I just re-wrapped an old rod (my first pole, 50 yrs old) with Madeira Polyneon, and the wraps keep loosening at the end. I never had this problem when I used Gudebrod Nylon, years ago. Is this a common problem with Polyneon?

Madeira Polyneon stretches more than nylon thread. With a bit of test wraps you will be able to adjust your tension device to provide secure wraps. I am not sure I understand what you mean by "they keep loosening at the end". It is a problem with the tie off? More tension is required for the Polyneon. The tension must be even to keep the thread uniform. Also it is important to tightly pack the wraps as you go. With added tension the tie off's should remain secure. You might also put in your tie off loop a bit sooner to get more wraps covering the tag end. I often like to clip the tag end in a way that it remains buried. This is easier than clipping off the tag after it pops through the wrap.

Two further tips;
The best tensioning devices apply pressure to the spool and not to the actual thread. See the discussion in response to John Straus' posting titled:
"Wrapping with Mettallic Thread".

The best tool I have found for clipping tag ends is a good quality Cuticle Nippler. Tweezerman makes some excellent models. Mike Barkley has a photo of one on the Photo Pages under "Tools". These will clip tag ends so close they simply slip back under the wrap and are never seen again. If you get one I suggest a half jaw version.

I was older than you when I started building rods. You may not be able to teach an old dog new tricks, but fortunately we are not canine, and fifty is not old. I think you can master this tension thing in a few tries. It's really not hard.

Make practice a fun exercise and it become such.

Enjoy,

Dave

Dave;

Thanks for the advice. The tie-off was what I was refering to. After wrapping as tight as I thought I could, as soon as I finished the tie-off, that part of the wrap (about 3/16 to 1/4 of an inch) would start to unwrap. My tensioning "device" is a stack of Dale Clemens' rod building books, I might have to invest in something more advanced. The Tweezerman scissors that you mentioned, do drug stores carry them, or are they a specialty item?
Thanks again for the help.

Rich

Rich,
Most big drug stores carry them. I know Walgreen does. They are pricey (about $15) but in my opinion, more than worth it. I have had mine over 3 years and it's as sharp as when I got it. I consider it one of my most valuable tools

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!!