Narrow trim ring help

[Offshore24]

I'm adding trim rings to the ends of each of my guide feet. Narrow bands of three wraps. The last four guides get into a narrow section of the blank and every time I cut the thread they unravel. Any tips on how to get them to lock or what I can put on them to keep them from unraveling that won't mess up the epoxy finish? Thanks.

[Saltheart]

Leave the ends long (both) then pull them reall tight after you pull the tag end through. Sort of like snugging up your shoe laces. Then cut with a very sharp (new) razor edge.

Some threads lock in nice and easy , some slip. If you can't get it to stay , add another wrap.

You can also start the thread for the trim band under the end of the over or underwrap so that end is totally secure. Of course you have to plan that ahead of time. If you do that you only have to lock in the one end after the pull and three wraps should do that easily if you tighten it up good before cutting with the razor blade.

[paradoxjim]

Save this link in your favorites - lots of help topics here with competent answers and demonstrations.

Thread Work - The Rod Builder's Library

[Offshore24]

thanks, I do have that site linked. Guess I need to plan ahead more. Will keep trying and see what happens. The bigger diameter locations were no problem.

[Saltheart]

After you tighten as I said above , try letting the tightened thread sit overnight to let the thread relax a bit before cutting the ends. This gives the thread the chance to comform to the tight bend around the thin blank sections too.
In fact if you do all the pulling back under the overwrap or underwrap you can do just single turn trim bands and inlays. Again , you need to plan this all out ahead of time and have the pull loops in place.

[beamie]

As stated best to plan ahead and tuck it under the under or guide wrap.

Depending on what kind of thread and color your using you could put a dab of color preserver where the tag end comes out and let it dry, kind of glues it all together to prevent unraveling. I have used this method on ocassion

[ThrowingTimber]

I do the exact opposite. From the pic attached. I would take 1. have all my spacing measured out and written down. ie how much space each guidefoot pad is in total length. And list them guide 1 x amount, guide 2 x amount.

Once that writing portion setup is complete, take a small piece of that gold metallic thread, rock out 4 or 5 wraps twist in some black, continue to wrap the guidefoot pad and repeat.

also once you have all your measurements laid out using thin yellow quilters tape is an awesome way to lay out and get a good visual for all your spacing before you start. when its time to wrap just wrap in the area inside the tape, 1,2,3,4 wrap of gold, twist in some black, wrap to the end of the tape. I dont think any of that is economical if youre doing it commecially but as a hobbyist it 1. helps 2. saves time 3. makes it look neat

Hope all is good Steve!

[Offshore24]

I'm good Vic, looking forward to fishing real soon. Thanks for the tips. I have a fiberglass blank coming to make a bucktail rod and an Montauk Eel rod is in the works. Should have kept my boat in the water .