Kialoa Methane Paddle

[toolate]

Bought an 86 inch on sale today.
But I only need 80 inches.
How hard is it to shorten? The kialoa website shows how to cut untopped paddles but this one will be topped?

[DavidJohn]

The easiest way is to buy a new handle and chop the old one off..

The cheapest way is to cut it to the correct length and grind/dremel the handle off..

[Badger]

Before cutting the handle off, I would try heating it up with a hair dryer or heat gun. You might be able to twist the handle off without damaging it. It has worked for me in the past.

.

[DavidJohn]

Soaking in boiling water has also worked for me..

[Badger]

Seeing how you need it six inches shorter, it might be easier to cut the shaft where you need it cut, leaving 5 or 6 inches of shaft on the handle. That will make it easier to work on and remove any chance of damaging the paddle.

Then you can put the part with the handle in a vice to heat it up or just toss it in a pan of boiling water.

[toolate]

Thanks All.
What sort of Saw works best for these cuts? Will a dremel work?

[Badger]

I use a hack saw.

[leecea]

I am about cut a paddle for the first time and plan to use a hacksaw as suggested, but I also plan to use a miter box to get a square cut.  Mine is a bit fancy, but there are cheap ones at most hardware stores that might work with a hacksaw.  I also plan to put masking tape around the area I'm cutting as I read that can reduce the chance of chipping.

[mrbig]

Just like downtown pal!

[zachhandler]

I find a dremel with a little cut off wheel works great. In my experience, on shafts with unidirectional carbon the dremel is less likely to cause long splinters of carbon to separate from the inside of the shaft. the wrap of tape keeps them from forming on the outside.

I am a convert to hot glue on all my paddles instead of epoxy. makes future adjustments so easy.

[toolate]

thanks ALL