I've been admiring some of the guide wraps I see on various fly rods, and in particular some of the modern fiberglass fly rods. The thread used is typically a very fine Pearsall's Gossamer silk with no color preserver, so after coating with varnish or epoxy the result is a translucent, and in some cases, absolutely clear thread wrap. But what I admire most is many of these wraps have contrasting trim bands that are so thin they cannot be more than about 2 or three wraps of the same fine silk in a contrasting color. Since one end of a trim band is initially secured under the main wrap and the tag end of the trim band is pulled through under the main wrap, how does one make such a thin trim band without the tag ends showing through the translucent main guide wrap?

You can employ what is essentially a "nail knot" for your trim wrap, which can be done with just 2 threads, although 3 is a bit easier. I think the RodMaker Magazine YouTube channel has a video on this.

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Clove hitch, your thread ends come out in the center, not the wrap ends. Whatever you use, if you finish your wraps on the rod's low side no one will see the tag ends as few people turn a rod over and look at the bottom.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/03/2018 02:03PM by Spencer Phipps.

You will be surprised how narrow 3 turns of 100 wt or smaller diameter silk can appear using this technique [www.youtube.com]

Eric,
When I do trim bands, I lay the first tag end under the main wraps, but then I also put in a pull loop for the other end, a few wraps earlier. Then, when I do the trim band - one or more wraps, The outside end of the trim band is put in the pull loop and pulled back under the main wraps as well. That way, there are no tag ends protruding from the ends of the trim bands or main wrap.

Good luck

I do the nail knot thing with a piece of coffee stirrer straw. DId some two wrap trim bands on my last fly rod that came out looking great but were a pain in the butt. Just be patient. I ended up leaving the tag a hair longer than normal and then after epoxying, i shaved it off and did another coat (threadmaster lite). if i can figure out how to post pics, I'll do that.

Hello All.

If I remember (BIG IF) on set-up I do it like Roger, but if I forget I will take a sewing needle and thread the band on under toward the end of the wrap from about 5-10 wraps in, then when done thread it the opposite direction back under the wrap holding the band thread so I can't pull it to far under the wrap.

If you are confused sorry I'm not good at explaining this procedure.

The main thing is most of the time I do it Like Roger.


Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Robert,
You have more finesse than I do.

When I forget - as you mentioned, I grab the razor blade and cut the wrap off of the guide and start over.

Take care

Hello Roger.

Gives me something to do to keep me off the streets & out of trouble, besides I like figuring out how to fix things LOL.

Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Absolutely Robert.