1. I presume they can be used as structural, not just trim wraps. Yes? (i.e. I can wrap a whole rod using only metallic?)

2. Anything kinky about finishing a rod done only in metallics? I saw some previous threads suggesting that metallics do not require CP.

Much thanks. By the way, I was the guy who asked about plastic handles for steelhead/salmon plug rods. I build 3 of them using the slick butts some folks mentioned, and they have worked out great!

Tight (but not too tight) wraps,
-Nick Dazer
Portland, Oregon

1. Yes, provided you use the proper metallic threads (don't use Sulky "Sliver").

2. The only thing that I can think of here is there seems to be a bit more of the bubbles forming in the finish that you'll have to watch. I use metallics pretty much all of the time on guide wraps and don't use CP on any kind of guide wraps.

Putter

Hi Nick. I remember your previous question, glad it worked out. I just ordered another tuff butt, and a bunch of other stuff and its taking forever to get here, I want to be building it now! (I think I mailed the check last week). I dont have a rod wrapper, maybe thats shamefull or something, but wrapping the metallics by hand I have had some seperation of the mylar off the nylon core. Too much tension or something it doesnt happen all the time. Or maybe I was twisting it. I havent used alot, obviously. Good luck, for sure! Levi

Nick,

When folks ask me about wrapping a comlpete rod with metalics, I tell them it will work just fine but be prepared to use a full year's worth of SOB's on just one rod. What I am saying is go ahead, just be prepared for a lot of agrivation. I use CP on all thread wraps regardless of the type of thread. Lots of people disagree with me on that but tha's is OK.

Later,
Gerald Mc

I guess I hear a lot of this, but I've been using metallics for way over 15 years on pretty much everything that I do. I can't remember the last time I've had any troubles with it of any kind.

I hear of the "sheathing" coming loose or parting completely and problems with the tie offs, etc, but I don't and haven't had these problems with these metallics. Don't know if I'm just lucky or what?? It wraps just like normal thread for me and just looks so much brighter. My customers sure love it!!

Putter

I have now wrapped my second rod in all metallic (used Sulky Metallic) and had little problem with either, except that the gold metallic did not want to stick to the end tapes when I was making a butt wrap. For some reason, the other metallic colors I was using stuck ok. The metallics are a little "springier" than regular nylon threads, but you will learn to adapt. If you can do trim bands in metallic, you will find the longer main wraps easier than that. And no CP needed.

Thanks, everybody! I just did the first few guides with the metallic and they came out great.

-Nick

I use Gudebrod HT A size metallics on all my saltwater rods, NO color preserver needed or should be used cause it will keep the finish from penetrating the wraps causing a much less stronger wrap.
Never had a problem with 100's of rods

I use at least 90% metallics on all my rods (with CP) and the only problem (more like a pain) I ever have is when holding several strands together to wrap at the same time, they often kink together.

Mike