IndianaYakFish 0 Report post Posted May 28, 2015 Was tying up some wooly buggers yesterday and my hackle kept breaking when I tried to wrap it. I'm not using hackle pliers so there wasn't any sharp metal edges to catch it on or anything. I just bought the hackle about a month ago, but not sure how long is sat on the shop's shelf. Could it just be dry? Would letting it sit in water for a while before using it help or something? Any input would be great, thanks in advance! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flytire 0 Report post Posted May 28, 2015 did u tie it in by the tip or by the butt? the tip is more fragile than the butt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IndianaYakFish 0 Report post Posted May 28, 2015 The tip. But I've had em break at both ends? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stevester 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2015 Hackle will last for decades. I have necks I bought 30 years ago that I can still use. I suspect that you just have not learned the limit of the materials yet. That my friend is what practice is for. Keep working at it and you will learn what thread and hackle strength limits are. Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PENZZZ 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2015 I have some older Metz necks and with some of them the hackle stem breaks part way through when the feather is wound on the hook. I simply use some well dampened paper towels to soften the stems. Fold the wet paper towel over on the feather and hold for awhile so the stem absorbs some moisture. Should help avoid fracturing the stem. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnyquahog 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2015 Describe how the hackle is breaking. Is the stem splitting / splintering as you wind it or a clean break? I've had stripped guills split but they are more tightly wound on a thread base. Pictures might help. I wouldn't rule out anything at this point. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gene L 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2015 A little steam couldn't hurt. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fisherboy0301 0 Report post Posted May 31, 2015 Well first off, is it cheap India hackle? This tends to have thick stems that break. Or genetic, this tends to have thinner, more pliable stems. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
