rod thread size

[jdb21867]

Am new to rod building----what size thread do you use to wrap the rod eyes in most cases???

[dpage70]

Most more experienced builders are going to use size A, which is the smallest of the typical threads, mainly because you can pack the thread to a point that you can't see any gaps in the thread. The larger the thread the harder it is to close up all of the gaps in it, BUT it's easier to use, or at least it was for me. I started with C just practicing, then moved to B still doing practice wraps, then went to A when I started building and repairing. I actually started modifying and replacing guides on my friends rods just to get the practice before I started building.

[sarmst100]

Size A for me also. And if your looking for metallic thread, if you have a Hancock Fabrics store, they normally carry Sulky, although, Mudhole is still a little cheaper.

[cidgrad]

Size A - and if you are really feeling frisky - 000. You can get an incredibly low profile thread wrap - but you'll need some type of magnification to wrap it.

Size B is actually very popular for production rods - smaller than D and easier/faster than A.

Be careful with using some of the embroidery threads available in craft stores - they are often coated in silicone to slide through the embroidery machines and the silicone will repel thread finish.

[jdb21867]

Does Sulky come in different sizes ---also --if I go metalic --will it be as strong as nylon thread???

[sarmst100]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by jdb21867 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Does Sulky come in different sizes ---also --if I go metalic --will it be as strong as nylon thread???</td></tr></table>

I've only seen the Sulky in one size. I should have been clearer in my origin post, the Sulky Metallic from the craft stores is the same as from Mudhole, I would stay away from any of the other threads at the craft stores as Alex said.

I'm not a fan of all metallic wraps but you can do it. I only use it for trim bands. The metallic is wrapped around a core material and can be tricky and break when run thru a tensioner. I don't think it is as strong as nylon but I may be wrong.

[jdb21867]

So your saying basicly ---use nylon for the bulk of the wrap and then accent with metalic????

[sarmst100]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by jdb21867 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">So your saying basicly ---use nylon for the bulk of the wrap and then accent with metalic????</td></tr></table>

That is how I prefer to do it but it's up to you. Either way will work. I don't like the look of all metallic. Experiment with a couple of wraps and see what you like.

[jdb21867]

Looked at mud hole---I only want black , a bright red, and a bright blue --all nylon---got any suggestions seems like there are a lot choises. ---do I need something to lock the color----- I think I can handle the metalic choices.

a friend gave me a new bottle of GUDEROD rod restorer---SPEED COAT -water based
1 1/4 oz. to refinish my flipping stick. Will this stuff go over the rod eye threads ok???

[cidgrad]

Here are some strength comparisons using Size A Gudebrod:
(TS is tensile strength in pounds and WS is wrap strength in pounds per centimeter measured on a 1cm band)
HT Metallic- TS 3.5 WS 233
Nylon- TS 2.7 WS 154
NCP- TS 2.2 WS 126

I would suppose HT metallic is probably strongest due to the core fiber. But if I remember correctly, while the numbers look great for HT, there is a stretch issue.