Is metallic thread, size A, strong enough for the main thread in guide wraps, or is it better to use size A thread and decorate with the metallic thread?

I have use both a and d on guide wraps and it is fine

Agree with Ralph. I've used metallic for the main wrap on surf rods, no problem.

I've used Gudebrod HT A metallic for guide wraps on tuna rods for years and never had a failure, I do put a coat of finish on each layer of thread however.

Ditto on the rest, Richard.

Putter
Williston, ND

I have asked this same question before and received the same answers. As a matter of fact I've been told that size A HT metallic actually has a higher breaking strength than size A nylon. I'm about to build a 30-60# stand-up rod with all metallic wraps.

Jay

This subject is one of those lingering myths that just won't go away. According to Gudebrod, the break strength on Nylon is 2.7 lbs. and HT Metallic is 3.5 lbs. That would make metallic considerably stronger that nylon. I don't know why this myth about metallic being "weaker keeps coming back. If metallic thread isn't strong enough for guide wraps, than nylon would't be

Mike

Mike,

I think the reason that this is still around is that that the epoxy finish does not penetrate metallic thread and the thought is it makes the connection weaker. The gentleman that got me started in rod building told me to never use metallic thread as guide wraps. It was here that I first heard it was ok. I haven't yet wrapped metallic over guides, just use it as trim. For me it's not that I don't think it's strong enough it's I like the looks on mettallic as underwraps & trim wraps, just my taste. I guess it's from being involved with fly fishing and having threads blend into the blank having a mutted look. Someday I'm going to have to bite the bullet and do it.

Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.

Hank,
Nothing wrong with that! Lots of people don't like the look of metallics and that's fine. I know that this will probably open the flood gates but bare thread with no finish is just as strong as thread with finish (as long as you don't subject it to any abrasion, abuse, etc). The purpose of finish is to protect it against that abrasion, abuse-not to make it any stronger. With or without finish any rod is going to break long before the wrap will give I would really be interested to hear if anyone has ever seen a wrap fail (thread break)Guide pulled out doesn't count if the thread is intact) when there was NO abrasion or wear on the thread! That is what the finish does, protect, not strengthen.

Mike

Hank, unless I'm wrong on this, finish doesn't penetrate any kind of thread. It just encapsulates it. Some claim if they really thin the finish it does penetrate and I've been meaning to try that and see, but still haven't done it yet.
It will only encapsulate thread if it's put on while still thin enough to flow out, too. If it's nearing the set up stage, (I've taken guides off that I did this on later) it doesn't fully get all the way around the threads and fill the tunnels, too.

Putter
Williston, ND

Mike: It's not just breaking that can cause a wrap to fail because of the thread. It's also, potentially, stretching, which could loosen even a well-done wrap, so that the guides twist, shift, come out if not security-wrapped. Have no idea if metallics differ from regular thread in that property. (I personally like the look of all-metallic on the occasional surf rod.)

If the first coat is thined out it does penitrate better and fill the tunnels. Then a secound thicker coat.
I never used matalic cause I was always afread it would separate because of it ribbing on the eye hooks? Got to try some. Got nice colors!!!

Mom,

Mike & Putter picking on me again!!! LOL

Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.

Hank,
Gotta pick on someone and you were handy!



Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

...and it was great fun, too!!!
Hope you boys had a great Easter!!

Putter
Williston, ND