Tying tips: what to do when the thread snaps
It happens to everyone, and usually at some critical point. Simply grab the tag end of the broken silk as quick as you can with one hand, letting the bobbin fall. With your other hand, reach for your superglue. You will soon master opening that with one hand. (try not to glue the tube to your lips!) Dab a tiny, barely visible amount of glue onto the thread, and wrap it once or twice.
It will stick very well. Now you can reach for the bobbin and re-start where you broke off.
(Note, some tiers dispense with the whip finish, and tie their flies off this way)
I just swear a lot and hit things. It doesn’t work. But I feel better.
August 4, 2015 at 8:17 pm
This guy knows how to handle thread that breaks… [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78KyOslhaz4&w=560&h=315%5D
August 1, 2015 at 9:24 pm
Andrew, You can hold the loose end of the broken thread with your hackle pliers so you have both hands free to work and finish off the fly
July 31, 2015 at 11:09 am
OK Robin…so do tell…how DID you get the superglue tube off your lips before you discovered the hackle pliers technique? 🙂 Thanks for adding this…… and if your hackle pliers don’t grip finely enough to hold the thread: put some heat shrink on the jaws.
July 31, 2015 at 12:01 pm