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Stuff That Works: Tie-Fast Knot Tyer Tool
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March 09, 2010
Stuff That Works: Tie-Fast Knot Tyer Tool
By Kirk Deeter
Last week when we talked about the survey listing the most popular fly fishing brands, a number of you in the comment thread asked what my favorite brands are. I promise you this isn't a cop-out, but I really don't have a favorite rod, or reel. I'm lucky enough in this job to play with a lot of stuff, and I've grown to like certain rods and reels for different situations.
But there are some things I use all the time, no matter where I am. And that's why we started this feature on Fly Talk, called "Stuff That Works." Seldom flashy, always functional, these are the things that I think help me fish better. Period.
So the latest installment on the list is the Tie-Fast Knot Tyer tool... a simple little hunk of formed metal that helps you tie one of the most important knots of all, the nail knot. I use this knot to splice a leader to a fly line. Click here for a description of the product, with a video clip of how to tie the knot.
You can tie this knot with a cocktail straw, or on a nail, or a swizzle stick. But for $7, this tool is a pretty good deal. I have three of them. One I keep stuffed at the bottom of a vest pocket, in case my leader breaks and I need to re-leader on the water. One is in the truck, where I organize for any given day. And the backup is on my desk at home. I have a thumb that's been broken a couple times and doesn't work quite right... but even in cold conditions when my fingers aren't so nimble, I can whip off a nail knot in seconds when I use this thing. Anyone else swear by it?
Deeter
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Comments (25)
I've got one in my vest, thing kicks serious butt and it more durable than your cocktail straw in a vest pocket.
wow! I could really have used that last weekend on our trout trip. ordering one now.
I receieve that tool as a gift many years ago but have never used it. Maybe it's worth a second look.
"received"
I just watched the video and have to agree that it one slick little tool.
I have a couple as well and love them. They make quick work of a lot of knots that are tough when your hands are wet/cold.
I am definitely going to have to get a couple of these! I just started fly fishing this year, and the first nail knot I tried with a straw took about an hour and it's still very poorly tied. Thank you very much Mr. Deeter!
I use something similar - it is a combination clipper, nail knot tool, hook file, and cleaning needle. Twice the price, though. Hooked onto a zinger.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_...
A nail knot tool was built into the head of a forceps/scissors combo tool I lost - that was my favorite tool but I haven't seen them in stores in years.
I have had one for a few years and now that I actually know how to properly use that it, I am going to make good use of it
I have had one for a few years and now that I actually know how to properly use that it, I am going to make good use of it
thats a pretty interesting tool.... one i wish i had thought of..... in my quest to gear up for fly fishing for the first time this makes the list
I love Tie-Fast products in general, but the best one out there, in my opinion, is their Tie Fast Knot Tyer Combo Tool. I have one for each vest and spares just in case. The tool is built like a tank. For more detail read my blog post at: http://stflyfisher.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/good-gear-the-tie-fast-knot-...
Used them. Not a fan... Just becomes another item to tangle in on my vest. But thats me, and I have no trouble with knots.
Kirk - just dawned on me ... "one of the most important knots of all" ... I take it you don't use perfection loops between your fly line and leader.
Alex - just wait until you're older and you eyes start to go, your fingers get less dexterous, and you find yourself in the middle of a hatch without a leader ... not that I am saying Kirk is old.
I understand that. My "Old" man has one. I just don't find it to really worth the vest space to me.
Another great tool is the little pen shaped tool. Imagine you want to 'write' something so you depress the plunger on the end. Instead of a pen point you got a small V shaped end that will hold your hook while you tie it on. I work with people who have a few disabilities and have found this tool gives them the ability to work with small flies. Alas I can't remember the name.
I do use the Perfection Loop, MLH, but I prefer the nail knot... I'd say it's a 5:1 ratio for me. Just a personal preference. And thanks for saying I'm not old.
Looks neat - thanks for the tip!
The Tie-Fast tool works great (and I'm fairly a newbie at fly flishing - been at it 3 years now). It was one of the very first "vest" tools that I bought.
Tip: when tying the "looping" portion of the second line/leader/tippet/etc., make sure the tag end is long enough to go through the loops at the end of the tool to complete the knot. Otherwise, it's a PITA (pain in the ***) trying to get a short tag end that has curled up through the loops. I always try to maximize the length of my leader and keep the tag end short. Duh-Oh!!!
I always have one with me just in case I lose the entire leader off the end of the flyline, or damage the leader near the butt section and have to tie on a new leader...doesn't happen very often, but can happen. You can tie the nail-less nail knot, but it is easier with the tool. For other knots? ..no reason you can't learn to tie them well, and quick without the tool.
