[Patrick Gould]

Funny, when I answered the survey I thought we were talking whip finish tools. In any case I use both a tie fast and a whip finish tool. I really like the look of the Nip N Knot that Jim B. posted above. I'll have to find one of those to have in my chest pack.

 

[Skysoldier]

I carry one of these http://tie-fast.com/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=4 and use it for both nail and surgeons knots.

 

[Jim F.]

I use a Tie-Fast when I need to fab a nail knot.

 

[Old Man]

When I first started out tying knots I used a football needle. Just file the end off and your just fine. Your leader will go through the needle. I also used the tip of a fiberglass rod. The hollow part. Or in a pinch when nothing else is available, A small stick.

 

[Krusty]

I've using the Moodus Knot Tool for years...can be a bit hard to find...but works great. I got so worried about losing one in a lake that I now have 4 of them.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moodus-Ultimate-Knot-Fishing-Tool-GREAT-NEW-/190716739759

Makes tying tippets on with blood knots very easy, good for professional quality nail knots, and has a rather ingenious fly eyelet threader...as well as a hidden bobbin that's useful for pulling stray hackle out of clinch knots.

 

[Salmo_g]

You left out "none of the above."

I don't have one, don't use one, but I don't think they're a waste of money for those who buy and use them.

Sg

 

[Krusty]

You left out "none of the above."

I don't have one, don't use one, but I don't think they're a waste of money for those who buy and use them.

Sg

Neither did I until I got old enough to need one....these ancient fingers just don't manage to function like they used to!

 

[Greggor]

I use the Tie-Fast Knot Tyer for all applications shown in the demo. Exceptions are the non-slip loop knot to allow for increased wet fly action, and the double surgeon for adding on tippet in a hurry.

The demo lacks one important element, probably left out due to the "ick" factor... moisten the line before tightening-up the knots, in particular for fluorocarbon. It reduces the friction/heat that can weaken the line.

 

[Jim Speaker]

I tie by hand. Nail knots I only use for fly line to backing, very infrequent, and I just use a bodkin from my fly tying stuff. Leader to fly line is an improved clinch on either a welded loop, or one I created by using a nail knot and some backing and lacquer. Tying leaders, I start with a 7 1/2' 3x leader, and double-surgeons some 3x (good enough if streamer fishing trout), 4x for nymphing, and 5x if fishing dries. I go 6x if the fish are really damn finicky but generally the 6x just hangs on my vest near the 7x.

 

[Mark Mercer]

I, like OMJ used tips of old broken fly rods for nail knots, then I joined the 20th century and now use plastic Q-tips cut in half. haven't found anything better and I use the nail knot tool at work, but don't like it as well as Q-tips..... Old dog new
tricks, I guess....

 

[mtskibum16]

I've been tying my nail knots with with a mono loop. This is the video I saw it in. (Edit: link isn't skipping to the correct time for me, skip to about 2:53 in the video) Works really well and you don't need any tools, just some extra mono. I don't think a tool would be a wast of money though if it helps you tie knots.

 

[wichaka]

I have one of those jigs for tying blood knots...attaching tippet together, and use it a lot. It makes attaching the lines very fast. I was hesitant to get it, but glad I got it.

 

[Olive bugger]

I have one of those jigs for tying blood knots...attaching tippet together, and use it a lot. It makes attaching the lines very fast. I was hesitant to get it, but glad I got it.

I seem to have lost mine. It is somewhere in my fly tying stuff.

Those small leaders are hard for old eyes and fingers.

 

[weiliwen]

Coffee Stirrers also work great. and they're cheap, or free if you run into the Golden Arches, grab some from the condiment station, and then run out again.