I am having some problems with trim tabs. This is my first rod....No problems with wrapping just triming....The thread I am using is shinny metalic like thread guidbrod is the company that makes it. It isn't nylon, my main wraps are nylon A.

Anyhow, when I go to cut it it splits into two pieces, and sort of unravels. If it doesn't do it then, it might come unraveled latter, when I am wrapping other guides, any ideas guys.....

Thanks,

Hey Jeff....missed you at lunch with Ellis the other day:

FYI, a "trim tab" is mechanism that goes on the transom of a boat to adjust the position of the boat's bow to cut through the water reducing pounding, drag, and engine laboring.

I think you mean a "trim band"

My advice to you is make the 10 minute drive to Ellis's house with a 6 pack of Dos Equis in hand and maybe...MAYBE if you ask politely he'll show you.


Andy Dear
Lamar Manf.

Andy Dear Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hey Jeff....missed you at lunch with Ellis the
> other day:
>
> FYI, a "trim tab" is mechanism that goes on the
> transom of a boat to adjust the position of the
> boat's bow to cut through the water reducing
> pounding, drag, and engine laboring.
>
> I think you mean a "trim band"
>
> My advice to you is make the 10 minute drive to
> Ellis's house with a 6 pack of Dos Equis in hand
> and maybe...MAYBE if you ask politely he'll show
> you.
>
>
> Andy Dear
> Lamar Manf.


LOL......

Sounds like you're using a little too much on narrow bands of the metallic thread. It's a fine balance, and also depends on how many trim wraps are being used. For narrow bands, slacken off the tension a little: the core of the thread is polyester, and stretches a bit more than regular nylon: end result is if there is not enough by way of tensioned wraps to hold the tag underneath, it contracts and pulls itself out when you cut it flush.

I think I understand. After tying off your trim band it pops back out...is that right?

I try to insert my trim band tie off loop before finishing (or starting) my main wrap. That way when tying off, the trim thread not only goes under itself but also under a portion of the main wrap. Extra insurance as I hate for those little suckers to come unraveled too! Best of luck!

*Extremely helpful when making single or double thread trim bands.

Jay



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/01/2005 12:08PM by Jay Lancaster.

Jay-

Good idea, I did some further research on working with trim bands after this post. However, more particularly I am having difficulty dealing with this thread it unravels when bent or cut quite often it is very fustrating. Anyone have any input on that is it possible the thread is bad, it is seperating way to often.

You have to be careful with the HT metallics in the way that you handle it. As already stated there is a thin metal layer coving a polyester core. That outer layer is fairly fragile. I don't let it slide between my fingers like I do regular nylon thread (although I generally don't do that with nylon either). You can easily mangle the metallic with your fingers. I have never had a problem of it unraveling badly when simply being cut. I guess its possible the thread might have been wrapped wrong in manufacturing? I'd say try another spool.

Jay

It sounds like you might be having trouble with the way the thread comes off the spool; putting a twist in the thread causing the outer wrapped metallic sheath to go bzoing on ya...

Putter
Williston, ND

Yes - a twist in a tinsel is never a good thing. Avoid those. Hackle pliers are pretty good help in handling tinsels. Perhaps a tiny bit of super glue might help too although it tends to show just a little in the result - if you know that it's there. ;)