a rod than soap…a quick rinse & wipe. You’ll never see my bag without it.
Just another alternative.
Mike
I own a couple of bamboo rods where the ferrule fit has become slightly loose.
I use a small amount of wax to more securely join the sections while I fish.
Works great…so far! I know I’ll eventually have to address this problem.
Electroplating of the nickel silver male ferrule is a good solution.
Can’t speak to graphite rods.
Sounds like some folks here think that Don Greene doesn’t have a clue about how to care for ferrules. I think he does. He is one of the finest rod designers of our time. The recommendation from the beginning of the glass-to-glass or graphite-to-graphite ferrules has been to lubricate them with paraffin.
Glass and graphite ferrules should be kept clean and waxed with a very thin coat of paraffin.
As a bamboo rod maker that makes ferrules I think I can say with some authority that metal ferrules should be kept clean and the male slide should be coated with a very thin coating of paraffin or Ivory soap. If you can see the coating it is too thick. I pack a small block of paraffin with every rod I ship.
I have yet to hear a satisfactory explanation of why a metal to metal ferrule fit is correct. I hear a lot of old wives tales and parroting of old wives tales but nothing of any substance.
If I am all wet on the metal ferrule fit then someone please enlighten me.
fishbum
When you lap ferrules are you lubricating them? No. You are checking your fit dry. You probably include ferrule plugs to keep the dirt out, don’t you? You mentioned that ferrules need to be kept clean twice above. How often do folks actually clean the female ferrule? Is there going to be dirt in there? Of course there is.
You are completely missing the point. DIRT is the enemy, not the wax. Ferrules stick because of DIRT. Ferrules get loose because of DIRT wearing them down. Dirt and dust stick to wax and oil. There will be less dirt if you do not put anything on the the ferrule for dirt to stick to.
The problem is that 90% of the people that wax a ferrule, graphite or metal, never clean the danged thing. Most of them never think to clean the ferrule after it sticks. No, they try to free it by twisting and break or otherwise damage the rod.
How much dirt is already in the oil you use from the side of your nose? You washed your face? OK, what about the dust devil you walked through getting to the stream? How about the dust you might kick up on the path or trail getting there? Some of that stuck to the oil on your nose and you just put dirt on your ferrules that will cause more wear.
Keeping a ferrule clean means more than just wiping off the male side. You have to clean the dirt impregnated wax and oil out of the female side, too. Ferrule plugs will certainly help keep dirt out, but they do nothing for the dirt and oil that is transferred by oiling or waxing a male ferrule. Since it is near impossible to get people to clean things, adding a dirt trapping material to a ferrule is just plain silly.
This is simple common sense, guys, not rocket science.
Just adding to the data already posted. Referenced by Company, section ,excerpt and web source.
Echo Rods from Rajeff Sports.
Paraffin wax can also be used on the ferrules if needed to ensure a proper fit.
[u][FONT=Cambria]http://www.rajeffsports.com/echo_warranty.php[/FONT][/u]
[b]
St. Croix Owner Manuals
Proper Rod Assembly Technique.
[/b]3. Periodically apply a thin film of wax to the male ferrule section. This will allow the rod sections to seat securely, which prevents them from separating during use. A special ferrule wax is available from St. Croix.
[u][FONT=Cambria]http://www.stcroixrods.com/content/owner_manuals[/FONT][/u]
Winston Rod Co.
Should I use wax on my ferrules?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Many experienced fly fishers insist on this practice. Also, many experienced fly fishers insist against this practice. If the wax is applied and then cleaned after every other use on a consistent basis then we believe this can extend the life of the ferrule. Otherwise, the wax simply attracts dust and grime and can actually shorten the life of the ferrule.
How do I care for my Winston rod?
Never put your rod back in the tube wet. The finish may be damaged and you’ll shorten the life of the wraps. Simply clean the rod off with a soft cloth and allow to dry.
Don’t try to force ferrules together; internal spigot ferrules are designed to have a gap that allows for future wear. A nice, snug fit is what you’re looking for. With sleeve ferrules, rubbing a little paraffin wax on the male end can help.
When not in use, always store your rod in the tube. Almost all of the rods we repair are victims of car doors and windows.
[u][FONT=Cambria]http://web.winstonrods.com/resources/answers#ferrules[/FONT][/u]
[b]Redington
Product Care / Rods
[/b]
Maintain the life and proper fit of the ferrules by rubbing a bit of paraffin onto them. This makes for a firm, secure fit and also makes sections easier to separate. Remove dirt or grime on ferrules if needed.
[u][FONT=Cambria]http://www.redington.com/product-care.html[/FONT][/u]
[b]Hardy Rods
Care of your Hardy rod.
[/b]Rub the spigots or joints regularly with candle wax (Do not use Chemical based lubricants). This prevents premature wear of the carbon to carbon joints, provides a secure friction fit during fishing and ease of separation at the end of a day’s fishing.
http://fly.hardyfishing.com/en-us/customer-service/rod-care.php
[b]Hardy Brothers Cane Rods.
