Rotten Tying Thread

[Classtime 0]

I haven’t been tying trout flys for maybe ten years but last night I set up a bench, got out my materials, and found that most of my lighter threads are rotten and break with the lightest pressure. I have 6 spools that will break just threading the bobbin. The stickers on the spools are long gone so I don’t know the brand. I likely purchased most of it 20 years ago. Has this happened to anybody else?  

[Moshup 0]

Yup.  Especially if the thread has gone through some dramatic changes in environment over the years.

[SBPatt 0]

Looks like Danville spools; different weights? I’ve got a lot of their thread that I purchased back in the late 80’s; most of it is still good but there are a few spools of 6/0 that have deteriorated.

Regards,
Scott

 

 

 

[Classtime 0]

Thanks. So it is a thing. Likely Flymaster as it is my lighter stuff. The Monocord seems to be holding up OK. I haven’t been to a fly shop in years. A trip to Marriot’s will be fun. 

[Meeshka 0]

I've got lots of threads some very old.  Some break down some don't.  They are primarily stored in tupperware containers in a cool, dark  dry place.  I have found that the ones stored out of that environment will break down more easily over time.  How were yours stored classtime?

[SilverCreek 0]

Store them in zip lock bags in a cabinet so they are out of the light.

[flytire 0]

My threads break if I tug too hard or nick it on the hook point

I leave my threads exposed on my bench and no problems with light

[Classtime 0]

I have kept them in a plastic box which is in a closed wooden cabinet in the garage which never gets too warm to work in. (Southern California near the beach.)

[Bimini15 0]

I noticed some weakening and discoloration on some old 3/0 UNI a few years ago. Nothing that would make them completely unusable, though. I can’t remember throwing away any of it.

[niveker 0]

I haven't been tying so long as to have that happen to thread that I've purchased new, nor with any older thread I've pick up through tag sales, with exception of a few spools of silk thread.   Maybe try stripping of the top layer or two from the spool?

 

[WWKimba 0]

I've got 5 Danville spools that break very easily as well - they are ~20 years old and quite frustrating to tie with.  They are some colors I don't tie with very often but I keep them around for when I do need them.  I think I'll spend the money and save the cuss words!

Kim

[Sandan 0]

12 minutes ago, WWKimba said:

I've got 5 Danville spools that break very easily as well - they are ~20 years old and quite frustrating to tie with.  They are some colors I don't tie with very often but I keep them around for when I do need them.  I think I'll spend the money and save the cuss words!

Kim

@WWKimba Spend and cuss. It's the best of both worlds

[WWKimba 0]

2 minutes ago, Sandan said:

@WWKimba Spend and cuss. It's the best of both worlds

👍👍👍❗

[cphubert 0]

22 minutes ago, WWKimba said:

spend the money and save the cuss words

just put the quarter in the box when you cuss and after a fly or two you will have enough for a couple of spools. cuss & spend your way to better material 😇

[WWKimba 0]

Just now, cphubert said:

just put the quarter in the box when you cuss and after a fly or two you will have enough for a couple of spools. cuss & spend your way to better material 😇

Fly OR TWO!  You are either an optimist or overpay for your thread!

Kim