Hi All,

Do you have to add thread to the tip top? Does it actually add strength or is it for aesthetic purposes? Will the tip top fall off without it? Personally I prefer the look without thread and just a bit of epoxy.

Thank You,

Chris Tulk

No need to add thread, many do it for cosmetics?

just prep the tip of the blank for a good bond I take a drill and scratch the inside of the tube -- just for the heck of it Better adhesion

I do not DRILL the tube Just put the bit in the tube and scratch the inside of the tube

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/19/2014 07:18PM by bill boettcher.

Thanks Guys!

Thank You,

Chris Tulk

The addition of a thread wrap just in front of the tip/top for many just completes the took of the wrapping job from butt to tip. Few wrap up over the end of the top but finish the wrap just at the leading edge of the tube.

To keep my fly rods as light as possible I just run about 1/8" of finish around the tip top tube.
Herb

I actually wrap up and over the tiptop tube with thread. The wrap is short, but serves a purpose. If you attach the tiptop with hot melt glue, wrapping up and over the tiptop and then putting a thin coat of finish on it effectively locks the tiptop in place even under hard use in very warm or even hot climates. If you need to replace it, just shave off the wrap, warm the tube and off it comes.

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

What Mr. Kirkman said. I have been doing exactly that since the 80's. There are several types of thermoplastic cement. The Bostich company makes different types, with different holding powers. I prefer the amber sticks... they hold a lot tighter than the clear sticks. I also use their "hot melt" glue gun.

Wrapping the thread on the top is just for looks
But
It looks Good You do not need much tension to do it sense you are not holding a guide on

Bill - willierods.com