Separating 2 piece Rods

[BGunn]

Now I'm about to give up. What is the secret way to separate a stuck rod? Now I'm not talking your run of the mill "Put it behind your legs, and let your legs do the work" stuck. I'm talking of the "Got the handle in a vice wrapped with a rag, and two people working together with rubberized gloves, and can't turn it no more" stuck.
After a 1/2 hour of trying, we got it about 1/4 of the way out, but it dosn't want to come no more. The eyes are now about 180* from where they should be, so its not usable now.
Do tou put anything on the 1/2s to make them easily separatable later?

[irv johnson]

You must have some glue in there--ferrule cement. I would try heat to melt whatever it is. Use a wood match and see if that doesn't let it release. You are heating the female end which should open letting the smaller end come out. Cleaning and oiling the parts should prevent future problems.

[Ron]

Cold shrinks. I think I'd cool it down with some ice and try that before I heated it.

[WAeyes]

I got away from the 2 piece rods for just this reason. They are nice to break down for transporting, if you can get them apart without breaking your rod or hurting yourself. Seemed that if you don't shove them together as tight as you can, then they came loose or apart on you while casting or fighting a fish. I have limited myself to a 6 1/2ft rod or less now, but it is worth not fighting those 2 piece rods anymore. Another problem was getting all the guides to line up perfectly before you really tightened it up too good. If one could come up with a patent for a simple twist and lock feature for 2 piece rods, you would get rich.

[Chad]

I read an article on this problem. First cool the area. Put out side in the cold, soak in ice etc. This will make the particles contract. Problem is the male & female end will both contract. So, 2nd you should slightly heat the female end with a blow dryer. Not too much though, since you do not want to melt anything. Just want the out side to expand without the inside expanding. Do not use a match, this is too much direct heat for what you are trying to accompolish.

If you still cant get it to release take it to a rod builder and he may be able to get it appart.

[REW]

This is a very common problem with a very simple solution.
HEAT>
I have had this happen often on customers rods.
Simply take a heat gun and heat uniformly as you tug gently on the rod. In a minute or two, it will separate with no problems.

Let the rod cool naturally, don't touch any part of the heated part of the rod while cooling. It is possible that you softened the rod or guide coating while heating the rod. However, if you don't touch the rod as it cools, there will be no finger prints or any kind of damage.

To preclude having this happen in the future, simply put a touch of vaseline or equivalent on the joint before putting together.

If you happen to be in the field -- a trick that was taught me many years ago - is to simply roll the smaller section of rod, against your face at the base of your nose. The lower side of your nose always contains a bit of natural skin oils, that in a pinch - serves well to act as a light lubricant for a 2-piece rod. Try it - it really does work.

Good luck, and don't burn your hand.

p.s.
If possible - avoid an open flame for a heat source. It is too easy to overheat the rod, and if you are using any kind of a yellow flame, will certainly leave permanent soot marks on the rod.

Take care

REW

[Nipigon Kid]

If you get them apart,make sure the male end is smooth and lightly sand any burs.Rub the male end with a candle and work it in,then wipe off all the wax you can.The female should be blown clean with air.This will keep a snug fit and prevent freezing which can happen with oil.

[BD]

Ditto on the wax. Candle / sealing wax for most applications. Bees wax for ferrules which are extra tight to begin with.

[GORD]

If you use heat, be careful not to use too much. Hot water might be a good place to start. An oldtimer I knew years ago, used to rub the male end of the rod connection on the side of his nose. He said there was enough oil there to prevent it from sticking.

[GORD]

A little dry graphite or pencil lead might be a good dry lube.