Hackle Folding Tool

[nfrechet]

Below is Tim Flaglers version of a simple hackle folding tool for laid back collars on a variety of flies



i no longer play guitar so i have no picks laying around the house

so i improvised with a bread bag plastic closure (follow the directions in the video to use the tool)



note: there are multiple ways of folding hackle (most tyers will never need to do this), the above is just 1 more way

[letumgo]

Cool. Thanks for sharing, Norm. I'm always a sucker for learning a new technique, so I will give this a try.

[upstatetrout]

I file a notch in my fingernail this way I Don't have to look for a tool on my desk!

Tom

[letumgo]

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Made one of these the other night during a group tying session here at the house. I raided the bread pantry for the plastic thingy, grabbed a pair of nail clippers and made the vee, sat down and made a couple passes on a grouse feather. Perfectly folded hackle barbs for a nice collar.

I venture to say there will be some stale bread in my friends houses.

Thanks, Norm.

[joaniebo]

For quite a few years, a friend and I were invitied to tie flies at the "Celebration of Fly Tying" event that used to be held in Grand Rapids, MI.

During the fly tying, we used a small "tool(?)" to hold back the hackles before doing a whip finish. It never failed that during each event, quite a few people would say something (after watching us use the "tool") like: "That was worth the price of admission." So we started bringing a few extra with as give aways.

The "tool" is made, as follows:

Take the small yellow, plastic straw that comes with a "Capri Sun" drink then cut the straw into pieces approx. 1 1/2" long.

At one end of the straw, take your fly tying scisssors and cut a 45 degree angle in the straw. At the bottom of the angle, cut a straight line from the angled bottom to the square end of the straw.

After cutting the straight line, go back to the angled end and cut a small "V notch" at the end of the straight line. The small "V-notch" allows the fly tying thread to move forward as you slide the "tool" over the hackle which, in turn, allows for doing a clean whip finish.

Bob

[letumgo]

I need to read this a couple times to fully understand, but sound like a fun exercise.

Thank you for sharing.

[ronr]

a picture of the finished tool would be nice...

[joaniebo]

I need to read this a couple times to fully understand, but sound like a fun exercise.

Thank you for sharing.

Cut a straw 1 1/2" long; 45 degree angle at one end flat of the other; full slit at bottom of the 45 degree angle; cut a little V-notch in slit at bottom of angle. Will try to take a pic.

[joaniebo]

a picture of the finished tool would be nice...