Beachcasters

The part of my rod (butt section) that slots into the tip section semms to be about an inch too long. Is this the norm and if not will it affect my casting

it is normal for this to be this way i have a daiwa sandstorm beachcaster which is exactly like that and my friend has a shimano stratic surf which is also like that! they are suposed to be like that so never worry

The spigot (joint) has a very slight taper to it to allow a tight fit. After several years of use, the joint will wear and so the two halves will join closer together. If this were a flush fit, there would be no room for wear.

It's also important that the spigot space between the tip and but section is NOT to big, as to weaken the joint. An inch is may be slightly bigger than the space I have on my rods, but should still be ok. As already stated this will close up with use, and allows for wear and tear.

Also, while on the subject, remember when useing reducers, to ensure that they are inserted properly (deep enough), if NOT, you will split the butt section.
Hope this info helps.

nice one lads. I thought i had got done!

If you're not used to having that much "spare" spiggot showing it can be an unconcious or even tempting action to push the other (female) section too hard down onto it ( to close up the gap) , then it's a sod to get apart again . Rub the spiggot ( male ) against your scalp above your ear for maybe 20 seconds .You won't be able to detect it but this will put enough natural oil on the spiggot to make a big difference to how easy it will be to disassemble . Yes it sounds disgusting , yes it works even if you've just washed your hair ,no I don't wear Brylcream and no , it doesn't cause the end of the rod to fly off when you cast . Seriously - try it , particularly if using a fragile rod which could easily break if you set about twisting the joint to free it up .
all the best
nick

since you mentioned sandstorms, i have a 2 year old 13ft and its rings are rusting. Is this the norm?

IMO this would not be normal. Are they corroding under the whippings?
If this is the case it sounds like a poor build quality, or have you dropped the rod damaging the rings/high build.
I always wash my rods down with soapy water after use and leave to dry before putting them back in the rod bags. Every now and then I spray them with silicone, and wipe over with a rag.

For the joint "lubrication", if you're not too happy about sticking the joint in your ear, rub some candle wax lightly onto the male part of the joint to stop it sticking.