Do those little wire tippet threaders really work on flies that are 20 and smaller? Do they kink the line and weaken it?
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Do those little wire tippet threaders really work on flies that are 20 and smaller? Do they kink the line and weaken it?
They do truly work, but be sure to get the right size, there are three different ones. Personally, I use a fine wire I got off an electric tool armetuer (m/s) and I make my own (plus cleans any glue I might get in the eye of the hook when tying)
Plus a whole lot cheaper!
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she who dies with the most toy's wins.
Fly Goddess, how do you make the threader? what do you use? Where do you get the material to make it?
I have used sewing machine threaders as a substitute, they cost around $2.00 for a half dozen. They aren't built as tuff and tend to break more easily, but they are cheap enough that I don't mind. The C&F threaders are more expensive but they will perform better.
As for the kinking issue, I do think they put a pretty sharp bend in the tippet, especially for the smallest hook sizes. By carefully adjusting the length of tippet you put into the threader you can insure that the kink becomes part of the tag end and will get cut off after you tie a knot. I can usually make it work with only about 1/2 inch extending through the threader.
By the way, the threaders are a great way to store and organize really small flies, size 20-26. Just thread 6-8 flies onto the threader wire prior to your outing. Do this at home under optimal light and no wind conditions. Then pull them off one by one as needed.
I have never used a threader.
To thread my bobbins, I was taught to straighten the clean-cut end of the thread and stick it as far up the end of the bobbin as it would go without kinking it. (leave a little slack thread from the spool)
Then place my lips on the other end of the bobbin and with a sudden pull, suck the thread up and through.
Works like a charm.
DuFf
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Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints....
[This message has been edited by Duffin Boy (edited 12 April 2006).]
[This message has been edited by Duffin Boy (edited 12 April 2006).]
Duff..I don't think that will work on a hook.
I would like to see Duff try that with a fly, well, maybe not, hate the sight of blood. LOL
I use a very thin copper wire off of a broken small electrical tool (the armatuer) in fact that is where I get most of my wire in copper, red and green.
They usually have two sizes of wire on them, one thin, and one a little bigger. The wire I use for threaders must have been a very small tool.
Anyway, I thread one side through the eye, pull it to the side and then thread the other, making a loop on the end, and tie a knot in the two tag ends so the flies don't slide off. This wire I have will work on 28-30's (keep in mind the smaller flies the wire can and does break on occassion, because you are trying to pass the two wire sides plus the tippet), but the tippet size makes or breaks.
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she who dies with the most toy's wins.
"Hooks!...................Oh!.......
..................................nevermind"
Emily Lutilla (Gilda Radner)
As per our weekly quote.
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Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints....
[This message has been edited by Duffin Boy (edited 12 April 2006).]
I've tried using sewing threaders but they don't work, the wire is too think to go through the eye of the smaller hooks. The C&F threader box works great, I even store my small flies on the threader ready to go!
Personally, I love those little threaders. When you reach my age, anything that helps is appreciated!! Plus, most of the flies I tie and use are in the #24-
30's range.
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Trouts don't live in ugly places