I know there has to be some good opinions out there on this but I didn't have much luck using the search. I am having a hard time pulling my tag ends through with out breaking them. I am new to building and am working on my 5th build. I usually use a piece of whatever thread I am wrapping and tie a small loop to use as a pull through. More times than not I break the tag end when attempting pull through. Admittingly I have a hard time placing this loop without it twisting but I break thread even when it don't twist. I know the one of the first thoughts is that I may be wrapping to tightly, and that maybe the case but I have been able to move/adjust the guides when I have been successful wrapping. I can move them enough to line up the guides but not sure a could move them any reasonable distance. Am I wrapping to tight? I have wrapped "less wraps" over the tag end but this often results in the thread "slipping, and unwinding". Generally I shoot for at least an 1/8'' of wraps over my loop. I have tried using a larger thread like size D as a pull loop when I am wrapping size A thread but the end result never seems snug. Should I consider one of those commercially available pull through loops, or maybe a piece of braid? If so is there a size/brand of braid that is good for size A thread? Any and all advise on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I use 10 to 15 # braided line. Works great, very strong and thin. I use the yellow fluorescent stuff, easy to see.
Norm

I just pick up a scrap of D thread and use that. If you're breaking D thread, you're wraps are too tight or you're attempting to pull the tag end under way too many standing wraps.

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

I don't know what you mean when you said you ," tie a small loop" in the thread. I just use a piece of thread and lay the natural loop that's form when I put both ends of the pull through thread together. There is no tying necessary. Maybe I am not understanding.

Todd, I would take a piece of thread, double it over and tie an overhand knot in it. These seemed practical so I could stick a burnishing tool or anything to help pull. Like a t handle I guess. But I see how you could do the same without tying the knot. That would reduce the twisting I guess

I use the same lb. test as Norm with a Hi-Vis orange bead tied on the end.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

I always tie my braid into about a 3 to 4” loop using a surgeons knot. In my opinion, it just makes it easier to control and use. The high visibility braid make it easier to find the loop when you lay it down.
Norm

I’ve used different size threads, copper wire, and tippet material. In recent years I’ve used dental floss because it is extremely strong and easy to work with. Stay away from floss that has “flavors” or are excessively waxy. I think they all have some wax but there are a few brands with a very slick finish but very little wax. Give your floss a fingernail test to make sure it doesn’t shed wax with friction.

I've used 6lbs mono with a 2.5 or 3 inch loop for years. All the above work well.

Mudhole sells an item called a Speedy thread puller, made for just what you are doing. From the Catalog illustration it appears to be colored mono. They used to have one made of carbon fiber, I bought some and have used one for well over a hundred rods.

I have noticed that some spools of thread are more susceptible to breaking than others, Haven't figured that one out yet but I'm betting that over tight wraps are a factor. The grey one hates me.

As others use: I use 10 lb Power pro - yellow braided fishing line. I always put a high visibility bead at the knot to help find it when it gets dropped, and to also provide a pulling stop when using the pull loop.

The very thin power pro is many times stronger than wrapping thread and many times stronger. I have never ever had a pul loop made with Power pro break, or get stuck in a very tight wrap.

Yes, I wrap just as tight as I can wrap, and still be able to barely move the guide rotation for its final position.

Best wishes

I use flat UNWAXED dental floss.

Phil,
I once used unwaxed dental floss and found that now and then, particles of the floss would be left behind.

But with Power Pro braided fishing line - no such issue.

Best wishes

Use old braided line as once i used the new lime green powerpro and it left some nice marks on my light coloured thread :)

If you send me your address I will send you some real thin pull thread [ fish line brad ] it is 3 lb teat an I have more than what I will use in a life time , also a couple of pointer that work for me

William Sidney
AK

I use size 8 gel=spun fly tying thread, and only wrap 8t wraps over the thread. I generally use Uni brand thread in a highly visible color. I also tie a square knot on the thread ends to make a continuous loop. Make sure your loop is large enough to easily thread the wrapping thread thou, and cut the wreaking thread so that when you pull it through, it goes half way to the exit point of the pull string. This completely hides the wrapping thread, and eliminates the need for further trimming.

Tight lines and frisky fish.

RJF

I pull the tags all the way through..they can be used to tighten the last few wraps after putting on the CP..everything dries up tight then cut off tags..dry CP makes cutting tags clean..if there,s any bump, just burnish and apply a second coat of CP, which i,m going to do anyway.

Thanks for all the input. I have tried a few of the recommendations already with improved results. It is clear to me know that I having been wrapping way to tight.

Tim,
I doubt that you have been wrapping way too tight.

As long as you can just barely rotate a guide with two fingers - you are not wrapping too tight.

I wrap very tight and have been very happy with the results for all of these years. I wrap them tight enough to just barely be able to rotate the guides a bit for their final alignment. Typically, I can't slide the guides up and down the rod at all after wrapping before any coating are on the wraps.

Best wishes