I never used my until one day I was determined to make it work. Glad I did because it is a useful tool.
I am so glad that I have found this your article because I have been searching for some information about various recipes from pig meat almost an hour. You helped me a lot indeed and reading this your entry I have found many new and useful information about this question. Well, I will definitely bookmark your website and wait for other useful and detailed posts like this one in the future. muscle building supplements
Great Info!Really impressed! Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues.
Replacement Windows
This seems great for fly fishing. I will have to try this and see if its better than what im currently using. my free credit report
I have been fishing for a long time but when i grow older I have found it increasingly difficult to tie tiny knots in low light conditions. This should help me a great deal. Many thanks. Free Credit Report How to Get Your Ex Back
Post a Comment
I never used my until one day I was determined to make it work. Glad I did because it is a useful tool.
I've got one in my vest, thing kicks serious butt and it more durable than your cocktail straw in a vest pocket.
wow! I could really have used that last weekend on our trout trip. ordering one now.
I receieve that tool as a gift many years ago but have never used it. Maybe it's worth a second look.
I just watched the video and have to agree that it one slick little tool.
I have a couple as well and love them. They make quick work of a lot of knots that are tough when your hands are wet/cold.
I am definitely going to have to get a couple of these! I just started fly fishing this year, and the first nail knot I tried with a straw took about an hour and it's still very poorly tied. Thank you very much Mr. Deeter!
I use something similar - it is a combination clipper, nail knot tool, hook file, and cleaning needle. Twice the price, though. Hooked onto a zinger.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_...
A nail knot tool was built into the head of a forceps/scissors combo tool I lost - that was my favorite tool but I haven't seen them in stores in years.
I have had one for a few years and now that I actually know how to properly use that it, I am going to make good use of it
I have had one for a few years and now that I actually know how to properly use that it, I am going to make good use of it
thats a pretty interesting tool.... one i wish i had thought of..... in my quest to gear up for fly fishing for the first time this makes the list
I love Tie-Fast products in general, but the best one out there, in my opinion, is their Tie Fast Knot Tyer Combo Tool. I have one for each vest and spares just in case. The tool is built like a tank. For more detail read my blog post at: http://stflyfisher.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/good-gear-the-tie-fast-knot-...
Used them. Not a fan... Just becomes another item to tangle in on my vest. But thats me, and I have no trouble with knots.
Kirk - just dawned on me ... "one of the most important knots of all" ... I take it you don't use perfection loops between your fly line and leader.
Alex - just wait until you're older and you eyes start to go, your fingers get less dexterous, and you find yourself in the middle of a hatch without a leader ... not that I am saying Kirk is old.
I understand that. My "Old" man has one. I just don't find it to really worth the vest space to me.
Another great tool is the little pen shaped tool. Imagine you want to 'write' something so you depress the plunger on the end. Instead of a pen point you got a small V shaped end that will hold your hook while you tie it on. I work with people who have a few disabilities and have found this tool gives them the ability to work with small flies. Alas I can't remember the name.
I do use the Perfection Loop, MLH, but I prefer the nail knot... I'd say it's a 5:1 ratio for me. Just a personal preference. And thanks for saying I'm not old.
Looks neat - thanks for the tip!
The Tie-Fast tool works great (and I'm fairly a newbie at fly flishing - been at it 3 years now). It was one of the very first "vest" tools that I bought.
Tip: when tying the "looping" portion of the second line/leader/tippet/etc., make sure the tag end is long enough to go through the loops at the end of the tool to complete the knot. Otherwise, it's a PITA (pain in the ***) trying to get a short tag end that has curled up through the loops. I always try to maximize the length of my leader and keep the tag end short. Duh-Oh!!!
I always have one with me just in case I lose the entire leader off the end of the flyline, or damage the leader near the butt section and have to tie on a new leader...doesn't happen very often, but can happen. You can tie the nail-less nail knot, but it is easier with the tool. For other knots? ..no reason you can't learn to tie them well, and quick without the tool.
I am so glad that I have found this your article because I have been searching for some information about various recipes from pig meat almost an hour. You helped me a lot indeed and reading this your entry I have found many new and useful information about this question. Well, I will definitely bookmark your website and wait for other useful and detailed posts like this one in the future. muscle building supplements
Great Info!Really impressed! Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues.
Replacement Windows
This seems great for fly fishing. I will have to try this and see if its better than what im currently using. my free credit report
I have been fishing for a long time but when i grow older I have found it increasingly difficult to tie tiny knots in low light conditions. This should help me a great deal. Many thanks. Free Credit Report How to Get Your Ex Back
"received"
Post a Comment