Now if you read our article on how to make a DIY PVC surf fishing rod holder, you’ve come to the right place to get your PVC rod holder looking all fancy-like.
So how do you flare a PVC rod holder?
There really are only three simple stages to flaring a rod holder. Firstly, heating the end you want to flare. Second, bending the heated end with a curved object like a bottle. And finally sanding down the rough edges to make a smooth edge.
Want a simpler solution? Click here to read our list of the best beach rod holders out there.
Easy steps to flare a PVC rod holder – with pictures!
Ok, let’s have a look at the materials and tools you need to bend and flare out the ends of your rod holder or sand spike, then we’ll get into the specific steps to take.
If you don’t know what a sand spike is, click here!
Materials and tools to flare your rod holder
The links below go to Amazon, in case you need any of the items.
- PVC pipe (1.5-inch diameter)
- Heat gun / stove top / hair dryer
- Sandpaper (120-grit)
- Vice (if you have one, but not essential)
- Measuring tape
- Glass bottle with a curved shape to the body – wine or spirit bottles work very well 🙂
Steps to flare out your PVC sand spike rod holder
Ok, here are the steps I take when I want to create a nice smooth flared edge to my rod holders.
It doesn’t take much, and thankfully the PVC becomes pretty yielding and easy to bend once it’s hot.
Before we get started…
A WORD OF CAUTION!
Hot PVC is, well… HOT!
I take no responsibility for fire, burns, or foolishness from following these instructions. You continue at your own risk.
It goes without saying, do this in a well-ventilated and safe area with no flammable materials, children or animals nearby!
Ok, with that out the way, here is how I do it, but you are free not to follow this method.
Step 1 – find the PVC pipe you want to flare
- If you haven’t yet made your PVC rod holder – go here for full instructions on how to make a PVC sand spike rod holder.
- As mentioned in that article length of 3-4ft should work well.
Step 2 – sand the edges
- If you haven’t done this already, it’s worth sanding it now. Use sandpaper to smooth the edges of the cut PVC pipe. It makes it a bit safer to work with because you remove the sharp cut edges
Step 3 – secure the PVC pipe for working on it
- This is where the vice comes in if you have one – secure the PVC pipe in a vice, making sure it is held firmly and won’t move.
- If you don’t have a vice and you’re working on a flat surface, you can just stand the pipe up on the edge that you’re not flaring and hold it in one hand.
Step 4 – Mark and heat the pipe
- Mark the PVC pipe at the point where you want to flare the end. This should be about 2-4 inches from the end of the pipe.
- Using a heat gun, stove top or hair dryer, heat the PVC pipe at the marked point until it becomes pliable. Move the heat gun back and forth over the area to ensure even heating.
Still going or need a simpler solution? Click here to read our list of the best beach rod holders out there.
Step 5 – bend and flare the pipe
- Once the PVC pipe is pliable, use the bottle you have chosen to create the flared effect.
- Simply push the top of the bottle gently but firmly down onto the heated end.
- Keep going until you get the flared effect you desire, then remove the bottle without touching the PVC sides because it will be HOT!
Step 6 – Let the PVC flared rod holder cool down
- Hold the PVC pipe in place until it cools and hardens. This should only take a few minutes. You can spray a little water onto it, or a damp cold cloth to speed up the cooling
- Avoid dunking it straight into cold water because you’ll risk splitting it!
- Once the PVC pipe has cooled and hardened, use sandpaper once again to smoothen any edges of the flared end.
- Repeat the process for any additional sand spikes you want to make!
Why is it important to flare a PVC rod holder?
There are two main reasons you want a flared PVC rod holder:
- To make it easy to place your rod back in when you need to. The flaring effect increases the area of the hole you’re trying to place it into because you’ve basically made the hole larger. And the flared edges make it easier to slot the rod in.
- It protects your rod butt from damage against a sharp hard edge of a freshly cut PVC pipe. If you don’t flare your sand spike, then you’ll risk catching and denting it on this hard, sharp edge.
