If so, I have a question about hooking the feather stems into the tool.
Mine seems “too closed” to get the feather stems into the loop end of the tool.
Appreciate your input.
Thanks
Byron,
I just looked at this video of Marc using the hackle pliers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU6yIWFn8pc
It appears that the spring is pulled down the shaft and the feather stem is forced into the loop with the spring action. It does look like the loop on yours is a little more closed that the one in the video, preventing the spring from fully entering the loop at the end of the shaft. It looks as though the spring should still be able to trap a feather stem in the constriction of the loop. Is this not the case?
I had not seen these hackle pliers before, but I do like the design.
Regards,
Ted
Ted,
The spring will not be pushed entirely below the loop. I have watched his video a number of times and I am using it as shown. Just seems the loop is a bit too tight. I don’t think, in his videos, that the spring on his is below the loop tip either.
Byron, if you stop the vid. at the 0.41-42 second mark you’ll see that it indeed is pushed all the way down to the bottom of that form/bend.
Methinks -guessing - you’ll need to open yours a tad w/a small blade or wedge inserted to help that happen. His tips are parallel whereas yours pinch too much.
This had me curious, I have never used one though. Hope this helps some. I love his vids!!
Jeremy,
Sorry, I don’t think that is quite the case. In order for the tool to hold the feather tight, the stem must be between the spring and the loop when you push the spring up once you have the stem inserted.
I think, if you look closely, you will see that the feather stem is held in place by having the stem between the loop and the spring itself??
Byron,
My fault, I thought it was “spring-loaded”. Guess not as you need to “push up the spring” as he said.
You are likely correct but on his tool in the vid. it shows his “crook” to be parallel while yours is closed a bit too much.
Might need to open it a tiny bit at a time until you have it. You can always re-pinch it so play with it some.
Check out that 41-42 sec. mark and I hope this does it for you.
My original post mentioned that the loop appears perhaps a bit “too closed”.
However, I would hate to ruin the tool if that is not the problem.
Finally figured it out!!
Good deal. With tiers like you and the likes of Scott’s experience, I feel the need to tread lightly…and listen carefully.
I just wanted to fix the _amned thing…
Jeremy,
Please keep commenting. It always helps to have input from others!
Not sure this will show. I tried to take a one-handed short video clip of what I figured out and put it on youtube. Anyway, it is hard to do one-handed, but the idea is that you BARELY start the stem between the spring and the loop…even just against the loop. As you push the spring up into the loop, it carries the stem (or stems if using several feathers) up with it into the top of the loop and locks them in place.
Maybe this works…hope so…
Oh well, the video really didn’t work as I wished, but I’m sure you get the idea.
Thanks, Jeremy, for your input.
Byron
It’s a pleasure reading and taking note of what many good guys here have to share Byron. I’ve learned much and will continue, I’m sure.
I only wish I could tie as well as some of you boys AND take such super pics for all to see. They really add to the tying experience for me and others!
I’m only too pleased my “opinions” didn’t come off too strongly. Always a concern on forums. Thank you.