I've recently come across a box of old threads that belonged to my Grandfather along with an old hand wrapper. They date back to at least the 1960's. I remember him repairing rods on this wrapper when I was a little boy in the early 60's.
I'm about to build a Muskie rod for my brother and want to use these threads to build it. It will make it a very special rod for him and it will will be used a lot. The question is, are the threads still usable? They certainly look fine and Once covered in epoxy I think it will work.
I've posted pics to the Tools and Equipment area and attached links below. I'd enjoy hearing any comments about this.

Thanks

[www.rodbuilding.org]
[www.rodbuilding.org]
[www.rodbuilding.org]

Steve Hartzell
Lake Conroe - Willis, Texas

Hi Steve,
The wrapper was most likely manufactured by the Thompson company (or at least sold by them) who also made fly tying vises. I used one for several years. Herter's also sold one similar to it. The threads may be a different story. You need to test them for strength and color fading. Just compare your threads to a modern nylon thread to get an idea if the threads are too weak. If you strip the top layer of thread from a spool and see a color change then it is likely that the color has faded in the top layer. If the color darkens after stripping the top layer, you can cut off the last of the top layer and then use the thread underneath. I hope this helps.

Mike Blomme

Hi Steve,
That stuff will make up a nice rod which will have a lot of sentimental value to you and your brother, should make one for yourself also. The thread should be ok and do as Michael has suggested. I did some testing a few months back and gudebrod "a" thread was breaking a bit over 1kg (about 2.5lbs). "C and D" should be around 3-3.5lbs. If you've got a small set of scales,I used my drag scales, then test the thread to see what it breaks at. Over 2.5lbs and it will be good if it's not faded. Hope you have a good build on this one.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

What about using the thread as an accent if they are weak. Just
a thought.

If you are concerned about the strength, you could wrap the guides on with modern thread and use permagloss finish on those with no color preserver. Then go over that with the old thread and finish however you'd like. Being a musky rod the added weight wouldn't be noticeable.

Besides possibly becoming weaker, old thread can also become fuzzy. However, with the application of some tension the fuzzy hairs will come to attension like a Marine in boot camp so, that like strength, is easy to discover if an old spool is usable or not before wrapping with it.

I've got thread that's many many years discontinued (that I hoard!) that is just fine, but I've also aquired some old and rare thread that I had to trash.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Truth be told, some of the old thread is so nice those that hoard wouldn't part with it at any price. Peel off a top layer and use it.

List the brand and we can offer more but chances are high it is a lot better than just okay.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Thanks for all the comments on this. The spools look very good. No fuzies, no fading, really appear like new. I haven't done any strength testing yet but will. They've been kept in a closed top box in a closet for the last 15-20 years. I'm looking forward to using them and will post pics when I do.