U-40: rod building finishes and adhesives by Trondak

1971: Trondak founded by Ralph O'Quinn
Washington, USA: Trondak headquarters in Monroe
Epoxy & urethane: Two chemistries for finishes, adhesives and sealers

The story of the brand

Ralph O'Quinn, from aerospace to rod building

U-40 was born at Trondak, the company Ralph O'Quinn founded in 1971. He was an aerospace engineer who also loved the outdoors. He first formulated a leather care product for hunting boots.

For fishing, Ralph O'Quinn developed finishes for rod guide wraps. Rod builders then asked him for a paste epoxy. He tried one formula after another. Rod Bond came out of this work: a two-part adhesive made for rod building. It cures tough and flexible, without turning brittle.

Today the U-40 range brings together epoxy and urethane finishes, adhesives, a cork sealer and a product that locks in thread color. Its formulas stay in the hands of the people who worked alongside the founder. Trondak, based in Monroe, Washington, still makes both of its product lines.

Products under development...

Continue shopping

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything about the brand

Who created the U-40 brand?

U-40 belongs to Trondak, an American company founded in 1971 by Ralph O'Quinn. Ralph O'Quinn was an aerospace engineer and an outdoorsman. He first formulated a leather care product for hunting boots. He then developed finishes for rod guide wraps, and later the Rod Bond adhesive at the request of rod builders.

Where is the U-40 brand based?

U-40 is produced by Trondak, whose headquarters are in Monroe, Washington, in the United States. Trondak develops two product lines there. The first one covers waterproofing and care for leather footwear. The second one, U-40, groups the finishes, adhesives and care products made for building fishing rods.

What is the difference between U-40 epoxy and urethane finishes?

U-40 formulates two types of finishes. Epoxy finishes are prepared by mixing a resin and a hardener. They form a clear, thick coat over guide wraps. Urethane finishes are one-part products applied without mixing. The brand also uses urethane in its cork sealer, which soaks into the cork and keeps dirt out.

U-40, the rod building brand of Trondak

U-40 is the rod building line of Trondak. Trondak is an American company based in Monroe, Washington. It makes two lines of products. The first one protects leather footwear. The second one, U-40, is made for fishing rod builders.

U-40 develops thread finishes, adhesives and care products. They are used to build a new rod or to repair an old one. They come into play at several stages of a build. Builders use them to glue grips and reel seats, to coat guide wraps and to protect cork.

A chemist's approach

Trondak's founder, Ralph O'Quinn, was an aerospace engineer. He put his knowledge of resins and adhesives to work for fishing. U-40 works with two families of polymers: epoxy and urethane.

Two-part epoxy finishes to coat guide wraps.
One-part urethane finishes that need no mixing.
Epoxy adhesives in gel or paste form to fix grips and reel seats.
A urethane sealer that soaks into cork and keeps dirt out.
A product that keeps the color of nylon wrapping thread under the finish.

Each formula answers a specific need of the build. An adhesive has to stay flexible to follow the bend of the blank. A finish has to stay clear and tough over time. A sealer has to protect cork without changing the feel of the grip. U-40 designs its products around these rod builder needs.

100% secure payments

48H express shipping

Shock-resistant packaging

An expert & passionate team

U-40: epoxy adhesives and cork sealer for rod building

Ralph O'Quinn, from aerospace to rod building

Everything about the brand

Who created the U-40 brand?

Where is the U-40 brand based?

What is the difference between U-40 epoxy and urethane finishes?