I tried to find a post and failed miserably. I know I read on here that someone contacted Sally Hansen and the rep stated "the best was Sally Hansen Hard as Nails number?..I promised a group of fishermen I would find it and inform them. Now I can’t find it in my notes or on the board. For example the one I bought says Sally Hansen Hard As Nails and the back says CLEAR 4400-06. This is not the one the Rep specifically stated was the “best” one for fly fishermen and tiers. I think it had some 3’s in the number. I would like to find and actually read the quote but have not been able to do it.
Gemrod my clear has the number 232103001 on the front of the with the word clear. Small round.45 oz The two colored that I use have the 4000 series numbers-- red 4500-86 and black 4501-25
#2103 clear Hard as Nails is what the saltwater flies get, only it will coagulate if it’s not completely dry when you’re still thread wrapping. Just apply some more for a smooth gloss finish.
About a year ago I made several phone calls to SH and after reaching about as high in the company as a ‘mere mortal’ could get, taking the information they had, came to the conclusion that their ‘regular’ everyday nail polish is the best choice. It did interest me that they could have cared less that their stuff is the most used product by fly tiers.
Maybe we should all start calling them and asking to speak with Sally!
I bought a bottle of clear nail polish from the local dollar store and it worked fine for me. Problem was, it got really thick after I left the lid off overnight. What’s up with that?
There’s almost nothin’ wrong with the first lie, it’s the weight of all the others holdin’ it up that gets ya’! - Tim
[This message has been edited by MOturkE (edited 12 July 2006).]
It’s a volatile aromatic compound and it evaporated without the cap on it. If you left the cap off for a couple of days it would turn into a clear little block.
A little nail polish remover or lacquer thinner will thin it out again. Just add a little bit and stir it with a toothpick. If you need more keep adding it bit by bit and stirring it well until it reaches the consistency you want.
Was looking thru Chico Fernandez’s book The FisHair Saltwater Tying Guide for a specific fly pattern & it was noted that Sally Hansen’s Hard As Nails with NYLON was the preferred type. Might have to read the bottles next time because the #2103 doesn’t list the nylon.
So, I go to my local drug store and start looking in the Nail and Pedicure aisle for the SH that all of you are talking about and a couple of ladies are in the same isle. This drug store has a very special heating system that heats only the Nail and Pedicure aisle. Anyway found a special 2-for-1 deal on the clear SH.
God Blesses!
A wing & a Prayer! ----*<(((><~ ~ ~ ~
Quinn
Although I have used Sally Hansen nail polish with no complaint, I really don’t find any magic in it. Good ol’ cheap clear nail polish does the job just fine. The brand I use also comes in black and is called Wet’n Wild.
No matter what kind you choose, consider cutting the brush to a finer point.
I used to use the Clear with Nylon, but recently have been using the clear “strengthening topcoat” more and more.
I don’t know what I’d do with out a bottle of Sally at my bench, I’ve gone through 3 bottles already this month. I sure wish you could buy it in a larger bottle.
I trim the brush so it’s only about 7mm long, and it makes them stiffer. Then I cut half of the fibers clean off. I feel like I have a lot more control this way
I replace the brush with a cork and wire…wire can be whatever diameter you want…the greater the diameter the larger the droplet…for me it gives the best control…and you can adjust the depth of the wire according to the liquid level…
Hey MO…I liked that…was getting ready to respond till I read the last line…[G]
Seriously, the bodkin thing is basically the same as I was suggesting with the “dedicated” wire and cork means you don’t ever leave the bottle open or have to open and close the lid…pretty handy.
