Cork handle filler falling out

[dagumer]

The filler material on the cork handle on my dear old 5wt has started to fell out. I actually kind of like the aged look that it gives to my rod, but in some places the handle has fissures of about 5/100 of an inch (a little over 1 mm) deep. I was wondering if these fissures will result in damage to the cork it self.

Thanks

[Hardyreels]

Dagummit,

I hate when that happens! Based on your user name I had to say that before I offered an answer.

If you are into dunking the rod handle or you fish a lot in all day rain, I suspect that the grip may become loose once the water has time to work on the bond between grip and blank.

I have read many posts here about the best way to make a repair to this. Most I believe involve sawdust and wood glue mixed into a slurry and then worked into the grip to fill the voids. Then a light sanding to remove excess filler back down to the cork.

I have never filled a grip so you better wait for some of our rod & grip builders to reply. What I said is what I think I remember from past threads.

Ard

PS. I quote this from Diver Dan from another thread: "The best thing I have ever found for fill, and I have tried them all, is Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Filler. Indoor/Outdoor in Golden Oak."

[swirlchaser]

I generally use cork dust and wood glue. A wine cork and some 100grit sandpaper will do. If you don't have any cork laying around the Elmer's filler works just fine.

[jaybo41]

Originally Posted by swirlchaser

I generally use cork dust and wood glue. A wine cork and some 100grit sandpaper will do. If you don't have any cork laying around the Elmer's filler works just fine.

That's a good suggestion to use a wine cork, I hadn't thought of that. I have always gone right to the wood filler and it has worked well enough for me.

[plecain]

You might want to put some cork sealer on after you fill it.
Some like the feel of the sealed cork; some don't.
I like both the look and feel of the cork after it's been sealed.

[dagumer]

Thank you very much to all for the advise, I will try the Elmer's wood filler

[alexs]

I prefer Cork + Glue and I select a wine cork that has the same color as the handle. Be careful when sanding the filling material because it is possible to sand into the handle (the handle cork is softer than the filler material and the sandpaper will bite more in the handle (been there, done that). I now use a hard sanding block with 220 grit sandpaper stuck to it and sand the filler in a circular motion (following the contour of the handle).Finish off with a couple of strokes of fine sandpaper held in your palm. Go slowly and check often; it only takes a couple of strokes to screw it up (gauge the handle).
Good luck.

Alex