I'm having a really hard time keeping the last two or three guides (from the tip) tight. It seems tight until I finish my wraps and pull the final wrap under. Then everything's loose. I'm using an 8 lb. mono. Could the diameter of the mono be too large? I've tried using the same thread that I wrap with but it tends to break before pulling the thread through. Is there a stronger thread for pulling? I've seen the pull strings (loops) that you can buy but they look like mono also. Ron

Braid works very well for pull-through loops. Unwaxed dental floss isn't half bad either.

If you have trouble holding it without the ends slipping through your fingers, run the ends through something, perhaps a small bead like you'd use to make spinnerbaits, and knot it.

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

10 lb braid is slick and about the diameter of 2 lb mono. I use 20 lb fly line backing that is both thin and slick. Works great.

In the tip area, you'll also want to increase your tension a bit and start your tie-off loops a little sooner. You can also pull the tag end tight after the pull through to make things tighten up a bit before cutting off.

Hope this helps.

Terry

Thanks for the tips!
About to start a new build and will try them on it.

Ron,
I have been using high vis 10 lb power pro for the last several years with no issue. I tie a bright bead, or a piece of bright yarn on the thread pull to more easily locate it when needed. I have a peg behind the bench on which are hung many thread pulls, so that if one is dropped and not quickly found, you don't waste time looking for another one.


When you tie up your thread pulls make a couple at all different lengths. Then, do a bunch of wraps using various pull lenghts and finally settle on the one that is of the lengtht that works best for you.



Also, if you are having issues with the wraps coming loose, I am also guessing that you are not likely tying the wraps tight enough. The wraps should be tight enough to just barely turn and move them if needed.

Good luck
Roger

I had the same problem some years back-Be sure you're pulling under away from the feet- the tunnel area is proportionately bigger near the tip.

Pull through on the opposite side of the guide foot. Also, before you pull through hold the last few turns tightly so the thread doesn't pull the last turn to a point where it will end up under the guilde foot tunnel.

I do most all my wraps with size A thread. I find you have to increase the tension on the thread as the blank gets thinner and the guide feet smaller to keep them tight. I use size A white NCP thread to pull the tag ends. However, I trim the tag end before pulling (I don't like trimming the line if it pulls from under the wraps). Finally, don't put too many wraps over your loop for pulling the tag end. I don't normally do more than 10-12 wraps over the loop. This tension is what leads to the line breaking and may be why your wraps get loose.

Hi Ron,
If you are going to use braid as a pull through make sure you give it a good clean with isoprophyl to get rid of the excess dye/wax as it can stain light coloured binding.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

Thanks for all the tips! I've done most of the mistakes listed above a time or two. Most of the problem was my piece of junk homemade wrapper I bought from #######. I think I've made it workable. I will try the braid and see if that helps. I knew I could depend on all of you to set me straight. Thanks again. Ron