Basic fly tying tools

noel · #1 (**permalink**) 19-08-2010, 10:27 AM

Hi all thinking of starting tying my own flies, have settled on the Caimore pedestal vice but what other basic tools do I require i.e scissors, hackle pliers ,ceramic bobbin holders and at what price for a starter,I have seen the guidance away from the kits but surely the Veniards kit must be ok.

Whitegoatie · #2 (**permalink**) 19-08-2010, 11:37 AM

I have a very basic kit, ceramic bobbin holder (veniards), a dubbin needle (stonefly), a materelli type whip finisher (orvis) and 2 pairs of scissors, one sharp, slim pointy pair and a more sturdy pair for cutting wire. These are the tools I use for 90% of my tying. I also have a pair of hackle pliers which I never use. I recently bought a 2nd bobbin holder, although I only use one at a time. The only tool I am considering buying at the moment is a bobbin threader, as I struggle with this at times...

palindromic_bob · #3 (**permalink**) 19-08-2010, 12:51 PM

Don't buy a bobbin threader. Get a length of mono 10lb would do.

Fold and and press it in pliers to create a permanent bend in the mono.

Whip the to end of the mono onto a thin piece of dowel or even an old pencil. Done.

You can use this as a threader without the worry of damage to the tube.

The vice you have choosen will do the job perfectly. Have one myself.

The kits are sometime ok but you get very little power over your choice of equipment. Buying individual give you more choice. What you'll really need is quite little.

Scissors with a fine point and sharp blades. Use any old scissors for wire etc not the good ones.

Bobbin holder preferably ceramic or ceramic tipped.

Dubbing needle (can be made buy whipping a pin or needle onto dowel).

Along with the vice that really is all you need to start.

A whip finisher is up to you. Learn to finish by hand first though.

Hackle pliers are handy when working with shorter hackles or some other items. Stoneflo do a nice plier with a hinged joint and a plastic ring.