Are Sulky, Madiera, Krenick threads suitable for guide wraps or are they only for decorative wraps? The colors and metallics offered by these companies are astounding, but I worry about their strength. Would I need to underwrap and use these on top, or use two layers of these threads if I choose to go with them for guide wraps? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Jake

I have two salmon/steelhead Perigee rods out now being field tested with Sulky Metallic ( evergreen I think) thread wraps. The PSH 102 2MT came back with a loose guide after the customer overtightened the ferrule and twisted the blank apart using the guide just above the ferrule as his grip increaser. The thread and Forhan wrap survived, but the guide was rotated in it's wrap about 45 degrees, and it looks like the AmTack Holo frame on the guide may be slightly tweeked also.
The sheepish look on his face when he brought it back is almost worth the rewrap in itself.

I use Madiera Polyneon # 40 for most of the flyrods I build and have never had a problem.

Sounds to me like any guide wrap might loosen given the torture test described by Spencer. I don't think I would discount suitability of the thread or workmanship based upon that report. This goes beyond the realm of use into abuse.

Sincerely,
TP Stephens

Many builders are using the thread from Sulky and Madeira for dec wraps and even guide wraps, results and opinions are mixed and can be easily researched through the search function on this board. The polyester threads work well, but the results from the Rayon threads have not been overly favorable. I am still experimenting with them both as well as select threads from Robinson-Anton as well as Coates & Stratton. The thread is cheap.....easily available...and OH WOW THE COLORS!


Derek

I have made several rods now using Coats and Clark polyester embroidery thread. No fisheye type problems at all. I buy it for about $5 for a spool 1100 yards, from Joann Fabrics. Being polyester, it doesn't have quite the elasticity of nylon, and it takes a different touch when wrapping. I am starting to like it a lot better than nylon, though.
Steve Broadwell

I use Sulky Original Metallic thread for most all the guide wraps on the fly rods I build and have never heard of, or had a problem with a loose guide. It is smaller than "A" and as a result there are more wraps on the guide foot resulting in a stonger wrap. It does not tend to come apart like the some of the Gudebrod, requires no cp and comes in a lot of colors.

Any guide would come loose regardless of what it was wrapped with if a person tried hard enough.

Hi Jake

I have recentely started using a lot of Madeira and it is great for decorative wraps but can also be use in the guide wraps. It requires CP or you can get fisheyes. It would be easier to use as an under wrap since it is slightly smaller that A but if used as an over wrap you might need to use Madeira on both under and over or put finish on the under before using Madeira as an over on A. It is more challenging to use as guide wraps than the conventional rod building threads because it doesnt automatically pack as well. I use a tool to force it closer while I am wrapping. Still it can be use and is very rich in color. See some of my work in the Photo section. Sorry I dont know how to do the links like the other guys. Computer dunce here.

ps I just tried to find them and cant so if you want to see some examples just drop me a line and I will send you some pics. docski377@aol.com

On the Sulky, just beware of a thread called "Sliver". It's just a metallic sheath and isn't for guide wraps, only for trims. It has no strength to speak of at all.

Other than that, all of Sulky's threads would be recommended by most on the board (other than rayon threads of anyone's).

Putter
Williston, ND

I've been using Sulky metallics for a few years on walleye and musky rods with no problems. I THINK that any of the Polyestor threads (at least #40) would be fine. Just be aware that often thread intended for sewing machines may have a coating to make it work better and COULD cause fish eyes if CP is not used. Haven't heard anything good about Rayon, though!



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!!