best tools for the job

[urbanflyman]

i am going to be updating my tying tools after the Christmas-new year madness £££££££££££££££,,, and was wondering what you guys (Artists) fill you caddy's with from scissors to dubbing tool and hackle pliers ,and i know its not the tools its the guy using them ,,,well that one i disagree with as the tools make all the difference .
what I'm after is a comprised list of tools that you guys think are the best at their job and why? ( if possible ) i look forward to your replies .

[weight_forward]

I'll start off with my vote for scissors - Dr. Slick Razor, nice fine tips, sharp, what more do you need. For wire, I try to waggle it until it breakes under the thread, if that fails I use some tesco nail clippers which can cut it very close, they don't last forever, but only cost 35p (they make good line snips as well).

The Dr. Slick ceramic bobbins are good too, you can even get titanium ones which are lighter!!!

Hackle pliers I use the 'no slip' type with little rubber pads to grip the hackle, seem OK to me, I think they are Veniard.

All of my other tools are DIY and do the job even if they don't look as nice as the C&F ones

I'll be interested to see the replies too, the wife is asking for present ideas and all I can think of is a nice set of tools - although I hate asking for fishing / golf stuff as it means she has to see the prices!!!!

Steve

[jonnied17-2008]

Im not one of the 'artists' on the forum and I don't have especially great tools but I have been through a good few hackle pliers and these are the best I have come accross, and don't be put off by the price either.

https://www.docsflybox.com/sunshop/i..._detail&p=1770

[midlander]

Hackle pliers, cheapo non slip variety or my bare wee fingers.
Scissors, Anvil with a serrated edge. Although I'm giving some Dr. Slick Tungsten ones a go at the minute too.
Bobbin holders Griffin Magnum ceramic.

Dubbing needle, an old nappy pin, straightened out.

A strip of velcro.

Whip finish, an old Veniard springy thing.

Now, why do I use them? Well, they do what they're meant to and they didn't cost as much as some other over engineered, over priced tat.

[BRUCE1]

Originally Posted by jonnied17-2008

Im not one of the 'artists' on the forum and I don't have especially great tools but I have been through a good few hackle pliers and these are the best I have come accross, and don't be put off by the price either.

https://www.docsflybox.com/sunshop/i..._detail&p=1770

jonnie ,

i will second the "j'dorrin hackle pliers mate i have two pairs'and they do not let go at all ,you will break the stem of the feather before they let go ,
i also have a pair of these,but mine have green rubber tips on them ,

https://www.docsflybox.com/sunshop/i..._detail&p=1775

[marmalade]

The C&F stuff is very nice..

I like, nay love, the C&F bobbin holders, Hackle pliers, and Hair stackers.
I don't think the rest of there fly tying kit is that special for the price.

[Buzz]

The only thing i am particular about is Scissors and that means they must be sharp. I always have two pairs one long set and a shorter set. Marryat are the choice just now but happily use craft scissors from Hobbycraft or wherever.

I have just replaced the cheapest whip finish tool in the world with a new identical £1.99 one. It works and i am familiar with it so i like it.

A decent hair stacker also makes a surprising difference.
I prefer to spend my tying money on quality materials and hooks.

[arkle]

Phil Holding has some interesting looking tools listed, haven't seen 'em in the flesh tho'.....

[urbanflyman]

thanks guys I'm looking at a few suggestions and are also considering the other points given on the tools I'm familiar with and how to be able to save money by engineering your own tools ,,,so thanks for all your replies guys .