My professional rod builder mentor uses the Clemens method of tying off a guide wrap. I agree with my mentor and like the method. Just for the sake of discussion, I have had some people tell me that the tie-off is too loose using that method.

P.S. Don't tell Big Ed I asked this questions because he's a mean guy. HA! HA! LOL!

Many of us probably don't know what method you're referring to. Could you elaborate?

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You put your tie-off loop in earlier instead of the last 5 or 6 wraps. When you cut the thread off and insert it in the loop, it's cut short so that the tag end stays underneath the wraps. I hope that's better!

That's a good method. I've never noticed it being "loose" at all.

-Nick Dazer
Portland, Oregon

If you like that way, do it that way. None of this is written in stone, and people try different ways and then settle on what they like. Try both

If you pull out away from the tunnel on an angle it works great. I overwrap about 10 turns and cut the tag short before the pull.

I had trouble with the tag ends when I tried cutting them off close to the wraps. It seemed I either had a piece of thread or fuzz sticking out between the wraps. I found out that what looks nearly imperceptible by the eyes, becomes a problem when the first coat of epoxy is applied.
Please remember I'm a rookie with only 2 rods completed. Ed Michura, my mentor, is a great guy and I can't wait to spend a day watching him build a rod.
Thanks and keep the help coming, Bruce

I don't think that's the "Clemens" method. It's been around for many, many decades. Either way, it's still excellent if you have trouble with "nubs" and want to try something different. It's been covered here many times in the past few years.

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Bruce,

I had rather call it the Gerald Mc method as I have been using it for at least 45 years.

Later,
Gerald Mc

Gee, I hope I didn't offend anybody. I read it in his book and thought he came up with the idea. Thanks, Bruce

It works great for me. I chose that method for the very same reason...no tag end frizzies. Once you get consistent with the proper wrapping tension you will eliminate any chance of loose wraps.

Heck, And here I thought that was the Wayne T Dye method, Sorry Gerald Mc. I use it for the same reason no nubbies....Bruce I don't think you hurt anyones feelings, us old guys are pretty thick skined.

Wayne T. Dye
Six Mile Creek Rods

He certainly publicized it to a great many people.

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Wow! Can I call it the Bruce A. Tomaselli method? I don't have any children so at least something will be named after me.

Bruce,

You certainly have my permission and I am sure that Wayne will also say ok.

Later,
Gerald Mc

Who's ever method it is LOL - when you cut the tag use NEW and SHARP . That may be why you are getting fuzzies.

Any nubs or stickers can be easily sliced off with a razor after the coat of finish has cured.

Jay

There very few (if any) methods, techniques, or tools that can be attributed soley to any one individual.

Lou

Learned how to tie-off wraps from Don Robb of Ligonier, PA. Don had a rod shop in an old clapboard building in the center of town. How long ago...well we were still using silk thread.

Ed,

Some of us are still using silk thread... ;-)

Mark