I am building a boat rod for Halibut and am wodering if i can use Metallic thread for the guide wraps? Its going to be used for an 80lb rod. I would be using size D prowrap thread. Any thoughts?

Kevin Gross
Many men will spend their whole life wondering if they made a difference. Marines dont have that problem - Ronald Regan

Some metallics are suitable for guide wrapping, others aren't. Check with your thread manufacturer and ask them if their metallic is one of those that was intended for guide wrapping.

..............

Need more info

[rodbuilding.org]

Bill - willierods.com

Kevin,
You can use any thread that you want for any type wraps that you want to use the thread for.
But, you may not be happy with the final results.

For folks building heavy action rods, a very common technique is to wrap the rod using a conventional rod, and then adding a metallic overwrap. This technique can work well for many folks who like the convenience and strength of working with a nylon thread, but want the flash of the metallic on the outside wraps.

Every rod is different, every builder is different, and every client is different. Custom rod building means making a rod that meets the requirements of the client.

So, build the rod, which has an appearance and function, that meets the written requirements of the client.

Good luck
Roger

p.s.
When trying something different, or trying something that is not the normal way of doing things, it is always a good idea to do some testing first.
So, if you have a question like this, take a few old guides and do some test wrapping on an old or broken blank. Wrap the guides, pack the guides, and finish the guides. Then, after curing, do some strength and break testing. Finally, you can make your OWN choice to see if this particular technique is something that you wan to use on a particular rod. Advice is fine. But in the end, it is you; the builder that has to come up with your own conclusions with respect to suitability for your particular need.

I e mailed the folks at Pac Bay this very question a while back. Their response was to give me a chart on the tensile strength of their various threads.....in short they said "Here is the info....make your own decision." They were not about to say "yes" then if it failed have me coming back to them with a complaint.

After I thought about it I realized that was the absolute right thing for them to do. I was building a small spinning rod for my nephew....I decided I was good......I also decided that on my 20-30 lb boat rods I didn't want to be worried about it, so I wrap them with nylon.

If you are that worried about it on an 80 lb halibut rod I think you probably know the answer. I would be doing what Roger suggests. Good Luck!