Klinks again

[thewickedpickett]

When tying smaller sized klinks i find i have great trouble winding the hackle. the hackle post just won't stay still, keeps twisting and what not.

im aware that some vice have a tool that pulls the hackle post tight during winding but i sadly do not have one of those.

anyone else have this trouble?

[3lbgrayling]

pretty sure i've seen a gallows tool for sale in the GAC flytying catalogue
www.fishingmegastore.com

jim

[verno]

near the bottom of this page
www.fishingmegastore.com/acatalog/Vices_and_Accessories.html

[G]

I always turn my fly side on when winding the hackle around the post so this tool may not suit everyone. Just a thought.

[jjr]

TWP, try putting a very small abount of glue or varnish on the thread post. Once this hardens you've got a more stable base. Watch the superglue though, as it can spread through the antron post very quickly if the fly is inverted. Works for me...........JJR

[jat]

make sure that before you attempt to wind the hackle that you have put several turns on the base of the post for a couple of mm's so the post will be ridgid at the bottom and easier to turn your hackle around!

[jat]

like so

[taggarc]

Also try tying the feather vertically as you can to the post (not horizontally like it looks like above) with the curve of the feather facing you. When you do this go up and down the feather with the thread twice. The feather butt will now give additional strength to the post.

Note this is in addition to the steps that JAT and JJR outlined above i.e. the thread wraps around the base of the post and the varnish.

When the feather is tied in against the post it should also have a little bit of the stripped stem deliberately left just above the top of the point where you tied it in. This makes it easy to wrap the feather around the post when you are making that all important initial turn.

Tag

[AlanB]

TWP You don't need a Gallows tool just catch the wing post in a pair of hackle pliers and then put your index finger left hand in the loop of the pliers. Hold the post up while you wind the hackle.

If you still want a gallows tool you can make one from a wire coat hanger. Streighten a good length of the wire and twist one end round the vice stem 3 or 4 times. Bend the main wire away from this coil and curve it in a big arc to a point above the fly. Now make a slight dip in the loose end onto which you place your hackle pliers. The curve of wire acts as a spring and holds the whole thing together.

Hope this is clead it really is very simple.

Cheers
Alan.

[Rod]

I find you must ensure that the hackle you are using is of the best genetic quality. Too thick in the stem and you will have a problem. I use 'Whiting' Dry Fly Saddles.
Rod.

[thewickedpickett]

i turn the hook downwards in the vice tho so a gallows tool will not work i presume

alan b's method should work with a bit of practice tho

cheers

[Chalkstream Angler]

Also, have a look at Braveheart's post in the new 'step by step' section:

flyforums.proboards53.com/index.cgi?board=stepbystep&action=display&thread=1144583630