Cleaning Cork Rod Handles

[Matt Massey]

I was at the Toronto Spring Fishing Show last weekend and I was asked this question a number of times. I realized that a lot of anglers have no idea how to clean rod handles.

There are a couple of easy ways I use to clean rod handles and get them looking like new.

Magic Eraser

Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser does a great job of taking away the grease and dirt left behind from months or years of use and doesn't damage the rod handle or any of the rod components. To use the magic eraser is simple, but one, wet only a corner of it and clean away. Once done rinse the handle thoroughly and TA-DA! You have a "looks like new" rod handle that is less slippy in wet conditions and doesn't look like you used it as a push pole in the swamp.

Light Sand Paper

This process is a little bit more effort but works really well on older rods that may have a bit of cork damage. Take a sheet of fine sand paper roll it around the handle and slowly twist it back and forth. This will sand down the cork only slightly but continue on until you get past the dirt layer into fresh cork. Be careful around your reel seats and rod butts (on split grip handles) as the sand paper will scratch these smooth surfaces but it does work very well for refreshing those well used rods in your arsenal.

Rod Inspection

This is also a great time of year to quickly check all of your rod blanks and guides for damage or cracks. If you take two minutes to carefully inspect each rod, it can save a lot of headaches mid-summer when you lose a ceramic insert or snap a rod on a lunker because the blank was damaged.

[marc Thorpe]

Lemons are quite effective also

Good advice

[OBD]

That sandpaper tip works real good. I do it every season on my heavy grass punchin' rods as they usually get dark green in color Then, rince it up with mild water to remove the residue and the rod looks new. Great tip!

[joco]

i did use SOS and it did work good to.the light ones.

and some light scotchbrith great stuff to.

joco

[duber]

Wrap in hockey tape then peel it off.Takes the dirt with the tape.

[Trophymuskie]

I just use mild soap and water and it works fine.

[HEX]

Use Comet or Ajax cleanser. Gently rub on with a sponge and then rinse. Easy, quick, safe, and a decades old solution to dirty cork grips.