tying tools

[urbanflyman]

which tying tools are the best made for the best price as im thinking of getting a whole new set of tools as the ones i have a really no good and now my tying skills are getting better im wanting better

Hi UFM,

I have tied for over 12 years now, and I still have some of the orginal tools, thumb disc bobbin holders, dubbing brush, bobbin threader, however, it gets used as a varnish applictor now. Whip finish tool, fur rake, self sharpening scissors.

Ive only bought a few things in the last few years, dubbing spinner, and tension adjustable bobbins, rite-bobbins I think there called.

IME, I think you should stick to what your comfortable with, tools that havent let you down.

But if you want to spend some of that money burning a hole in your pocket, I would say the stonefly set is a reasonable purchase, and a good set of scissors, I have the adjustable kind, and 2 others, one for wires, and one for furs etc.

The likes of dubbing rakes, they can be made in-house, bit of velcro on a ice scream stick is great for that use, a needle inserted into a wine cork makes a great varnish applicator.

A Empty Bic Biro Case is perfect for pushing hackles back for tidying up the eye of your flies.

And the good old finger for half hitches.

GC

[urbanflyman]

yes i make up all the little home made tools i can as they are often better than what you get from the shops as you can customise them ,and i understand what you mean about the stone fly i have their fur rake the hackle guard and the swivel hackle pliers as well as the dubbing needle so i would be as well to finish the set anyway as i can give it to my son if i go and get a better set of tools in future and its just great to watch my son who is ten nearly getting into his fly tying

[Albannach cuileag]

If you have money burning a hole in your pocket then splash out on C&F tools, at £24 a bobbin holder for starters, and you will need more than one, you could end up spending a good £150 minimum. If you like the tactile feel of wood then have a look at a Wasatch tool set.

[XL50]

Ive just put a small starter kit together for my nephew. The items I got from fly tek and to be honest they are superb for the money I paid.

2 bobbin holders £5.20 (1 large and 1 small)
hackle pliers £2
scissors £4.80
1/2 hitch tool £2 ish (i wish I hadnt bothered he using my whip finnish tool)
Thats got him started

I have on top of that a dubbing brush, dubbing spinner that I dont use!! Whip finnish tool from fly tek (£2 ish) A hair stacker. And several bobbin holders.
I intend to get another large bobbin holder from fly tek, use my old 1 for wire and keep the new 1 for thread. You dont have to spend a fortune to tie flies. Some times I think some tools are made to catch us and yes they look good but do they make you tie better flies.

[JedZed]

A vote here for Anvil scissors - sharp, light and precise.

Also very pleased with my Veniard ceramic bobbin, half the price of TMC (which is superb).

Jon

[itchybeard]

Originally Posted by GeordieCarl

Hi UFM,

But if you want to spend some of that money burning a hole in your pocket, I would say the stonefly set is a reasonable purchase, and a good set of scissors, I have the adjustable kind, and 2 others, one for wires, and one for furs etc.

GC

Hi UFM
Sound advise from GC this is exactly what I obtained the extra pairs of Scissor being Dr Slicks. from http://www.lakelandflytying.com/39/Scissors.aspx

I suppose its a personal thing with a lot of quality tools around and depends on budget but I am pleased with these tools.