View Full Version : Cleaning cork rod handles...
Harve
10-11-2006, 12:04 PM
My cork rod handles are getting a bit grubby. They are top of the line St. Croix and GLoomis rods, so I'd like something that would get the grips clean without being too harsh. Thanks in advance.
K Gonefishin
10-11-2006, 12:06 PM
very light sandpaper works great
Paul H
10-11-2006, 12:14 PM
409 and a small brush or Dawn works good for me.
I use a small hand/fingernail brush.
Dishsoap, warm water and a rag to start.
Sandpaper to finish if needed.
ChadM
The solution is simple - no need for sandpaper.
Use Simple Green Cleaner and a tooth brush.
Simple Green is a great cleaner that does a wonderful job on this as well as some other hard clean things.
Take care
REW
Tom B
10-11-2006, 06:28 PM
For the longevity of your cork handles it is important to wash them once a year. Simple Green is just the ticket.
Tom B
Morton
10-12-2006, 12:24 PM
Harve
I found something this year while restoring some old rods that have been in the family for 60+ years.
Go to the local grocery store and get some Magic Sponges locataed in the household cleaning section.
They work well for many things around the house and made the handles in these rods look like brand new. I could hardly believe how nice they turned out with that many years of " Fishing Residue" on them.
It tooks about 5 min to clean the handle of each one. They now are on display in my home along with many other treasures from the past.
Morton
10-12-2006, 12:27 PM
Harve
OOPS !!! I meant Magic Ereasers !!!
I think they are a MR. Clean product.
Harve
10-12-2006, 07:09 PM
Since Simple Green received multiple recommendations and I'd heard of it previously, I bought some and used it today. Awesome results - the cork looks like new!
Hammer head U
10-12-2006, 09:25 PM
>very light sandpaper works great
Sand Paper??!!!:banging:
gunrac
10-13-2006, 08:01 AM
The only cleaning supplies I keep on the boat is Dawn and bleach. Dilute accordingly. Cheep to use and will take care of about any project.
NEVER APOLOGIZE....
AS IT SHOWS SIGNS OF WEAKNESS
HAWG ON, SEA YA
Unlogged Blackmacs
10-13-2006, 08:02 AM
Do you guys wash the cork after using simple green? I'm concerned it would leave residue or a chemical smell.
gunrac
10-13-2006, 08:13 AM
Come on Blackmacs, don't you rinse your car off after washing it.
NEVER APOLOGIZE....
AS IT SHOWS SIGNS OF WEAKNESS
HAWG ON, SEA YA
Unlogged Blackmacs
10-13-2006, 12:21 PM
Wash my car? Who washes their car? ;)
Harve
10-14-2006, 06:36 AM
I sprayed/wiped multiple times until it was as clean as I wanted and then rinsed it with water.
jet man
10-16-2006, 11:05 AM
another endorsement for simple green; but i am going to try the magic erasers just for the heck of it.
Dr Scarey
10-17-2006, 12:24 AM
Simple Green is amazing. Not harmfull to plants, I use it to clean grease off engines, clean the boat, you name it. If it needs cleaning, simple green will do the job. Buy it full strength in gallon containers. Dilute and put in spray bottles, or use full strength. Rinse with water. If you have not tried it you will be amazed.
Bill
Hate to knock simple green, it is a very good product. However I wouldn't use it in this application. Cork will absorb th product, I believe it is alkalin as well. Sweaty hands, slippery when wet, etc....... I use a wet rag with some safe hand soap, works well for me.
RANGER
10-19-2006, 09:19 PM
Go-Jo........the mechanics' hand cleaner!! Rub it on - straight - and scrub in your hands. Rinse with water and it is good to go!!!
bob oh
10-20-2006, 09:50 AM
Watch the bleach gunrac. I use it also but you gotta make sure you dilute and rinse WELL or it will ea your boat! It can be especially tough on wiring etc. below deck if not diluted and rinsed enough. I've seen some damage on other boats!
rod bender bob
Jig N Pig
10-20-2006, 07:16 PM
Been using a toothbrush and Crest toothpaste to clean cork handles for years. Works great and they look like new. Also no chemicals or smells to worry about.
mockchub
10-26-2006, 10:49 AM
Lestoil Cleaner works very well for me...
Hurrel
10-29-2006, 07:09 PM
One thing that I always do before a new rod is ever used is
coat the cork with cork sealer. It works wonders keeping the handle from getting bad. It is real inexpensive (Cabelas has it) and it will coat many rods. Once the cork is sealed nothing absorbs into it and it can just be wiped off.