super glue?

[lykos33 0]

Every time I buy super glue to use on my flies, it turns out to be either dried up or is super thick when I open it. Last night I bought big bottle of Elmer's Ultimate Glue. It says that it cleans up with acetone or mineral spirits. What ratio do I use to thin it out enough to use and how do I store it? It is a polyurethane glue. I have seen other tiers use small brushes, and the method I personally liked was a small bottle with a metal "hollow needle" applicator...where do you find these at? I know I saw one in a photo of Day5's set up. :dunno:

[Guest]

I never use super glue, if you have tied your fly correctly there isn't any need for it. A little standard head cement or a drop of sallie hansen's is all you need.

[Brian Brown75 0]

If its for heads, two whip finishes does the same if not better

[lykos33 0]

In all honesty, it really wasnt so much for the heads as for some patterns I have seen on you tube and other sites that use it throughout the tying process. I do think it would be a decent substitute for head cement if I can find a way to keep it from drying out or hardening too fast. I do agree with the correctly tied and 2 whip finishes on the heads theory tho....

[Futzer 0]

Hi Lykos33, Here are two items, small brushes and the Griffin cement bottle. If you really want a hollow medical needle to make a Bodkin, PM me. I like Zap a Gap myself, the bottle lasts as long as possible before gumming up and becoming unusable. I have never attempted thinning super glue. Keep the applicator tip as clean as possible will help.

 

http://www.feather-craft.com/wecs.php?stor...mp;target=TJ031

 

http://www.feather-craft.com/wecs.php?stor...mp;target=RG017

 

Cheers, Futzer.

 

[the saltydog 0]

Futzer (or anyone) have you ever tried the zap a gap kicker? I've been doing parachutes using the gel and it would be nice to save the 30 seconds if the kicker works.

[Futzer 0]

Futzer (or anyone) have you ever tried the zap a gap kicker? I've been doing parachutes using the gel and it would be nice to save the 30 seconds if the kicker works.

 

I have not used it yet, but I do use some industrial stuff at work by Locktite called tak pak, and the accelerant is great. it is gap filling, so I would not try it on parachute posts, and its expensive.

 

Cheers, Futzer.

[the saltydog 0]

thanks Futzer. Expensive? I wouldn't want that, I tie flies to save money :lol: :lol:

[Bugsy 0]

lykos33,

 

Loctite has a "brushable" superglue that may work for you. It's packaged in a bottle that stands upright and features a small nylon brush in the screw-top. It stays usable for a long time. For convenience and economy, it's the best I've found. Not all stores carry it, so don't give up if you don't see it available at the first store. About $3 for a 5g bottle.

 

I don't care for the applicator bottles for fly tying, and in fact all applicator bottles I currently own are being used for what was likely their original intended purpose: the application of thin oil. If all else fails, you might check a sewing supply.

 

 

[CoachBob 0]

Lykos,

 

I use 2-3 bottles of super glue a month.

You cannot thin super glue -- no matter what they say.

Loctite brush on is the best and after you open the bottle 30 or 40 times it will thicken. Just keep it tightly closed and it will work fine. It is available at Wal-Mart (paint section) or Target (hardware).

 

Why do I use so much? Because it is the best product to glue close cell foam to closed cell foam. I was told by a chemistry Phd that the super glue causes the closed cell foam to bond to other closed cell foam on a molecular level and make a permanent bond. I do a LOT of foam work and, yes, the bond is permanent (or the closest thing to it).

 

Do NOT use super glue as a substitute for head cement. Use Sally Hanson's hard as nails.

[maddog48 0]

I am a big fan of the Wal-Mart Loc-Tite super glue. I tie Zebra midges and I really like the natural looking sheen the glue adds to the pattern. I have used Loc-Tite for about 3 years and have never had a fly turn white. The sheen is nice but so is the added durability.

 

 

Mike

[lykos33 0]

Thanks for all the feedback. :thumbsup: I am going to try the zap-a-gap and the Loctite products. :thumbsdown: Let me warn ya, the Elmers Ultimate Glue aint worth the price. It goes on clear and dries cloudy ..so cloudy ya cant tell what color thread or wire ya used. The thing that got my interest piqued is a Davey McPhail vid of the Mcphail Bug... ...one sweeeeeettt looking bug there! He glues the back and side of the bug, then nicks the belly and the tying material pops out and makes some great lil legs. I know most of ya probably already knew this technique or a better one , but it's pretty cool too me!

[Chase Creek 0]

I use super glue (not often) I use "Loctite Precision". I never use the applicator (brush or tube), but put a small amount on the tip of a toothpick, then apply it to the head.

I have heard (here, I think) that if you leave the cap off of super glue, it will last a lot longer, but have not tried that.

[tye2fly 0]

never used super glue on my flies, i just use some nail polish for head cement

[CoachBob 0]

I use super glue (not often) I use "Loctite Precision". I never use the applicator (brush or tube), but put a small amount on the tip of a toothpick, then apply it to the head.

I have heard (here, I think) that if you leave the cap off of super glue, it will last a lot longer, but have not tried that.

 

No, no. If you leave the top off the solvents that keep it liquid will volatilize and you end up with a gel then a rock.