Making T14 Tips

[easymends]

Anyone have a tutorial or video showing how to make T14 tips with the braided loops that come from Rio? I have never made these as I have only used the T8 tips from my versitip wallet in the past.

Thanks.

[Flycanoe]

I've made up several with the RIO braided loops packets that come with a small plastic sleeve. What I do is slip the sleeve on the braid up to the loop, then work T14 into the braid as far as it will go. Then I put some zapagap or locktite only on the end of the braid, then carefully slip the sleeve down over the braid ends and wipe off excess glue. The sleeve should be half on and half off the braid ends when done. If you pull the sleeve too far and off the braid, it's now scrap and has to be removed and start over with a new one. Don't put locktite anywhere along the length as it will make it stiff and not flexible. Works so far and I haven't had one fail yet.

[Darian]

There's a tutorial on Dan Blanton's BB titled: "Getting Looped." Blanton has set up a section of his website for technical articles that includes this one.

The method described uses a loop constructed of Gudebrod braided leader material in either 35 or 50 pound test. The diameter chosen should match the size of the material to be "looped." IMHO, it's far superior to using the pre-formed loops using heat shrink tubing and/or CA (Crazy) glue. Speaking of adhesives, most CA glues cure to a crystalline hardness. Over time, they will crack and leave your knots weakened. Choose a flexible adhesive like Pliobond. They cure completely but remain flexible. =D>

There are other methods as well. However, the method described will serve you well until you decide to experiment/improve on your own.;)

Take a look at Blanton's method. :) It's not so different to construct.... :cool:

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

If you get by the shop our staff can show you how they do it.

I can see that the industry needs more online educational video clips.

[Rick J]

I make my own loops with 35# braid, slip it on and use 10# maxima as a single trap knot. I will coat the loop portion with some type of flex cement but do not coat the sleeve.

I albright a 25# section of Maxima to the other end with a small loop and loop to loop my leader to this. PS- I use a doubled over loop on my leader so it seats better with the 25# butt section.

I cut sections 6', 7.5', 9', 10.5', 12' and 15' with a 20 footer thrown in (I really hate to put that on!!!!!)

To keep track of the lengths, I wrap a short section of thread on the loop end and coat with flex cement: one band yellow for 6'; 2 bands yellow for 7.5', one band green for 9'; two bands green for 10.5' and one band red for 12'. I can normally tell the 15' section but will put on a band of black for it.

Keep these all in a couple of wallets and am ready to go - I would recommend to have at least 2 of each length

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

This is Rick's super fast sinktip system for swinging flies for Steelhead.

Thanks Rick.......

For Stripers most use about 28' of T-14 for a shooting head on an 8 weight rod.

[shawn kempkes]

This is the way I do all of my loops now. http://www.speypages.com/speyclave/showthread.php?t=31079

[Flycanoe]

Tried using heat shrink tubing on T-14 once, but the line failed from damage by the heat, so haven't tried since.

[jturner]

Check out Flyandfloatfishing.com
There is a nice video for making sinking tips and some other good videos too.