Echo Boost Beach Rod in action offshore Pacific City with a Pacific black rockfish tugging at the end of the line.
As a on again – off again user of various super glues, I’ve recently found a product (new to me) that I find is superior, at least for my skill level and preferred uses.
I was formerly of the opinion that all super glues were about the same, Loc Tite brand has shown me some new tricks.
I have two basic needs for super glue on my fly tying bench. The fist is when I’m making absolutely certain that my fly won’t come apart. I do this by occasional applications of a dab of glue throughout the tying process and at the end after I’ve whip-finished the fly.
The second operation that requires my use of a super glue involves the addition of eyes to my saltwater flies.
I’m a lucky person who has the opportunity to try-out many new products and compare each to the products I’m accustomed to using. I recently noted the addition of several super glues to our inventory: a series of Loc Tite products.
I was unimpressed/skeptical when I stocked my fly bench with several of these glues. After two months of steady use tying saltwater flies almost exclusively, I’ve turned my skepticism into enthusiastic endorsement.
Loc Tite super glues are my new product of choice, offering what I believe are characteristics that are super useful to me as a fly tyer.
Let’s start with the basic brush on Loc Tite. This stuff is superior for fly tying because it has a short brush that is easier to use in precise application scenarios, it has a cap that is easier to hold, and the cap snaps on with a half-twist, forming an air tight seal, with a simple to secure action. This cap is easier to use, does not get sticky, and the brush is easier to use. Hands down favorite.
Now let’s move on to the Loc Tite family of super gel.
I should first note that it took me a while to figure out how to use this product. Here is what I learned without reading the instructions.
This image shows the aplicator nozzle as it comes from the store. Note the gap. This gap indicates that an inner foil barrier is in place to keep the gel fresh – but this must be screwed down tight before you can use the gel.
This image shows the applicator nozzle after it has been screwed down to pierce the inner foil barrier, making the gel available for use. Note that the nozzle is now tight against the bottle.
First I’ll mention four versions of Loc Tite super gel glue – and I will list these from the thickest to the thinnest. The Thick gel seems to dry a little faster than each of the successively listed gels.
Gel Control is the thickest gel in the series.
Loc Tite Gel Control: this is the thickest gel in the family. Squeeze the blue sides of the bottle and you will extrude a thin snake of gel that looks exactly like you would imagine toothpaste extruding from a tube with a tiny little opening.
Ultragel Control is still dense, but is a little softer/thinner than Gel Control.
Loc Tite Ultra Gel Control is still dense and holds its shape fairly well, but is a little thinner than the Gel Control. I’m pretty sure that this one is my favorite for the application of eyes to my saltwater flies. Not too thick, not too thin – just right!
Loc Tite Extra Time Control is a little thinner yet, compared to Gel and Ultragel control.
Loc Tite Extra Time Control a gel that represents crossing the line between a genuine thick gel to a liquid material. This isn’t a liquid but it is thin to the point where a drop of this material will droop significantly, rather than remaining mounded up on a surface. This material will soak into fly tying materials a little more effectively than either of the first two gel products mentioned and is likely superior if that is needed.
Loc Tite Ultra Liquid Control.
Loc Tite Ultra Liquid Control. This is a gel that is close to the liquid brush on but not quite that thin. It provides the maximum in terms of soaking into your materials and time until it sets and you can no longer move your fly eyes around. I find that this is a little too thin for my style in adding eyes to my saltwater flies.
Loc Tite Review:
Gel Control – thickest
Ultra Gel Control – still firm but a little less so
Extra Time Control – still a gel but barely so
Ultra Extra Time Control – I guess this is still a gel but it is close to a liquid in a squeeze dispenser
I hope this is helpful information to consider the next time you are wondering what product to order in the super glue family.
Jay Nicholas September 1, 2017
