Started wrapping a rod with a brand new spool of Fuji metallic size A thread and wrapped a few guides. The thread seems to be pretty weak, it breaks easily. I was wondering if a couple of coats of Permagloss before epoxy would provide some additional level of reinforcement for the guide wraps. I don't want to lose a guide or two with a big fish on my line.

Because thread tension/strength is cumulative, there is little reason to fear a guide tearing out of a metallic wrap. Wrap a guide onto a dowel with that same thread and then see if you can pull out through the wraps in a direct pull, as if the line were pulling through it.

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Thanks Tom!

Yes, it's all cumulative, so even though most of the holding power comes from the many wraps of weak thread, the finish layer should also provide a degree of additional strength. So, would urethane give me more strength vs regular epoxy finish? I understand the situation is perhaps hypothetical, but from the materials science point of view which one is stronger in this specific case?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/23/2016 11:34PM by Roman Chamine.

Roman, the thread will hold up if you wrap the guides properly. Don't over tension the thread when wrapping. You can apply a couple coats of perma gloss about an hour or two between coats, then apply epoxy. I use that method when I build saltwater rods with metallic wraps, and I haven't had a guide pull out. If you are still unsure try Toms suggestion. Good luck, MH

Thanks Michael! It's good to know you also use Permagloss before epoxy. I am pretty sure the 50 or so wraps of Fuji thread should provide enough structural strength, but it never hurts to ask...
I was just unhappy about how easily this Fuji metallic thread breaks.

Roman, I haven't had that problem with fuji metallic thread. Check your wrapping tool. Make sure there isn't any sharp edges or etching on the thread guide. Not sure what you use but the thread should break if the tension is ok. Glad I can help. MH

Shouldn't break*

Roman,
Is there a particular reason why you are wrapping the guide with metallic?

Just for a contrast, wrap one of the guides with non metallic thread and see how that thread compares to the metallic with respect to strength and appearance.

Good luck

Straight line pull strength of a single strand of any thread doesn't really provide a real world test of how securely multiple wraps of that thread will bind a guide to a rod blank. Don't confuse the two.

I suspect that "weak" metallic thread could be used to wrap one of your fingers to a rod blank and I doubt you could break your finger loose.

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