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A NEWCHALLENGE FOR FLY TYERS
The Tier’s Tool Box
by Al Ritt
As a beginning tier, your first consideration is the need for an
understanding of the tools required. The right tools can greatly benefit
and improve your tying. Now some of us (yes, I am one) are natural
born “gear heads” and are going to buy and try much of the gear we find
that even remotely hints at being beneficial. Well, if you’re like me, try
them all and enjoy, I know I have; but if you want to proceed a bit more
slowly you can choose your tools effectively to maximize your tying
efficiency and enjoyment.
The most important tool any fly tier can invest in is a stable vise that
holds hooks well. Stability and hook holding power are the two most
critical features for a fly-tying vise. Beyond these, look for a vise that
is comfortable for you while you tie. Consider ease of adjustment and
features that can increase
tying efficiency and
enjoyment, such as rotary
functionality. You don’t
need the most expensive vise you can find; but consider this. A vise will last you a lifetime if chosen wisely. Skimping
on your vise may simply mean you will buy it twice; once to get started, then again when your first vise proves
inadequate. You can buy a premium rotary vise with a lifetime warranty for about $150. Not a bad investment.
Next in importance is a sharp pair of scissors. Cutting wire, synthetics, etc. will quickly dull your scissors. A second
set for those materials will keep your primary tying scissors sharp. Ideally,scissors will be comfortable enough to keep
in your hand with no need to set down. Picking up and setting down your scissors, and time spent looking for them,
will slow your tying significantly. Learn to tie with your scissors in hand at all times to increase your tying output.
Other tools I commonly use are a bobbin, whip-finish tool, hackle plier, bodkin needle, dubbing brush, hair stacker and
a bobbin threader. Many styles of bobbins are available. I still have my very first plain SS tube bobbins after 30 years.
Ceramic may last longer, but whatever material, choose quality over cost savings. I prefer a Materelli style whip finish
tool, but others are available. Choose one and learn to use it. A hackle plier must be strong enough to grip securely, but
not break materials. I have several for different materials as they are relatively inexpensive and varying designs hold
various materials differently. A bodkin needle is straightforward. Make sure it’s steel and comes to a sharp point. My
favorite dubbing brush comes as part of a combination tool. It has nylon brush fibers that are less damaging to thread
and materials, a bodkin needle and a half hitch tool. When choosing a hair stacker, buy brass, un-plated aluminum or
any material that will not build up static electricity. A bobbin threader is a “no brainer”. They are cheap and easy to
use.
There are many other tools you will see as you gain experience. Some you may want to try and others may hold no
appeal for you. But I believe those discussed here form a great starting point and may be all you ever need.
Al’s new book,
“
25 Best Most Versatile Flies
;
Their Histories, Stories and Step-byStep Tying
Photos”
is replete with useful
and entertaining info about the
25 flies featured in his book. We
recommend it for all levels of
tyers. Buy the book from his
website and you’ll receive an
autographed copy! Don’t wait!
Al’ exceptional instructional fly tying book is avail-
able: http://alrittflies.com/
Al Ritt - Peak Fishing
WE FEATURE PEAK FLY TYING VISES
All of Peak Fishing products are
made in the USA, have a Life-
time Warranty against defects in
material or workmanship
AND
ARE REASONABLY PRICED!
Their Rotary Vise is one of the
best selling vises at The Hook &
Hackle Company. And I’m not
supposed to say this, but it’s one of
two vises that
always
sits on my fly tying desk. Easy to use,
with a big footprint, it’s nearly impossible to tip over. The
C-clamp model won’t even budge! Check out page 35!
Al Ritt currently works for PEAK Fishing handling Sales, Marketing, Ser-
vice, and Product Development for their fly tying and rod building products.