I Have had a tough time using matallic thread for trim bands... I know there has to be a trick to it or you guys wouldn't use it! If I use extra tension I can usually get it to stay... but what a chore. I did some searching and found a few references to tying off narrow bands. This interests me because it sounds much easier and I could use smaller bands of trim for different effects.

Could you give me some basic instruction on tying off? I never tried it, thinking it would look like a giant knot under the thread finish. I would like to use some 2 and 3 wrap bands but I've only had sucess starting the tag and pull loop under another wrap. (which is time consuming and makes me feel like I'm all thumbs!)

As always, Thanks for your help!

-keith

Both methods with practice become quite easy.

For the nail knot with metallics - crossings on bottom - tighten with pressure applied at 90 degrees to rod blank (same direction as loops) with firm constant pressure - Cut with tag about an inch long - dot with CP using dental explorer - let stand an hour - trim ends close with cuticle nipper. You can learn to do the nail knot in a few seconds. Works quite easily with three loops and if careful with two. A single band is also possible by looping the metallic around the blank at the desired location - slightly wetting the thread with Super Glue away from the blank - then simply pull the wet portion of the thread into place and hold for about ten seconds.

Gon Fishn

Sorry the for double post

Thanks,

keith



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/11/2006 09:22AM by Keith Neidhart.

Thanks for the quick response! It must be one of those mornings.... I can't envision the nail knot technique. Is it possible to describe differently, perhaps more basic? Sorry.

Thanks,

keith

Keith
For really good illustrations and instructions enter clove hitch knot or nail knot in google and choose from an array of explanations. A two wrap band cab be tied as a clove hitch.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

So you are actually referring to a nail know as in fly line to leader? I wouldn't have thought of that. I guess you could just do lees wraps to shorten as needed. On the clove hitch, do i just put a touch of CP or glue to hold for trimming and finishing?

Thanks!!

keith

Stan: Keith says he is all thumbs - Anyone who attempts to explain the nail knot in text without illustrations will end up "all screwed up"! My boudin is warming and I have a few minutes so here goes!

How about -

Drape a two foot piece of metallic thread over the blank in the area of where you want the knot placed.

Pick up something long slender with a hole in the right end. Chinese Chop Stick with a hole drilled in the end works fine.

Hold the stick with a hole in your left hand. Palm down and move it over the thread draped over the blank.

Reach back with your right hand and grasp the left end of the metallic thread. Form a loop on the left end.

Wrap the thread in your right hand around the blank one more time than the number of loops you want in your trim band. If you want three loop band make four turns - you will loose one when pulling through.

Stick the end of the looping thread in your right hand through the hole in the end of the stick and pull all the slack through.

Now with your left hand simply pull the stick out from under the loops to the left. This will pull the thread under the loops and position the thread for the nail knot.

This motion will get all of the loops and the ends in a position you can carefully tighten the knot.

You can watch the threads as they tighten and manipulate them into the proper position. The memory of the stretch in the metallic thread is what holds the knot in place. Do not tighten too much or the thread will pull loose.

Tightened by pulling at 90 degrees to the blank, parallel to the way the thread is wrapped around the rod, until secure.

You may find it easier to cut the tag ends about two inches long and applying a tiny drop of CP to hold in place.

Trim the ends with a pair of cuticle nippers, good ones and you will have a nice clean trim band.

I am now going to hit the send button without reading and editing the above. The best way is to watch someone!

Gon Fishn



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 05/30/2006 08:25PM by Bill Stevens.

Bill's method is amazingly simple once you get the hang of it!! It doesn't take long at all to master it and the results are great!! One of the keys, IMO, is a quality pair of cuticle nippers



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!!

There are a lot of internet sites that give fine illustrations that is why I suggest going there!

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/11/2006 12:46PM by Stan Grace.

Here is a good illustration of tying a nail knot for trim bands. To adapt it to the much easier Bill Steven's method, substitute the "straw" with a piece of dowel with a hole drilled through one end and hold it along the top of the blank. Make one more turn around the blank and dowel that you want in your trim band (for a 3 band trim, wrap around 4 times) insert the end though the hole in the end of the dowel and just pull the dowel out, which will pull the thread though the loops finishing your nail knot. Combine this with Bill's post right above this one [www.steelheader.net]


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!!

You guys are great! I only wish I would have asked the question Thursday, because Friday morning tried my patience! I prevailed in the end but what turned into 3 hours of hard core concentration (mixed with a little frustration!) could have been handled in less than one hour!!

Thanks a million!!!!!!!!!!!!

keith