Best adhesive to reinforce level leech pin thread wraps?

I would use a tying wax (not dubbing wax) on the tread with a base layer on the hook and wax the thread when binding the pin to the hook as well. If I had to use an adhesive, I would probably go with a thin UV adhesive for ease. Using wax would require figuring out the balance point prior to the final tying since the pin should not slide with the waxed thread
 
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speyflyfisher said:
Are you having issues with the pin pulling out of flies while fishing? I wouldn’t think any adhesive would be necessary
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I just started tying up a batch of these things and, considering the effort that goes along with level balancing these patterns, don't want that effort wasted on leeches that don't hold up under heavy use.

Some sort of adhesive is generally advised on the pin thread wrapping but I hoped to get some reliable experience-based advice about which type...
 
I like Z-ment for all superglue type fly tying purposes. Penetrates well, dries fast but not too fast, cheaper than other zap-a-gap brand glues and the bottle and brush stay functional for years. That said, any penetrating superglue will be great for this use. I have never had a pin mounted with thread and a drop of super glue move on the hook at all.
 
Superglue is the choice. Crazy Glue is preferred because it's got a brush applicator. It sounds like Zment does too. Make sure you let it dry pretty good before continuing.
 
Any super glue, from the hardware store or fly shop, should do the trick for you. I just brush some on after I tie the pin on the hook shank.
 
Gel super glue. Do a spaced thread wrap, apply a thin layer of the glue, then wrap back over it a few times. You can do a single half hitch with the thread, cut it and set the hook aside to dry while you fix up another one.
 
_WW_ said:
Gel super glue. Do a spaced thread wrap, apply a thin layer of the glue, then wrap back over it a few times. You can do a single half hitch with the thread, cut it and set the hook aside to dry while you fix up another one.
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I tend to tie flies in an assembly line manner, generally focusing on a single pattern in a tying session. To that end I've created 'templates' of various sized Fulling Mill jig hooks for which I've established the correct pin length and tungsten bead size to create a perfectly balanced leech. Each tying session also tends to involve a single size of a pattern, so waiting for the balance leech super glue to dry on 10 to 20 jig hooks works well for me. Most likely will prepare quite a few hooks in different sizes in preparation for tying sessions.

Another question...I've never bothered to do the 'boiling water' dunk bit with regular Simi Seal dubbed leeches I've tied in the past, and they seem to work just fine. But those leeches were cast/retrieved/trolled, while balanced leeches are generally hung below an indicator, and the pre-sculpted hot water routine might be important. An opinion?
 
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krusty said:
I tend to tie flies in an assembly line manner, generally focusing on a single pattern in a tying session. To that end I've created 'templates' of various sized Fulling Mill jig hooks for which I've established the correct pin length and tungsten bead size to create a perfectly balanced leech. Each tying session also tends to involve a single size of a pattern, so waiting for the balance leech super glue to dry on 10 to 20 jig hooks works well for me. Most likely will prepare quite a few hooks in different sizes in preparation for tying sessions.

Another question...I've never bothered to do the 'boiling water' dunk bit with regular Simi Seal dubbed leeches I've tied in the past, and they seem to work just fine. But those leeches were cast/retrieved/trolled, while balanced leeches are generally hung below an indicator, and the pre-sculpted hot water routine might be important. An opinion?
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I dunk all my semi seal leeches, balanced or not, in almost boiling water. Does it really make a difference? I have no idea…
 
krusty said:
I tend to tie flies in an assembly line manner, generally focusing on a single pattern in a tying session. To that end I've created 'templates' of various sized Fulling Mill jig hooks for which I've established the correct pin length and tungsten bead size to create a perfectly balanced leech. Each tying session also tends to involve a single size of a pattern, so waiting for the balance leech super glue to dry on 10 to 20 jig hooks works well for me. Most likely will prepare quite a few hooks in different sizes in preparation for tying sessions.

Another question...I've never bothered to do the 'boiling water' dunk bit with regular Simi Seal dubbed leeches I've tied in the past, and they seem to work just fine. But those leeches were cast/retrieved/trolled, while balanced leeches are generally hung below an indicator, and the pre-sculpted hot water routine might be important. An opinion?
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I have dunked Simiseal leeches, jig leeches, balanced leeches and streamers in near boiling water and have not done the same; just tie and fish. Personally, I don't think it makes a difference on any of the ties. (Back to the original question: super glue.)
 
krusty said:
I just started tying up a batch of these things and, considering the effort that goes along with level balancing these patterns, don't want that effort wasted on leeches that don't hold up under heavy use.

Some sort of adhesive is generally advised on the pin thread wrapping but I hoped to get some reliable experience-based advice about which type...
Click to expand...
Brushable super glue. Loc-tight has never failed me.
 
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