I am wrapping my first fly rod with a new Sully's rod wrapper. This is a nice little machine with the exception of the thread tension device. First off, the tension spring has a tendency to work its way under the plate because of the excess space between the bolt and the plate. I managed to fix this by placing a better fitting washer on the outside of the plate and flattening the end of the spring. Still it is very inconsistent. Has anyone retrofitted this wrapper with a spool type tension device? If so, how? I have some ideas but would welcome any solution that may have already been tested. This is my first project and it is working out very well. Thanks to this website, I feel that I already have lots of experience under my belt. Every question is easily answered. Great job!!!

Easiest way is some all-thread with a coil spring and some washers and wing nut. The only problem is that as the spool turns the wing nut can also turn and either tighten or loosen. Only way I know to solve that is to get some slick teflon or nylon washers and work them into the assembly so that the spinning of the thread spool doesn't make it out to the wing nut holding the tension setting.

When using all-thread and a wing nut, screw a nut down against the washer first. Then you can screw the wing nut down against the nut and tighten. This will lock it in place so the spool won't come loose.

A really good tension device comes in a Berkly Portable Line Spooling Station. It consist of 2 nylon spiraled springs that are cone shaped on one end to fit the spool perfectly and has a thumb screw for locking it to a 1/4 inch threaded rod. Once you adjust the tension it remains consistent and you can change to a new spool in a few seconds without having to play with wing nuts that keep trying to turn. I bought this unit for around $20.00 and you can also use it to remove/install line on fishing reels. I think this tensioner could be marketed as a single item and would do well. Some of the sponsers carry this unit.

Use a locking wing nut.

Put some 5 minute epoxy along one side of the all-thread shaft & use nylon wing nuts. Use nylon washers against the spring ends and along each sides of thread spool. This works very well to keep thread spools from loosening or tigntening. Clean the all-thread with acetone prior to putting on the thin band of epoxy.

Hope this makes sense and is useful.

Stan

If you're using all thread with spring and washer, eliminate the wing nut on the end and instead use a metal spring clip, often used in offices. The type I use is a black shell with folding clips on either side to squeeze to open the clip.

Thread spool goes on, washer on outside, and clip is pressed against the outer washer. Very easy to slip in place and adjust tension as necessary.

Will post a photo.

Jeff Shafer