Cracked Ferrul

[Gatorbyte]

Yesterday we it was discovered there is some cracking in my ferrules on my Monte. After closer examination, it's happening on all of the ferrules. I'm not sure ther's anything I can about it except replace them since all them are going. Could it just be that it is only nickle plating coming off, or are these genuine cracks? This picture is definitely a crack and by far the worst one.

I'm thinking of lacing a wrap over the ferrules to add stability, but that would really take away from the "vintage feel" of the rod.

Suggestions are appreciated.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t14/gatorbyte/IMGP0428.jpg

[Buck Henry]

Bret,

So sorry to hear the bad news! I am afraid your ferrules are toast and must be replaced. :bawl: This is the one drawback of owning old production bamboo rods as they all used cheaper hardware to finish them off to keep the price of the rods at the level that Joe-Smoe could afford. As you have learned, ferrules on these production rods are subject to failure, especially now that the rod is probably pushing 50+ years in age.

Ferrule replacement can be done, but you are probably looking at having to invest a few bucks to do so. If I were you, I would contact Bamboo Mike up in NY to see if he can help you. He has access to a lot of production rod stuff and probably has some Monty ferrules he could install for you for a reasonable price. Here is a link to his site: http://mysite.verizon.net/bamboo.mike/index.html . Your quandry now is do you invest in repairing this rod or make it a wall hanger.

PS: you can do temporary repair wraps over cracked ferrules to keep the damage from getting worse and possibly squeeze out another season of fishing. But if you intend to fish this rod into the future, ferrule replacement is a must.

[fishnpreacher]

Not a good sign. :cry: The ferrules on your Monte need to be replaced. :money: The decision you will have to make is whether or not to replace the ferrules or the rod. The cost of replacing ferrules and rewrapping them may be a good down payment on another rod. :) The ferrules on the older Monte, SB, and other production rods are generally the weak link. :indif:
I vote retire the rod, buy a new rod and break it in at the Fall Boo Gathering. ;)

[Gatorbyte]

I think I can do this kind of work. Just don't know if it's cost effective. Where can I pick up some after market ferrules? I'd really like to fish the rod. It is really nice to use when nymphing. I know for a fact that the cracks were not there when I got the rod. My guess is that age had something to do with weakening the metal.

Thanks for the suggestion Preacher. I've got my eye on Phillipson, that I'm hoping is still available. I need to make some calls tonight.

[fishnpreacher]

GB, I got a set from a guy in WVa a month or so ago. D B Cremeans Rod Works was the company name. I have his number at work. I'll post it or email it to you tomorrow.

[jerry]

You can replace the ferrules without much trouble or expense and there are several places to buy them. Older ferrules tend to crack and the biggest cause is because they take most of the stress between sections every time you cast and they aren't made to give.
First, before ordering replacements, remove the old ones to make sure you haven't damaged the bamboo trying to remove them. Some adhesives will turn loose with heat from a heat gun (don't over heat), some require chemicals, some just a puller. After you have the ferrules off you will need to remove all the old adhesive and mic the size of the stations. Then simply order the correct size in the style you want. You will and should fit the ferrules to each other, and "crown" and "feather" the ferrules before gluing them. Crowning and featuring is not just for looks, it allows some flex in the ferrule instead of a point without any give. Make sure the insides are clean and roughed a little with a small file and that you have filed a couple of very small groves on the station so the air and excess adhesive can escape. The fit on the station should be tight and require a lot of pressure to seat the ferrule. Wipe anyway excess adhesive and bind tightly across the ferrules tip and crown. After set(adhesive cured), clean and wrap as desired. Good to go! Nickle silver will run anywhere from $30-$60 for a 1-2 set. Chrome and/or brass might be ??????? Do not gamble, get the right size for your station and fit the ferrules to each other. I don't think your ferrules are pinned, but make sure before trying to remove them.

[jerry]

I should have added at least 2 more points. If the ferrules are not pinned and they don't loosen with a heat gun, after heating dip then in ice/ice water. Sometimes doing this a few times over a couple of days will just make them drop off. DO NOT TWIST OR TRY TO SPIN THE FERRULES to get them loose, you could end up opening the bamboo joints or splitting the bamboo. Make a puller from a couple of small blocks of hinged wood (or just squeezed together) and drill a hole between the two wood blocks that would just be smaller that the ferrule's outside diameter. Squeeze the ferrule between the two blocks and pull straight away.
You aren't trying to save them, so you could grind them off with a dremel cutter just above the bamboo station. Scrape away the old adhesive with a razor blade and clean the station with denatured alchol or acetone before gluing the replacements or preparing the station for the replacement ferrules. Don't forget to clean inside the ferrules or they won't bond if any contamination is present.

[Gatorbyte]

I am not quite ready to hang the Monty on the wall. I'd like to see if I can get an aftermarket set. Anyone know where to get a set of ferrules? I haven't had any luck yet.

[fishnpreacher]

Gator, you will need to measure the ferrules with a micrometer to get the right size replacement. I know there are less expensive ferrules on the market, but Golden Witch has ferrules. You also might try posting on Clarks board and see if anybody there has a set. I'll try to remember to get the number for Cremeans today. :bang:

[wyokid]

Hi Give me a call. I have various style of ferrules here in stock. If no we can get what ever you need or want to fix your rod.
gary ellledge 678 516 4919