What's in your vise?
- Thread starter Billy
- Start date
My attempt to add glue-on eyes has been a failure. I've tried UV stuff, multiple different glues, hard as nails, and combinations of all of the above and the eyes don't stick well at all. I don't have one of those cauterizers as seen in EP videos nor do I truly understand what they're used for so I think I'm just going to get some tabbed eyes. https://theconfluenceflyshop.com/pr...silver-yello-6mm?_pos=15&_fid=cd0e04fc1&_ss=c
I put a little drop of gel super glue (locktite blue bottle) where I want the eye to go, then place the eye. Then the other side and squeeze them together.
I'll be curious about the tabbed eyes. I don't like messing with super glue.
Similar experience, they recommend coating with UV flex to reinforce.
Hmmm. Since the glue on eyes just fall off with the slightest provocation after being applied, I guess the tabbed eyes can’t be any worse?
I'm currently on the search for a different type of tabbed eyes. Or, maybe going with these (I still have a ton of them) but encapsulating them with UV epoxy. I just haven't played around with it since getting back from Baja, but one fish before eyes get ripped off just isn't going to cut it.
You've been using the ones I linked with less-than-durable results?
Maybe these, although if my fly is sparse/narrow, they might stick out funny. I guess I just have to try them all. https://www.epflies.com/product/ep-gamechange-eyes/
yeah.
I've used some similar to these and they work great, but take longer to tie in which is why I tried the tab eyes in the first place. Per fly, it's really not too bad, but over the course of tying a dozen, it can add up.
But if the flies don't last, it doesn't matter. That's why I might try covering those tab eyes with UV epoxy. They're so easy to get on straight. Perhaps a coating would help with that. Also considered just using a Copic marker only, which would probably work great.
For the eyes, I useLoctite gel as others suggested. Then I coat the eye and down to where the eye meets the hook/material towards the eye of the hook with liquid fusion (put a dab on the eye and use a toothpick or similar to make circles and spread the LF all over the eye then down to the front of the eye and all along the front side of the eye. Not perfect but has increased durability significantly. Don’t have a pic but could try to get one soon if anybody wants
My method of attaching stick on eyes is to build a bit of UV epoxy base foundation to provide something more solid to stick the eyes to. Then I place them where I want them and start building up layers of UV epoxy all around them until it’s all coated and reasonably secured as a solid head. This is pretty darn durable as long as the deckhand or captain doesn’t go grabbing the head with their pliers and man-hands as they remove it from a tuna’s gullet. Cough cough @Nick Clayton
I haven’t tried the tab eyes yet but I want to as symmetrical eye placement can be the toughest part and I think the tabs would help with that. Then I’d do the whole layering on of coats to build up a durable head.
For anyone having trouble keeping eyes stuck, try Liquid Fusion. It will keep them attached, like the bedazzled gems and glitter, on a Swiftie's jacket in the mosh pit.
