I haven't built a rod in over 5 years. I kind of got burned out by making too many rods for friends and such and none for me. It was kind of like a second job and took all the fun out of it for me. Well anyway, I was wondering about the thread I have. It's been in a dark dust free container all these years. Is it still ok to use? I did a search and never really found anything?

I'm really looking forward to getting back into building. Man, there sure is a lot of neat new stuff out there. My kids really like those new holographic guides. They already have the thread colors picked out.
Thanks.

Yes it can be used, I have some "vintage" threads that I have picked up at antique sales and @#$%&, and have never any trouble. Good luck and Happy Holiday! Larry

I also have some old threads, Gudebrod, that date from the 40's, and they are fine, the colors are still vibrant, and nylon is not something that deteriorates if stored under reasonable conditions.

Steve,
On an earlier post I made a comment about the only failure I have had with thread was on a spool that I recently bought. I have some spools that date back to '78 that I have stored in plastic boxes in a closet that are as good as new. I always check my thread though; I will pull a couple of feet off of the spool and give it a tug to check for breakage. I now test all of the spools that I buy before I leave the tackle shop.

I have vintage silk (some over 60 years old ) as well as nylon out to about 35 years. Some was stored "correctly" and some was exposed to sunlight (faded) - take off the first layer if it's faded and it will be just fine. If you have a doubt do as Ellis recommends.

Ken,
I am surprised that you still have some of the silk left from when you were making rods 60 years ago.

I recently acquired a very large package of my wife's grandfather's fly tying gear that dates back to the 40's, some of which were many spools of thread. It's still beautiful and as strong as my gudebrod.

As long as it was stored decently, it should be okay. Cut a small piece and see if you can break it between your hands. If you think it takes a fair amount of effort, it should be okay.

BTW, the holo guides are a lot of fun. My son demanded them on his first and loves them. Makes wrapping even more fun!

Emory Harry- thanks for the laugh. Ken Preston - thanks for being a sport.

BTW: my 20 year old stock of Gudebrod Regular thread (1 oz wood spools) was stored in Plano boxes, in the dark, in an indoor closet, in an air conditioned room, and tests as good and beautiful as new. ('Wish I could say the same about my marriage !). LOL, -Cliff Hall-.

Cliff ....
It's ok to have some fun too! I actually look forward to the jabs and jibes from Emory... My dog even has a gafaw from time to time -- and she only really backed into a hanging / drying rod once.