FLYMPH FORUM

Theroe wrote: ↑Thu Mar 19, 2020 6:09 am This is a bulldog artery clamp, similar to the one I use.

Very cool looking!

Thero, Howdy;

That makes more sense then the regular Hemostat contraption.
Thanks for the pic.

hank

This is apparently the Holy Grail of artery clamps. They are expensive and only available to health care professionals. Fly tyers have been using artery clamps for some time. Both Skues and Taverner mentioned them. They were also popular as roach clips which might be why they are difficult to get. Dr. Slick makes something similar but not the same quality.

https://catalog1.bd.com/vmueller/johns- ... 152-1.html

Back when I was learning how to tie(I am still learning!!!)in the late 1970’s early 1980’s, I was a regular visitor at the Dette Shop.....On multiple occasions I asked Walter and Winnie where I could buy one of those clips to wrap my hackle with. The answer was always the same: “they weren’t sure”. When I was in the service, I used to drive down from Fort Devens during the season and stay the entire weekend to fish. One particular weekend I was in their shop in uniform, and Winnie commented “oh I didn’t know you were in the service”.... She handed me one of her artery clamps and said “this is for you then“.

Such a nice gesture...... That little clamp is one of my most treasured possessions!

Dana

Daicchi #1110 in size 24 . Beaver body and Top of the neck Greenwells hackle. I think I broke a half dozen hackles before I got one to photograph

Theroe wrote: ↑Wed Mar 18, 2020 4:01 pm Joe - artery clamp given to me by Mary Dette......still the best choice. In all honesty, I’m quite surprised that I don’t see more people using this, seeing as they are readily available. Dana

Thanks for posting the picture, Theroe. It sure looks like an "I need that" item, but although I found some under "bulldog clamp", I wouldn't say they are readily available. Most places that show them seem to be wholesale medical suppliers and prices I found looked about $70 each. There are some on the auction site "used" and some made in India etc. that may work for tying but still at about 10 times the cost of standard hackle pliers.
I'll need to spend more time looking into it but now I want one, and I don't know any OR personnel.
T

This is the actual clamp that was given to me...

SenecaLaker wrote: ↑Thu Mar 19, 2020 12:41 pm Daicchi #1110 in size 24 . Beaver body and Top of the neck Greenwells hackle. I think I broke a half dozen hackles before I got one to photograph

Extra nice fly you tied there, Mr. SenecaLaker !!

Theroe wrote: ↑Fri Mar 20, 2020 9:33 am This is the actual clamp that was given to me...

Dana,
Is that artery clamp serrated right to the tip? I carry a similar device on a zinger on my fishing vest to grab flies from the fly box onstream when changing flies. It holds the fly securely while I fuss with the leader, old fly, etc. getting ready for the new one.



It's very similar to yours, except mine have an angled tip. It is serrated right to the tip end, but I've never thought of using it for tying. The good news is that these are readily available and inexpensive. They are sold by Dr. Slick as the "Extra Hand Tweezers" for about $10.

You guys do realize, that if I couldn't blow these up onto a computer screen, I wouldn't even be able to see them. Great tying on the small flies. I am envious of your ability (and eye sight).