Anyone ever removed the tip-top guide on an old tubular steel rod?. No hot glue here. Perhaps it is brazed and must be torched off? This would likely damage the vinyl coat, the end wrap, and even retemper the tip of the blank. Thoughts?
I'm guessing it is more likely "soldered on", than brazed.....the manufacturer wouldn't have wanted the loss of temper, or the added expense of brazing...but, that's just what I *think*
They are soldered on. The rods were sent out to local women so they could put the guides on with the tip already installed. I bought out a large amount of Heddon material from the estate of a former guide installer. There were thousands of guides and giant spools of thread and fine wire but not a tip guide to be seen. I have had no difficulty removing and replacing tips that were soldered on.
Thanks, Bill. Will try heat first.