Decided to stop using loop to loop (line to leader) and just nail knot the leader directly to the end of the line.
Which tool do you find makes this chore easiest and produces the best results?
I have looked on the web but cannot find a real simple old version I have seen guys use in flyshops … it is simple, flat, and no gizmos but I cannot find it on the web.
Try this one. Looks pretty simple to me
[url=http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=22917&hvarDept=175&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=3&hvarSubCode=3&hvarTarget=browse:fc9e2]http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=22917&hvarDept=175&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=3&hvarSubCode=3&hvarTarget=browse[/url:fc9e2]
Ken,
The Tie-Fast tool that Anthony showed is by far the easiest to use tool I have tried. With this tool, I am capable of tying a nail knot in 30 seconds. Tie-Fast also makes a multipurpose tool that is basically a set of nippers with a smaller version of the Tie-Fast Knot Tyer added to it. This tool can also be had with hook sharpening file and hook eye cleaner.
Larry Compton
Ditto…
And I always have that multi-purpose tool on my lanyard.
Ken,
I have one that does ok but since I’ve tried this one a few times on practice lines…this is the EASIEST nail knot tool to use . And the CHEAPEST…
Watch it and try a few knots. Really simple! Just remember to twist at the end!
[url=http://flyfisherman.com/skills/jb4knots/:88d04]http://flyfisherman.com/skills/jb4knots/[/url:88d04]
Jeremy.
The cheapest is a nail…
The cheapest I’ve seen so far is a short piece of one of those small diameter coffee strirrers that look like miniature straws.
Lay it along side the fly line, wrap the leader around it and pass the tag end back through the stirrer. Pull the straw out as you snug up the knot (this is why you want the small diameter stirrers…less slack as you pull it out).
I didn’t invent it, but I have used it and it works fine. No cost either.
[This message has been edited by Thwack (edited 29 April 2006).]
I’ve been using the tie fast tool and it works very well. I also tried a two inch section of a bic pen ink cartidge (empty). It’s like using a straw only more sturdy. HOWEVER, I have a video that came with my first flyrod combo (Walmart $37.00) that shows how to tie a nail knot without a tool!I just went back and payed attention and found that it is really easy.
I will try to explain.
line up your leader and fly line parallel to each other, fly line pointing left, leader pointing right about four inches past the tag of the fly line. Pinch the leader and the fly line between your left thumb and forefinger (allow about an inch of flyline to extend into the gap between your thumb and forefinger) and wind the leader going right–> around the line five times. You should have enough leader left to make a fairly large loop up counterclockwise and down in a complete circle and laying alongside the inch of flyline you have in the gap between your left thumb and forefinger. Hold this together now and with your right hand grab the big loop you created and unwind the five loops you originally made. This unwinding should cause the leader to wind over the fly line and the leader your holding in your left hand. Do this five times. If you did it right you will have a flyline tag pointing left and a leader tag pointing right. Carefully snug them up and you have a nail knot with no tools.
He died for me, so I could live for Him.
He gave His life for me, so I could give mine to Him.
He became like me, so I could become like Him.
I use a cotter pin
“The day after tomorrow is the third day of the rest of your life”
Not that I have alot of time at tying a nail Knot but I bought a fast knot tool 2 years ago … works great if you can remember how to use it … keep the directions for reference .I had to make a nail knot on the stream one time when a splice pulled out.What a pain in the bum.Fast tie tool is pretty easey.
The more time I spend around people the more I like my dog.
Mike
Ken…
I use a piece of tubing that I got off a can of WD-40. It is very small diameter and you can easily cut out a two inch piece for making nail knots. Even after you cut the piece out you still have enough for using the sprayer on the can. Then it is best to put it in a small Ziploc bag, (2 ? X 3), or so. If you don?t you will never find it again.
I’m with Thwack. Those little straws are perfect, and you can very easily and quickly tie a “Tube” style nail knot. Easy to put the straw in your pouch or vest as well. If you can get a copy of Practical Fishing Knots by Sosin and Kreh, that and a lot of other real useful knots are in there.
Good Fishing!
Bob
Since I’m nail knot challenged …
I gots to get all the help that can be had! Anyway, while making a trip up to Michigan, stopped off at Cabela’s there at Dundee and they had a “Creek Company” knot tyer which also doubles as a nipper.
[url=http://www.creekcompany.com/multidisplay.php?Department=Fishing+Accessories:efbd3]http://www.creekcompany.com/multidisplay.php?Department=Fishing+Accessories[/url:efbd3]
I liked that it was made in the USA plus it works real good for me.
Dale
Some of the above sound great…
Mine is a simple piece of Stainless Steel wire doubled over with the ends captured and wrapped with tying thread I then laid a loop of nylon cord next to this and lashed it with thread for use in fastening it to my zinger…
I lay the line parallel to the wire loop lay the leader material in the same manner in opposing direction wrap the standing tag, Insert it through the wire loop and pull the wire free…pull all the tags tight and trim excesses…and I’m fishing…
Gets no cheaper or easier than this…If my cam had not taken a crap…I’d post a pic!
[This message has been edited by billknepp (edited 30 April 2006).]
I use a knitting needle or a nail. Have also been known to use my hemostats in a pinch.
Gentlemen,
There is hardly better reading than a WRITTEN descripton of steps to tie a complicated knot. 
Maybe I’m slow but I have YET to successfully tie ANY knot using written instructions. The instructions may seem clear and simple when leaving the pen of the author but somwhere between there and the eye of the reader, a major detour takes place. At least in MY case.
Mark
Jeremys post/link is my kind of instruction. Understandable and easy to follow- even for me.
I’d rather be in Wyoming!
Ken,
The Tiefast tool works great. I keep one on a zinger on my vest or chest pack. An added bonus is that it also makes a great hook remover for those bluegills that try to swallow the fly.
Steve
“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went”-Will Rogers
I also use a piece of a swizzle stick.
You mean there are people out there who use nail knots to attach their leaders? That’s so 2005!
Jude
Late to bed,
Early to Rise,
Guide all day,
Tie more flies!
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