Durability of a no whip finish?

[Arfly]

I saw Dave Whitlock use Zap to finish one of his sheep shad at a tying demonstration in 1991. He put Zap on an inch of thread at the head, wrapped it and cut it. Everyone gasped. People asked if it was durable. He said it was durable enough to give to his Umpqua rep for testing. He then smiled and said he did own 90% of the Zap-a-gap company and we should try it for our selves. I did try it. Didn't like the fumes or my ability to get it everywhere. I might be a bit clumsy. Now the only time I use CA glue is when I am using dumbell eyes.

 

[Kms]

I saw Dave Whitlock use Zap to finish one of his sheep shad at a tying demonstration in 1991. He put Zap on an inch of thread at the head, wrapped it and cut it. Everyone gasped. People asked if it was durable. He said it was durable enough to give to his Umpqua rep for testing. He then smiled and said he did own 90% of the Zap-a-gap company and we should try it for our selves. I did try it. Didn't like the fumes or my ability to get it everywhere. I might be a bit clumsy. Now the only time I use CA glue is when I am using dumbell eyes.

Fwiw I find thicker rubber reinforced gel CA far easier to control than the liquids. I have no trouble applying even very tiny amounts of this stuff, and because it takes a bit longer to dry than the liquid works well when applied to thread before wrapping. Slower curing also leads to less white hazing.

https://a.co/d/0fkSTAVX

 

[Arfly]

Fwiw I find thicker rubber reinforced gel CA far easier to control than the liquids. I have no trouble applying even very tiny amounts of this stuff, and because it takes a bit longer to dry than the liquid works well when applied to thread before wrapping.

https://a.co/d/0fkSTAVX

View attachment 1641249082

I do use the gel when I tie with dumbells or bead chain like for Clousers or Schminnows. I still tend to get it on stuff. Myself included.

 

[salmo]

I got tired of superglue bottles drying out all the time.

It helps to put the top back on 🤔

 

[salmo]

Fwiw I find thicker rubber reinforced gel CA far easier to control than the liquids. I have no trouble applying even very tiny amounts of this stuff, and because it takes a bit longer to dry than the liquid works well when applied to thread before wrapping.

https://a.co/d/0fkSTAVX

View attachment 1641249082

My glue of choice

 

[salmo]

I’ve tied a bunch of dry flies using superglue in lieu of a whip finish. My greatest concern is that the glue may not be waterproof.

 

[Kms]

I’ve tied a bunch of dry flies using superglue in lieu of a whip finish. My greatest concern is that the glue may not be waterproof.

My understanding is that since CA is moisture cured, once set all of it is kind of “waterproof.” The greater issue is inflexibility and lack of durability, which the rubber reinforced glues (like Loctite gel) address somewhat.

 

[Bamboozle]

I do use the gel when I tie with dumbells or bead chain like for Clousers or Schminnows. I still tend to get it on stuff. Myself included.

It helps, but most glue bonds other than some special epoxies are going to break rather easily once a dumbbell eye or bead chain gets whacked around a few times.

One thing that was a game changer for me is using Gel Spun (GSP) thread just for the dumbbell lashing. Because it so strong and thin I can really crank down on the wraps and use more.

Afterwards, I'll whip finish off the GSP, apply head cement and tie in regular thread to add materials & finish off the fly.

 

[Letort]

My flies are usually under a rock or in a tree limb long before my untreated knot gives out.

 

[Sylvaneous]

I got tired of superglue bottles drying out all the time.

OR knock it over/drop it on your floor. FAAAAAAAKKKKK!!!!

 

[salmo]

OR knock it over/drop it on your floor. FAAAAAAAKKKKK!!!!

Sorry to correct your spelling. That Faaaaaaark.

 

[poopdeck]

I’ve never spilled super glue. Buy the squeeze bottle. It can’t spill and it lasts forever.