Knots – nail loop knot

 

You will probably be aware that most fly lines now come with formed loops at the business end. Unfortunately those loop knots don't always last for the life of the fly line so with that in mind have developed this nail loop knot as a replacement.

A
  1. Nail knot tool and prepared fly line.

B
  1. Take around 30cm of monofilament line that when doubled up is around the same thickness of the fly line it's to attached to. That is around 25lb for a 6 weight fly line.
  2. Bend the line in half and place the loop in the trench in the nail knot tool so that the loop extends past the thumb recess.

C
  1. Place your thumb on the thumb recess holding the loop in place.
  2. Take one of the two tag ends (the active tag) and wind 8 wraps along the nail knot tool toward the thumb rest.

D
  1. Take the end of the active tag poke it down the trench and back out next to the passive tag end.

E
  1. Push the fly line between the two tag ends and up the trench in the nail knot tool toward the thumb rest.
  2. Without releasing the loop raise your thumb just enough to put the tag end of the fly line between the thumb and thumb rest.

F
  1. Whilst holding the fly line and the loop firmly in place on the thumb rest with your left hand pull firmly on the active tag end so as to slide the loops of the nail knot toll.
  2. By pulling or pushing on the active tag you can make the loop the desired length.

G
  1. Slide the fly line back to very close to its final position.
  2. Whilst holding the loop in place apply pressure to both tag ends so as to lock the loop into position.
  3. Trim off both the tag ends and any excess fly line.
  4. Squeeze the loop down so that it is flat not round.
  5. Paint the nail knot with a drop of super glue.
  6. Once the super glue is dry paint the knot with a coat of clear or colored varnish.



Last Updated: January 12, 2011
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Categories: General articles