I've been using the nail knot quite a bit for trim bands recently. This is with Pro Wrap metallic threads (A and D sizes) and anywhere from 3-5 wraps of thread. Lately it seems that the thread likes to bunch up and create a good size bump from the tag ends when I tighten it up. Is it the thread that is doing it, or the way I am cinching it down? Is there a right and wrong way to pull the tag ends?

I used to have the same problem when I would pull the tag ends at 90 deg to the direction of the trim bands. I now pull the tag ends at a 45 deg. angle (right hand down, left hand up) and this seems to minimize the hump. Also, you need to be careful when cinching it down to keep it under tension. If it loosens up and the bottom of the loops move away from the blank, the threads may cross over each other due to the springiness of the thread. I also put a tiny speck of color preserver at the center of the knot prior to trimming the tag ends.

John raises a good point. I even go further and pull the tag ends at about 20 degrees to the wraps. This way you get very uniform tension, while minimizing the bunching of the wraps.
Good luck
Roger

Good info. I had the same problem. Thanks for the information.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

If you watched the video on You tube! The fella who demonstrated this particular knot for bands recommended I believe not going over four wraps. I tried for practice with the A size threads going over that and got the effects your talking about. I don't go over 4 wraps with that particular type of knot just for those reasons. I use it extensively in my builds for ease of use and looks. Hm.....another tip if your using the metallic threads like Pro, and FHawk which are my brands of choice at the moment. Take your burnishing tool and after your last "TUG" on the knot, lightly press down with the flat surface of your tool to level out the knot and tag ends just before cutting with a very sharp razor. That's my best approach thus far. oops and keep your tools clean just for a general purpose...last thing you want is contamination from your tools onto your thread work! makes a mess down the road ! Good luck and Happy Wraps !

PS. Cant find that darned Video at the moment Or I would attach it !

Rick H.

rwheil@msn.com

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I don't use them. Don't have to. I wrap ( for one turn trim ) over the blank. then go over it 1 1/2 turns - Then take the main thread and go over the trim to the right, 3-5 turns to hold that pushing the trim to the right, Then pack and pull the tag ends to tighten it Cut tag ends, Then continue the wrap

Bill - willierods.com

I don't use them. Don't have to. I wrap ( for one turn trim ) over the blank. then go over it 1 1/2 turns - Then take the main thread and go over the trim to the right, 3-5 turns to hold that pushing the trim to the right, Then pack and pull the tag ends to tighten it Cut tag ends, Then continue the wrap

I do use CP It can also be done with Short tag ends depending on tension

Bill - willierods.com