[Salmo Nella]

Originally Posted by BigCliff

clothespin. I'm still trying to figure out how exactly you did that!

the clothespin just keeps the thread from unwinding from the spool and allows it to hang straight down when you are not actively using the thread. All the wrapping and thread tension is done with your fingers. It makes tying small flies quite interesting if you have large fingers....or three thumbs on each hand, like I do.

[Fish Bones]

I can do either but prefer the tool. I keep two at my desk just in case I lose one.

[BIGDON]

Fingers Are To Big, And The Tool I Have Sucks, Got To Find A Better One..............................bigdon

[Frank Whiton]

Hi Cliff,

I have always hand whipped my flies. I have bought a couple of tools but every time I get one out, I forget how to use it and end up hand whipping. It seems quicker to hand whip than picking up a tool to do it.

[BigCliff]

Frank I bet you are right, but with fingers as fat and rough as mine tend to be, I'm probably best off sticking with the tool. As with many other cases, sticking with what you have gotten used to and very good at is probably what is the best option, and that's just different for some of us.

[Yoffione]

I can whip finish both ways but prefer the tool. My fingers are too rough and the thread tends to catch and make it difficult. It was brought up before, but I do hand whip when I need to tie something off at the back of a fly.

[Mik412]

Never could master the whip finisher. Until about 6 months ago I used my fingers. One night I was in a Bass Pro Shop and they were holding a beginners fly tying class. The instructor used a "half hitch tool" I was so impressed that I bought a package containing 3 of the tools before leaving the store that night!
Add this to your choices.
Simplicity itself.

[madriverbrown]

I use my fingers.

[BIGDON]

tool my fingers are to big and nail hardner works great

[aroostookbasser]

Fingers....way faster