Is It Possible To Replace A Guide Insert Rather Than An Entire Guide?

[sciaenops]

I just replaced a damaged double-footed guide (small one #8) on a saltwater rod.  It was actually easier than I thought and took maybe a hour max.  just need heat gun/air dryer, sharp razor blade, thread & a little epoxy. If I can do it, anyone can. (I did have a rod wrapper already setup)


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[pointbob]

honestly if it was an insert somewhere in the middle of the rod i would not bother since the other guides will carry the load. only exception would be the tip. and that's easy peazy.

[MarkT]

It's the tip? As other said, it's easy to replace the tip guide... heat it up to soften the glue, pull it off, apply some hot glue and slide the new guide in place, then go fishing!

[Walleye Guy]

MarkT, there are two rods...one needs a tip-top and the other needs a single-foot guide next to the tip-top.

Update: I removed both guides over the weekend.  I heated the Lightning Rod tip-top with a lighter and it slid off without much trouble but I burned some of the coating (epoxy?) in the process.  When I worked on the Abu Garcia rod, I used my wife's hair dryer so I wouldn't burn anything.  That worked but it just took longer to melt the glue enough that the guide would slide out.  I hope the "tunnel" is still there for when I install the new one.  Now I have to source replacements.

[Hamachi]

A lot of good information and suggestions here. There aren't any local tackle shops you can call to see if they have the parts? Sometimes even wallymart has tiptops with hot melt glue, but they are downsizing their fishing tackle areas. Always take a quick browse whenever I stop there.
Size and fitment is more important than color or material, but that matters to some people. Whole guide kits available online.

[Walleye Guy]

I called Get Bit Outdoors on Friday but their voicemail box was full so I sent them an email.  If I don't hear back soon then I'll try Mudhole or the Rod Room.  I'm not aware of any local tackle shops in this area.  Unfortunately a few older shops closed over the last few years...I think a result of the covid shut-downs.

[Midway Tommy]

I usually get my stuff at Mud Hole or Jann's Netcraft. They both have good selections to choose from and prices are reasonable, especially considering the time spent and what it costs to drive somewhere these days.

[ourford]

The hardest thing for me is removing the old thread without cutting/scraping-up the rod. Best way to do this is unknown to me...

G, I find it easiest to cut the windings with a flat razor blade. Hold the blade horizontally and shave the windings off above the guide foot. That way you never touch the blank. After you remove the guide, you can usually just pull the windings off with your thumbnail.

[Walleye Guy]

I made contact with a guy over at Get Bit Outdoors and sent him the guide info.  Hopefully he can get me set up.  I'll report back...

[JasonGotaProblem]

The hardest thing for me is removing the old thread without cutting/scraping-up the rod. Best way to do this is unknown to me...

G, I find it easiest to cut the windings with a flat razor blade. Hold the blade horizontally and shave the windings off above the guide foot. That way you never touch the blank. After you remove the guide, you can usually just pull the windings off with your thumbnail.

I use a sharp knife (whatever I have on hand) and always start my cut on the bottom of the guide foot (or top ignite the upper portion of a double footer) and always cut toward the guide. That way the guide always stands between the blade and the blank. Sometimes the guide flies across the room, but thats cool too.