I looked at some thread a while ago and did not realize until then that it was so fine,is it all fine or are there different/heavier grades?

dick

A is standard size.
OO is smaller
B/C is a little thicker than A
D is thicker than B/C, and obviously A
EE is for nooses
F is good for anchor rope

I like Double E for fly rods. Jesse

Kidding aside, Size A is pretty much standard and for non rod specific (Madiera, Sulky, etc., 40 is what is used)

Mike

This is "C".it is fine enough to fit my wifes sewing machine

I'm just looking for a functional wrap,guess I'll just have to go to a thread store like Cut Rate Tackle and look at some.

What about braided fishing line???

dick

Dick,

You need to be very careful when choosing thread that is not specifically for rodbuilding. You can use other threads but be aware that many are coated with silicon's, etc to work better in sewing machines. Silicon creates major problims with finishs. I would not use anything other than mettalics or polyestor threads and use CP over them. They are fine to use, just be aware of what you are using. If in doubt, just post a question, you can be sure that someone has already tried it and will steer you right!

A is the standard size used by most, excep[t for heavy duty salt rods. There would be no advantage at all in using braided fishing line. Strength really isn't an issue with thread.

Mike

Dick, stop making it harder than it has to be. Use eitehr A, C or D Gudebrod Nylon or NCp, and that's it.

Hello, If your eyes are old like mine It would be a good idea to get a flip down visor like Doc Ski uses in his rod building video. Mine has a number four lens in it which for me is just about right. That tip and the one about using a piece of spectra for a pull through loop has saved me a lot of headaches.

Jerry Springs

I think Mike and Billy summed it up very well. Functionality can actually coexist with aesthetics, contrary to many beliefs. There are sewing threads out there that work well in rodbuilding.. I use some of them. But it's tough to beat the threads that are made for rodbuilding. I use A exclusively (with exception of occasional Trimar in butt wraps, NCP if you split hairs, and the Robison Anton poly I use which is basically size 60.. comparable to A) but I also do light to medium freshwater stuff. Even on big catfish rods, I only use A or size 60 in sewing threads. That's the largest I will go. Anything bigger just looks crappy if not done extremely well, and even then it's dicey.

I think you will be disappointed when you try using any sort of fishing line. Once finish is applied, it usually goes to heck.

As much as it annoys me to no end, I also feel a weird sense of pride when people ask me where I got the cool stickers that I used to tape the guides down.

If working with fine thread is the problem, think of Jerry's comments. Use an optivisor or even some reading glasses (I use clip on reading glasses). I makes it easier to deal with small dia. stuff.

If you can get a magnifier lamp, like the ones used for fly tying . They can help to see the thread better. There are also glasses that you can wear.