Granted, the best way to fix the sharp thread point is to never have a thread protruding at all.

In spite of my best efforts, I still get them. I am a new rod builder and slowly learning the tricks to building a nice rod. For me, the best way to trim thread is to use an ultra sharp razor blade, and to NOT pull hard on the tag end when cutting it off the wrap. I have also tried opening up the wrap a little, cutting the tag end against the blank, and then pushing the wrap back together. Any suggestions on this?

But if I end up with a thread protruding and get a small point of epoxy on my wrap, is there a way to fix it? I think I read somewhere that once the epoxy sets up a little, you can then trim it off with a razor and put on another thin coat over the top.

Thanks for any guidance on this.

Frank

Yes, after epoxying you can use a sharp razor blade to shear the spike off and then recoat that wrap.

Hi Frank,
One way to prevent this is to put your pull through in earlier, about ten wraps from the end. When you have finished your wrap put the end in the pull though and pull it up so everything is tight but not under the wrap. You can then use a sharp blade to cut it short, about 5 or 6 wraps from the end . Then pull everything through at 45 degrees to the wrap and you should have no sign of any thread. You will be better to practice this on a scrap piece to get it down pat before you use it on a rod. Small bits of thread can be carefully burnt off with a flame but this often leaves a small lump of melted thread which also causes a problem. As Phil has said you can cut it off after it has set and recoat and it will be good but it's better if you don't get them in the first place.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

I NEVER worry about tag ends showing. "My" technique is to apply at least two thin coats of finish to all my wraps. Before applying my second coat I give an inspection and slice off anything I don't like. Not worth the trouble for me to do it any different.

There's been some good advice already given above. Here's a link that shows just how much you can do to fix fuzzies. [www.rodbuildingforum.com]

What a great forum... thank you for the help!

After your first coat is dried take a pair of finger nail clippers and nip off any protrusions then put on your 2nd coat.

2 coats of epoxy and then check for the thread tits,if i find 'em i use an electric razor with a bit of the screen gone,works great

www.southriverrodsllc.com

after the first coat
The next day i check Any boo boos i give them a quick sand with 400 dry then recoat

Bill - willierods.com

Bill, after you sand do you buff with anything or just wipe clean?
Great info as i was having a few tag ends here and there stick up!
Thanks!

Put the pull loop in earlier, and then pull till the thread just gets nipped up tight. Trim the tag short, then pull through completely while pinching down the last wrap with your thumbnail. Should not have any protrusions. As the other guys have mentioned, trimming nubs after the first coat then recoating will solve your problems.

Also
After the tag end is pulled though burnish the entry area outward I then check the thread and give it a twist ( sometimes it unravels ) Burnishing helps to give a larger gap so the tag gets covered

Bill - willierods.com