I have a kenalu paddle, after having a great deal of trouble securing blade and handle in shaft with hot glue without them quickly becoming loose. Eventually I secured them with epoxy resin. This worked a treat until recently the shaft started taking in water. Whilst I'm not sure if it's at the bade end or the handle end, my biggest problem now is breaking the bond so I can remove and reglue. Any tips would be much appreciated before I dice the lot and get a new paddle.
thankyou.
Try a heatgun on low and keep it moving, never leave in one spot or you'll soften the carbon. Twist the shaft and handle in opposite directions when warm.
I've used this technique many times to do what your trying to do and it works.
When you get the water out, after glue or epoxy, wrap electrical tape over the joints at top and bottom to keep the water out.
My Glued seams have worked well on all my paddles for 10 years. It is important to get an even coating of hot glue on the hosel, and then slowly twist as you insert the hosel into the shaft... at least a 1/4 turn, to ensure equal coverage of glue.
Then immediately place the paddle on a FLAT floor: Blade edge flat on the floor, then adjust the handle to also be flat to the floor. Leave for at least 5 minutes for the glue to set. Don't pick it up and twist to test the bond... just set it gently to the side and leave it there for a while. After glue is fully set, wrap tape tightly around the shaft, then up onto the handle, giving enough wraps to securely seal the joint. Then cut the tape clean and neatly secure the end.
This is a picture I made up years ago that has most of the steps covered
Doesn't show it on the floor or the tape application
