Picking the right size winding check

[Theflyingplatypus]

I am looking at using winding checks on the next rod I am making and I don't know what size to buy. The blank that I have has a .65 butt (heavy action) and I am making it a split grip. What I am wondering is how they size the inside of the winding check. The checks I am looking at getting are from this site http://www.shofftackle.com/winding.html and are on the bottom of the page. They list sizes like from 250 to 615. I was wondering what this means. Or if do you have to translate this into metric or inch. The matagi winding checks are the same way. Thanks.

[Mattman]

My only guess is those are inch dimensions.

Those sizes don't translate into anything metric. And aren't exact on fractional dimensions.

265 = .265" = 17/64th (.2656") = 6.73mm

285 = .285" = 9/32nd (.2813") = 7.24mm

300 = .300" = 19/64th (.2969") = 7.62mm

Inches divided by .03937 equals MM.

[Theflyingplatypus]

Thanks thats kinda what I figured. I just did'nt want to buy the wrong size. Looks like there biggest size is a little small. What tips do you have for reaming these?

[Mattman]

What tips do you have for reaming these?

Have not had the best results there. If there is a plating on the check, it usually flakes and looks bad rather quickly.

Best results have come by holding the ring with padded pliers and using a Dremel with a spiral or straight cutting tool. Grinding stones tend to plug up but cutters will remove material.

[Theflyingplatypus]

Thanks for the tips.