Bucktail Jigs

[Wiperboy]

On the bucktail jigs that I tie I use "hard as nails" nail cement to strengthen the nylon thread around the neck. The glossy finish looks great and stands up well over time. I have heard of some people using epoxy. Any recommendations on things that you guys like to use? Those using epoxy can you tell me what type you use and the best way to cure it. Any suggestions or helpful tips would be appreciated. I've tied around 5,000 of these jigs but could always a new idea or two. Thanks.

[Saltheart]

We use the thread shellac fly tiers use. All the better stores carry one brand or another. it comes in a bottle about 1 1/4 inches squares. Only trouble we have is that its thinned with some very easy to evaporate solvent. just leave the bottle open for and hour and it gets very thick. they do sell thinner for you to add though. I think all things considered , the nail polish works fine too. Epoxy is great but you need to tie a lot then coat as a big batch if you use epoxy. i like to coat each one after i tie it so epoxy wouldn't work out for me. i don't know why I like coating each one instead of a batch but that's howwe do it.

[Roger]

I like to finish my jigs with epoxy on the wrap, though for jigs with lots of hair I’ll also use some lacquer during the process to help hold things together. If you tie lots of them, buy the clear lacquer from a hardware store, it’s much cheaper. Don’t use any type of shellac; it degrades in water (though Saltheart was talking about generic clear fly finish, not actual shellac).

A tip on using epoxy in small amounts is to mix dime sized amounts on a Post-it note. I like Devcon brand 5 minute and 2-ton (which is 30 minute).

[NIB]

If u have tied 5,000 jigs u should have all the answers.The hard as nails is as good as the" hard as hull" the stuff stinks.Odor wise it makes me i'll after a while.i used to do the epoxy thing like Roger said mixing on a post-it.Nevr noticed any advantage.blues will reck a jig epoxied or not.i use Zap a gap pink bottle after each bundle an to finish wip in the end makes the thread like one big mass an tough.i remember tryin to cut one off one time Very tough.I use the hard as nails to seal it off as all as the Cyano glues will turn white when they get wet.Like saltheart says one at a time.

[Wiperboy]

Thanks for the tips guys. Always learning.

[beamie]

For years I used clear finger nail polish, works great. Lately I have been using 5 min epoxy, leaves more of a build-up but they both do the same purpose.......stop the unravel if the wrap gets cut...that's all your looking to accomplish, looks are secondary.