DIY: Rod Case
Posted on 19. Nov, 2007 by Bien Penaranda in Do It Yourself
If you can’t afford to buy your own rod case or you need one made specifically for your SUV or 4×4 top carrier, here’s a simple and inexpensive way of making your own rod case.
Materials:
5 ” diam PVC Pipe = P350, 12 ft long (lots to spare for another one). This is the largest diameter available, with the thinnest wall thickness. I wanted it to be spacious and light. Also, this diameter can accomodate a gaff.
2 Screw caps = P50 pesos each
Solvent = P60 (as adhesive)
Hinges = type locking mechanism for padlocks (sorry, i dont know what its called) = P15
Foam / Insulation = not sure how much I bought this before. Available from aircon supply shops and malls / hardware
Tools:
Saw
File
Sandpaper
Rivet
Directions:
Just cut the tube to your liking. I gave it a 6 inch allowance to fit my 7 ft 2 pc rods. This one houses 3 rods.
On the flared end, attach the screw cap with solvent. I used rivets too as reinforcement.
On the inside part of the cap, cut and attach any cushioning material.
Screw the cap just tight enough and then you can attach your locking mechanism using rivets. I used the hinged type locking mechs for padlocks.
** Note: The riveted part at the bottom should be in the inside side of the hinge so that it is “hidden” when the hinge is folded to locking position.
I just improvised the top part of the locking mechanism using a scrap piece of aluminum, cut and drilled with holes. This is where your padlock goes.
Put some insulation on the insides for shock protection.
For the bottom end, I opted not to flare the pipe (by manually heating it) or to use an adapter to make the cap fit. What I did was to use a grinder and file to make the cap fit the tube. This takes a while to finish. Attach using solvent and rivets.
So there, prototype 1, done in 2 hours, paspasan for my last camiguin trip. I still need to attach some kind of handle or strap to it. Will make another one for my 1 piece rod.
Nothing really special about this one. Just labor of love. The porters call it “bazooka”. I need to put our sticker on it soon.
UPDATE:
Here’s one JP made and developed it to a more decent looking rod case by having a tailor-made sleeve to cover the PVC pipe and of course to add color to your stuff in case you need to carry it around town or check it in at the airport.
