Thread question

[Wildfish]

Hey guys,
I just want to confirm that 70 denier is approx the diameter of 8/0, and that I can use it to tie small flies (14-24). I know actual diameter and strength will vary from company to company with the 8/0 rating, but just as a generalization. I'm making this assumption based on Wapsi conversion charts.

Also, would 140 denier only be used for streamers?

My new kit comes with 70 and 140 denier, but all the recipes I have use the "zero" rating system.

Thanks!

 

[jayL]

70 denier is fine for smaller flies. I am unsure of the exact conversion, but you will get a feel to "eyeball" it after a while.

I use 140 for streamers, egg flies, and thread worms as well as the occasional large nymph.

 

[ryguyfi]

I've been meaning to ask this question... What brand of thread do you guys use. I've been having breakage problems with some of the thread I've been using recently. I have a few different brands but bought a bulk amount from one company and it seems pretty weak.

 

[gfen]

Most of my flies are tied with 70 denier, I save the 140 for bigger flies (ie, sizes 10 and up). FWIW, I only own two colours of 140, black and white.

I started with the Waspi flat stuff (ultra thread?), but I've become pretty enthused with the couple spools of Unithread I've had, and will probably not be buying anymore of the Waspi.

For high strength thread, Gudebrod GX2 is amazing. I've also used Danville 18/0 Spiderweb for tricos, which is also pretty amazing and strong for its size.

 

[bam]

I won't tie anything smaller than a #20 hook and use uni 8/0 for everything.

 

[ryguyfi]

Yeah I have 1 spool of Uni that I bought at a shop and it is very difficult to break. The stuff I'm having issues with is Danville, got it from hook and hackle. It seems its every color too. I half hitch my heads and once I put any pressure to secure the knot it snaps. I have made due with it, but it seems like it shouldn't do that.

 

[Heritage-Angler]

ryguyfi wrote:
Yeah I have 1 spool of Uni that I bought at a shop and it is very difficult to break. The stuff I'm having issues with is Danville, got it from hook and hackle. It seems its every color too. I half hitch my heads and once I put any pressure to secure the knot it snaps. I have made due with it, but it seems like it shouldn't do that.

Hi Ryan - Try this:

Before you tie off the thread, let the bobbin hang and give it a good counter clockwise spin (assuming you're right handed). This will flatten the thread and make the finish knot slide tight smoothly.

I like Uni thread for the great selection of colors, but prefer Danville 6/0 for most of my tying. I even use it for tying globugs! The twist imparted to the thread while tying tends to bind up the thread when finishing the fly - flattening it allows you to make a neater head than Uni thread allows, with less bulk.

Another trick that works is to use a tiny bit of tying wax on the section of thread used for the finishing knot - it acts as a "lube" and lets the knot tighten easier. Sometimes the wax on pre-waxed threads dries up, and this re-application of wax might make a difference for you.

H.A.

 

[shakey]

i use any brand of thread.most of my regular tying thread is unithread.i also use pearsall's,utc,gudebrod,danville,rumpf ,gutterman and sunrise thread.i have some orvis thread,which i believe is made by gudebrod.

i try to support gudebrod when possible because it is a PA company.

i also collect vintage belding corticelli and other brands of silk buttonhole twist for leisinring style flies and i like vintage silk sewing thread to use as floss.

i have found the no-name thread at the sporting gentleman in media to be really nice and reasonably priced thread.

my girlfriend ties usually with uni-thread but she also uses 12/0 georgio benechi thread when she wants to treat herself on tiny flies.that stuff is amazing.

 

[afishinado]

shakey wrote:

...my girlfriend ties usually with uni-thread but she also uses 12/0 georgio benechi thread when she wants to treat herself on tiny flies.that stuff is amazing.

Benechi thread is amazing strong for it's small diameter. The 12/0 is at least as strong as any 8/0 thread I have ever tied with, and I use it exclusively for all my smaller trout flies.