Bob Beeman, a member of our Regatta Service and Oar Manufacturing team, demonstrates how to replace an end cap on a 5 cm adjustable oar handle. Note: This procedure does not apply to the handles on Bantam sculls.
Replacing an End Plug on a 5 cm Adjustable Handle
Materials Needed
- Loctite 409
- Sandpaper
- Pliers
- Replacement end plug
- Heat gun
Procedure Overview
- Remove end plug
- Prepare parts for glue
- Apply glue to inside of handle
- Install new end plug and grip
Procedure
- If the end plug is still in the handle, use the heat gun to heat the first 1-2 inches of the handle end to warm the end plug and loosen the glue.
- Use pliers to grip and rotate the end plug to release it.
- Scuff the new end plug and the inside of the handle with light sandpaper.
- Apply Loctite 409 adhesive to the inside of the handle around edge. Do not use too much glue. A 1/16” bead of material is sufficient to secure the end plug. Note: Excess glue inside the handle can dry and crumble causing a rattle in the oar.
- Insert the new end plug into the handle end. Note: If the handle has a raised, single alignment key molded into it, ensure that the single key on the end plug is aligned with it.
- Slide the grip over handle until it stops. The adjusting screw will touch the end plug. (Note: Do not turn the adjusting screw yet. Simply slide the grip on.) This will center the end plug. If the handle DOES NOT have a raised alignment key molded into it, rotate the grip so the locking clamp and screw are facing up relative to the oar blade.
- Leave the oar in this position and allow the glue to cure for 24 hours. After the glue has cured, adjust the grip to desired length using the adjusting screw.