Eva foam grip removal
 

I know this probably belongs in the rod building forum but wanted more answers or suggestions.

I have a rod that has Eva foam grips that need replacing, chunks missing, rips, etc.

What's the beat way to get that stuff off the blank??!

Heat gun, goo gone, ??

Want to remove as much as possible and use the x flock over it.

Thanks guys,

Chef

This is a pain. I've done it often, but always on rods I built. Other guys grips may be glued on better than mine.

I make an incision the length of the grip with utility knife. You can run the blade cutting edge up at 45 degrees with the top of the blade against the blank if you are worried about scratching, but I don't usually bother.
I then use a blunt screw driver to pry one side off, all the way around, sliding it between the grip and foam and lifting/prying a bit at a time.
It works better if you can avoid tearing the grip. Keep working up and down the grip, extending the lift about 1/2" at a time.
You are left with a fine layer of fuzz epoxied to the blank. I hit it with a heat gun and scrape it off with plastic scraper. I clean up with acetone and a scotchbrite pad.

Yuck

Soak it in acetone (don't know never tried)
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I've put x flock right over the foam grips with good results. Try tightly wrapping some chord in a pattern over the grip before you install and it gives a nice non slip grip.

sharp knife, sand paper and time

I read on a rod building site to use braided line or a guitar string and basically saw it off.

Going to try that this week, will post some results and pics

Thanks guys.
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Be carefull using ascetone and things like that on some blanks. Too long an exposure will affect the bond on the glass or graphite material and can weaken the blank.It's a pain in the but to do and will take time and elbow grease.There is no easy way nor are there shortcuts LOL.But I will sugest that once you get it off and clean up the blank go to cork tape and put some of the new shrink wrap over it. Easier to replace if it gets stove up in the future and works nice as a grip.All the ideas suggested work and doing repairs and fixing ooopppsss I've tried them all.I use epoxy installing grips and once they're on they play H--- coming off.

What Numbskull said!

Use the string saw idea. Slice big sections then wrap it all the way around once and saw lengthwise again to get off any little bit.

I would wear gloves and wrap the braid around your fingers or however is comfortable to get a good solid grip on it. It will saw through the foam easily and zero chance of hurting the blank. Other methods listed may work but the blank may get damaged.

IMHO, this is the absolute best and eaisest way... i've tried several methods, including the string saw made for windshield removal, I always go back to this one...

if you at all really like the rod and dont want to damage it too much, especially if you are looking at sanding it or using a razor blade, bring it to a rod builder to repair. some DIY rod building stuff is not the best if tried for the first time on one of your favorite rods. i'd hate to see great picture of the result only to see it break in the first 3 casts at that spot.