Question for you guys that wrap your net/gaff handles. I want to wrap a net handle with a 1/4" multi-color nylon twine. I was planning on using shrink tube on the ends of the wrap. Do you use adhesive such as Rod Bond under the twine? What about on top of the wrap? Do you use anything to protect/help keetp clean the wrap?



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!!

I use double stick tape to hold the twine in place till I secure the ends. Shrink tube will work, I usually do it fancier with an inlay thread wrap. I put color preserver over the entire cord to help lock it in place. I've seen them done with rod finish but I don't care for that look or feel.

Hi Mike, It depends on the type of cord I use. Sometimes I use regulation butt cord that comes in a ball or sometimes I use the fancy florescent twine I find at Home Depot that is smaller diameter and smoother. I use color preservery on both but if it is going to take a lot of abuse I might hit it with varnish. I finish off the ends with turks heads and I dont use anything to stick the cord down because I start it like I do any flat wrap like a guide. Helps it lay flatter if you unravel the bit you are going to wrap over. Something els fun to do is wrap a handle of a Net or Gaff with cork tape and leave about 3/16" gap betweeen tape edges then fill it with two colors of butt cord. You can still finish it off with shrink tube or a turks head.

On cord wraps I use dilute elmers glue as a CP and to hold things on place. MUCH cheaper than using Flexcoat or similar preps, and it works fine as long as your finish coat is completely waterporrf. I think I know what cord you are using as well. The rainbow stuff that progressively changes from one color to the next right? I have been looking at the same stuff myself and wondering. Was thinking of wrapping a poke pole handle with it. If it is like the other cords it has a center cord that can be removed. Take out the core of a 2" section or so, fray the ends and then compress ith tag end with heat. It will lay down nice and flat then. I agree with Doc about the Turk's Head Knots.....They are really classy looking but I just can't get them figured out.

I do a lot of cord wraps. Keeping the cord from getting a lot of twist in it can be a serious pain.

dsrtegl2004atearthlinkdotnet


Derek

For help with turks head knots , check out this site, really good illustrations and instructions on knots of all types including the turks
[folsoms.net]

Thanks, guys!! Derek, that's the stuff. I'd love a Turks head but not with my 10 thumbs!!!

Jim, thanks for that link.