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Simple Nail Knot Tool and Tutorial Showing How to Use It.

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2016 3:36 pm
by letumgo
The needle used in this tool is a Schmetz Microtex Sharp Needle for sewing (Model 130/705 H-M/80/12). The orange handle is made from a short section of semi flexible HMH Poly Tubing (LDPE). The smaller sections are the liner tubing from the same HMH Poly Tubing (semi transparent). I cut a small piece of the orange plastic tubing to serve as a handle, and make it easy to see the tool. Small pieces of semi translucent liner tubing can be stored on the needle (keeps you from poking yourself) and a spare piece inside the plastic handle). Add a single edge straight razor and you've got yourself a handly little kit for adding loops to the end of your fly line. The kit can be stored in one of the tiny mint tin cans, or a small plastic bag.

Make one up, and throw it into you fly vest, so it is handy the next time you need it on a future fishing trip.

Description of the process:
• Cut the end of the fly line with a single edge razor. The razor makes a nice clean square cut (90°) at the end.
• Insert the needle into the center of the fly line, then press it thru roughly 1/4" of the line. Then pass the point of the needle out thru the wall of the fly line.
• Use the razor to shave down the diameter of the red line.
• Pass the tip of the red line thru the eye of the needle, and then pull it back thru the fly line.
• Here is what it looks like, with the red Amnesia line running thru the center of the fly line. If you look closely, you can see the needle at the bottom of the screen.
• Next hold the small piece of translucent tubing against the end of the fly line. Now form a nail knot (four tight wraps).
• Insert the end of the Amnesia line into the translucent tubing. The translucency helps you see the the line has passed under all the wraps.
• The trickiest part of the whole operation. Tightening up the nail knot right next to the spot where it emerges from the fly line. This part takes practice. The main trick is holding the loops snuggly in place while sliding the hollow tubing out of the way. Pinch the loops and slowly tighten the loop by pulling on the ends of the red line. Make one last check before you pull the loops tight. If the loops are out of place, you can nudge them around with your thumb nail, if needed. Once you happy, firmly tighten the knot and clip off the tag end (the red piece on the left hand side.
• Next form a simple perfection loop at the end of the line. This loop will serve as the connection of the fly line to the leader (nice simple loop-to-loop connection).
• Clip off the end sticking out vertically (tag end)
• Voila! Done! You now have a nice high vis loop at the end of you fly line.

The main reason for going thru all this trouble, is the efficiency of the transition. The continuous bend is an indication that this will allow a smooth transition of the casting energy from the fly line, into the leader and tippet material. The small knot will slide easily thru the guides when you are playing a fish in.


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Re: Simple Nail Knot Tool and Tutorial Showing How to Use It.

Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 6:18 am
by tie2fish
Exceptionally well done, Ray.

Re: Simple Nail Knot Tool and Tutorial Showing How to Use It.

Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 10:40 pm
by DOUGSDEN
That is sooo cool Ray! I can see myself doing these easy steps that you have shown! I have got to try this!
Doug

Re: Simple Nail Knot Tool and Tutorial Showing How to Use It.

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 7:54 am
by hankaye
Ray, Howdy;

Good to see you figured out how to do the pix to your liking. Question ...
What size sewing machine needle do you use? I've been doing the needle
knot on my lines with either a #18 tapestry or a #3 embroidery needle. I
like the idea of the sewing machine needle with the thread slot near the
point then drawing the leader material back through. Did you pull off a few
ends of the fly line while foguring it out???

hank

Re: Simple Nail Knot Tool and Tutorial Showing How to Use It.

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 11:39 am
by letumgo
Hank - I will try to update the initial post, with a detailed description of the needle size and the process sequence. I had put these descriptions on the Google+ photos, but need to redo them all again for this forum. I was just too tired to do it last night. I figured the pictures alone supplied the first "thousand words". I will try to update the post in the next several days... Stay tuned... ;) :D

Re: Simple Nail Knot Tool and Tutorial Showing How to Use It.

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 5:45 pm
by hankaye
Ray, Howdy;

No rush, (chuckle), I and I don't think most anyone else requires the full-blown write-up.
Your pix are more than adequate for the task to be comprehended and completed.

The time and thought you expend to ensure that we have a pleasant experience while
perusing the forum are gratefully appreciated by everyone that signs in and looks for ...
whatever it is they look for. I know that I do. So, I'll just say THANK YOU Ray!

hank

Re: Simple Nail Knot Tool and Tutorial Showing How to Use It.

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2016 6:36 am
by tie2fish
For those who prefer to not deal with the hinge effect, the same tool and technique can be used to smoothly attach one's leader directly to the fly line.

Re: Simple Nail Knot Tool and Tutorial Showing How to Use It.

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2016 12:03 pm
by letumgo
Good point Bill. You're absolutely right. A direct nail knot connection is another simpler option.

Hank - I've gone back and added the "whys and what fors" description of the process above. Hopefully the text answers the questions you asked earlier. If not, just holler. :D ;)

Re: Simple Nail Knot Tool and Tutorial Showing How to Use It.

Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2016 8:13 am
by hankaye
Ray, Howdy;

You do good work, thanks much. :) .

hank