[/b][b]Cane Rod Care
[/b]If your ferules are tight, lubricate them with plain dry soap, especially if the rod hasn’t been used frequently.
http://www.hardyfishing.com/en-gb/customer-service/product-care-and-maintenance/cane-rod-care.php
When taken cumulatively, this group of rod makers have a great deal of exposure to rod warranty issues, which would include their rod care and maintenance advice. If you want to Know what is right for your rod, go to the source.
I’m in the paraffin storm candle camp - been there for over forty years.
Best Dave
Wow, industry standards,and rod makers suggest the use of paraffin, yet we are told by some that wax is the “DEVIL”? I know which way I am going on this. Actually, I have been using candles for years with no troubles.
Hmmmmm, how do we feel about the cleaning and care of fly lines today?
When you lap ferrules are you lubricating them? No. You are checking your fit dry.
Yes, a lubricant is used while lapping a ferrule to fit. The next time you lap a #30 ferrule let us know how well it works out without using some lubricant to check the fit.
You probably include ferrule plugs to keep the dirt out, don’t you?
Yes, a ferrule plug is provided however, on my rods it is not to keep the female clean albeit a benefit, but to protect the tip sections from the rubber butt cap on the butt end of the rod.
You mentioned that ferrules need to be kept clean twice above. How often do folks actually clean the female ferrule? Is there going to be dirt in there? Of course there is.
I stand by the statement that ferrules need to be kept clean and lubricated. Once a rod leaves the shop rodmakers have no control over how the customer takes care of their rods. I don’t know how often the customer cleans their ferrules and neither do you.
You are completely missing the point. DIRT is the enemy, not the wax. Ferrules stick because of DIRT. Ferrules get loose because of DIRT wearing them down. Dirt and dust stick to wax and oil. There will be less dirt if you do not put anything on the the ferrule for dirt to stick to.
Missing the point? Whatever.
Ferrules stick because a metal-to-metal fit tends to gall. Weather the galling is caused by dirt or surface finish is of no consequence once the ferrule is stuck. A high pressure lubricant fills the surface roughness and separates the metal surfaces from each other allowing for a smooth sliding fit.
The problem is that 90% of the people that wax a ferrule, graphite or metal, never clean the danged thing. Most of them never think to clean the ferrule after it sticks. No, they try to free it by twisting and break or otherwise damage the rod.
So what? The fact people don’t follow instructions does not change the fact that ferrules should be lubricated. I suspect your 90% figure is not based on fact but is merely conjecture.
How much dirt is already in the oil you use from the side of your nose? You washed your face? OK, what about the dust devil you walked through getting to the stream? How about the dust you might kick up on the path or trail getting there? Some of that stuck to the oil on your nose and you just put dirt on your ferrules that will cause more wear.
You didn’t get this oil from the side of the nose from me. I don’t recommend the practice.
Keeping a ferrule clean means more than just wiping off the male side. You have to clean the dirt impregnated wax and oil out of the female side, too. Ferrule plugs will certainly help keep dirt out, but they do nothing for the dirt and oil that is transferred by oiling or waxing a male ferrule. Since it is near impossible to get people to clean things, adding a dirt trapping material to a ferrule is just plain silly.
Running ferrules dry is the silly practice.
This is simple common sense, guys, not rocket science.
You are right, it is not rocket science. Keep ferrules clean and lubricated. People can choose to not clean their ferrules or to clean their ferrules. It is their choice. It is still a free country. Does not change the requirement for a ferrule to be clean and lightly lubricated.
fishbum
OK then, what it comes down to is you buy your rods, you make your decisions, I can understand both sides of this problem. As for me I am going to keep waxing, but I will be careful to clean the wax off more often.
Now LETS GO FISHING. or Hit the tying bench, or mow the lawn or something before this gets out of hand
Tight Lines
Eric
Dave E’s post confirms that ferrules need to be cleaned. Almost every manufacturer there says to clean the ferrules. Some even say that if you don’t, it will lead to premature wear. So how many of you clean them inside and out on a regular basis? 5%? Less? How many of you actually would think to send your rod in for warranty repair because a ferrule is worn and loose? 1%? Less?
I knew it was going to be implied that I didn’t know what I was talking about when I posted. “By God! We’ve been doing it this way for the last 500 years! It has to be right!” If people cleaned the ferrules, it would be a moot point. It wouldn’t matter. But most of you do not clean the ferrules. Less than 1% of you even think to clean the inside of the female ferrule. You simply add more wax over the wax and trapped dirt already there, trapping more dirt and causing more problems. I would venture a bet that most of you never even wipe the rod down before stuffing it in it’s sock. So now the sock is dirty and even if you do wipe the rod off, the sock is going to put dirt back on it. How many of you ever wash the sock? Anyone?
Keep things clean and it doesn’t matter one way or the other but it is going to be easier to keep things clean if you are not using an additive that will catch and hold dirt.