Okay, some of us can only think about the vise we would buy if funds were not a consideration and that’s understandable. BUT, how about this reasonably inexpensive item. Question #1:
Which ‘ONE’ of the commercially made or bastardized ‘hackle plier’ would you buy if you had acess to all the ones you’ve heard about, read about, or seen in any catalogs? Question #2: Why would you buy that particular plier?
Allan
Of the “hackle pliers” I have used I like the electrical test clips from Radio Shack the best. Not sure that answers your question but I don’t know of any I would chose if I had to pick only one. They are inexpensive, versatile, and hold a feather or rubber leg well, you do need to “deburr” them a little with some extra fine sandpaper.
I’ve had 4 - 5 different “Hackle Pliers” but have to go with Jessy’s answer. The test clips are especially good for hackling small fly’s.
I am with Jesse and Jack. I have tried many and only use the test clips. Hold well and are small enough that they do not get in the way of tying off material.
My fav is what the Dette’s used, a Bull Dog artery clamp. Hols well does not slip in the hand and has weight to keep material in place.
While I have a ton of test clips and I use them a lot in tying, I never use them for hackle pliers. I much prefer J.Dorin style hackle pliers which are light enough for even smaller flies. They are not much more expensive than Radio Shack test clips, and are much easier to manipulate in my opinion.
If anyone ever discovers a really good hackle plier they’ll make a fortune. All the ones I’ve tried range from poor to useless, and I’ve tried a lot! However, I’d be lost without my small English hackle pliers. Not often used in the conventional way but very handy for lots of other jobs.
If I was really stuck for hackle pliers I would scrounge a wire coat hanger and employ my Leatherman and a broom handle to make some of these up.
If anyone is interested I have a series of step by step photos.
Cheers,
A.
There are different styles …which do you recommend and how about a source?
Okay, well I guess I should answer my own question. I like the ‘teardrop’ style hackle pliers that I believe are made by Dorin. I also like the Radio Shack clips. Both however, I feel are just a little too light weight so I tape some lead to the bottom of each. Those are my choices.
Allan
I have bought several kinds of hackle pliers. I don’t really feel that any work particularly well so I end up using whichever comes to hand when I can’t get by with my fingers.
radio shack
Dr Slick rotating hackle pliers. All of the others I’ve used also, teardrop, radio shack, etc… however the rotating hackle pliers are the only ones I don’t break hackle with.
I believe they are dr slick non skid for most. Rotating hackle pliers for parachutes and the feather-craft test clip style for soft hackles. That may sound crazy but over the years that is how it has evolved and I end up cussing at them far less than when I was just using one style.
They are hard to find. I got mine from dettetroutflies.com. Call and speak to Joe. The Bulldog clamps are about two inches long
The one I use the most is a 2" spring clip. It costs 37 cents at Home Depot.
Saddle hackle…
I also prefer the rotating type. It also seems to allow for getting my own hands from bumping into things like my work light.