Thread standardization finally???

[Lance Kekel 0]

It looks like the manufactures may actually all agree to start putting the denier number on their threads in addition to the ?/0 numbers.

 

There also a nice little cross reference chart listing the threads by brand,size and type.

 

The articles by Chris Helm.

[rougetrout 0]

I have still found Denier strength to be misleading. A tensional strength would be better.

[Guest]

That's cool. I think there was an article a few issues ago debating if there would ever be a standard, you would think something like this would happen a long time ago.

 

That reminds me I need to change my address on my subscription

[Flytyer-1 0]

Denier does not refer to the strength of a thread, but rather to the weight, in grams, of a standard length of thread, 9000 meters. For example, it is said that a "rope" of spider web, one inch in diameter, has a higher tensile strength that a one inch "rope" of steel cable. But the denier of the spider web would be lower than the denier of the steel cable. I agree that knowing the tensile strength of the tying thread we use would be valuable, but the standardization of the denier is a baby step in that direction. Researchers like Chris Helm, who wrote the article in the current Fly Tyer, have done tests on the tensile strengths of available threads. See the current, (Summer 2005) Fly Tyer or the Summer 1996 edition of Fly Tyer for more details.

Best from Nashville-

Stack Scoville

[Joe Hard 0]

Its to bad all threads are not number or sized the same, but that would be like putting ford parts on a toyota.

[streamertyer 0]

Hi Guys,

 

Scott Sanchez did an excellent thread article in which he listed the denier and breaking strength of the most popular threads. Here's the chart:

 

http://flyfisherman.com/ftb/ssthread/index2.html

 

Also check out the brand-by-brand writeup for details about the qualities of each thread.

 

Comes down to personal preference for most tyers. The 'specs' are nice, but it's still wise to try them all to get the 'feel' for each of them in use. Two threads with the same denier and breaking strength can still be very different in use. Some lay flatter and are more flosslike in makeup, and others are more ropelike. Some have heavier waxing, some none at all. Each has their avantages/disadvantages. I tend to use different threads for different applications. Others like to use one thread for everything.

[rougetrout 0]

I agree that thread choice is personal preference. I like uni 6/0 and 8/0 but for my really small and really big flies I like orvis 1/0,3/0, and 10/0. I have tried many different thread brands while tying and I always seem to come back to these selections.

[Sjo Crapels 0]

I really like Danville's Spiderweb for tiny flies and for realistics. It's 17/0 but still usable for tying.

Sjo

[rougetrout 0]

Sjo,

 

How do you find the danville 17/0 for tensioning materials, does it break often? i haven't tried it but I am certainly willing to try it if it works well.

 

Ryan

[Sjo Crapels 0]

It breaks easy, so I spooled it over on a slimmer spool. Now it rolls without any abbrasion and I get less breakings. The best thing is that you can lay a lot of turns before it bulks. So you need more turns to fix material, but these turns together will be far less bulky then with other threads. You got to get used to working the Spiderweb but your flies profit.

Sjo

[Guest]

I have Chris Helm's chart and I'd recommend anyone who is interested in this thread thread to get one. He lists the actual diam. in thousandth's and the actual breaking strength in pounds and ounces. Very interesting, for instance.

Gudebrod's 10/0 thread measures 1.0 thousandth of an inch with a break strain of 9 oz, while the 17/0 Spiderweb Danville measures 2.0 thousandths of an inch and has a breaking strength of 5 oz, same thing with G Griggith's 14/0 ultra fine it measures 1.8 thou with a break strength of 10 oz. Want high strength with small diameter? Wapsi GSP has a diam. of .8 thou. and a break strength of 2lbs-5oz. I think this chart is worth it's weight in gold until they standardize the measurement system. Many are fooled by companies claiming they have 20/0 thread which is bigger in diameter than another companies 10/0. Have fun out there!

[Joe Hard 0]

Sawcat do you have a link to that chart? Sounds like a good thing to own.

[VirtuallyTied 0]

It's amazing to me that there is so much variation in the specifications of thread. I guess it's partly because of the way the manufacturers got into the business - as sidelines in a small market, over a long period of time. But maybe now that consumers are talking to each other, the companies will figure out how to speak one language.

 

P.S. Sawcat, I'd also like the link to the chart by Chris Helms.

[Guest]

The only way I know of to obtain the chart is to buy one of Chris Helm's catalogs. The chart is in the thread section and takes up a page and a half. He stocks anything you could want in tying materials and tools. He is the deer hair specialist with no peer, if you want to tie compraduns, whitlock sculpins, muddlers or any other fly just call him and tell him what you are doing and he'll hand select the perfect hair for what you need. You can't get any better service. The Catalog I purchased was 3.00 but I believe he'll send you a free one with an order. If you need something he probably has it in stock the amount of merchandise he has is mind boggling, he even has a scissors sharpening service available. Good luck and if you order stuff from Chris you won't be disappointed, Eric.

 

His company is Whitetail Fly Tieing Supplies (800) 579-5549

Business hours are M-F 8:30 am - 9:00 pm

Saturday 9:00 am- 6:00 pm

Sunday Closed