A metering rod holder assembly for supporting a metering rod in compressive engagement with a surface from which a fluid is to be metered. The rod holder assembly includes a base member having a channel opening to a first face thereof, and a rod bed insert at least partially received in the channel of the base member in spaced relation to a base wall of the channel. The rod bed insert includes a metering rod slot for receiving a metering rod, and a flank engaging surface engaged with at least one flank surface of the base member, the rod bed insert movable from a first position to a second position within the channel.