First lemme say I do not get to post much here but I love y'alls outlook on fly tying. Seems no one takes themselves too seriously, which is good, cause if you saw my flies you would understand true humility.

My Question: I am tying 18 and 20 Chrinomides (sp) that have a little herl collar just behind the bead. My herl is 'Peacock Herl, Strung, 1/4 oz'. The problem is that the strands are so brittle. It is nearly impossible to wrap one and have it not break.

Is there a technique to wrap herl? Or, is there a way to prep herl so it is not brittle?