Head Cement

[BUDMAN]

Just read the latest post on tying kits and head cement was mentioned, it dawned on me that I have not used any type of head cement in several years. I had a hard time keeping the stuff so I stopped using it and instead took a couple of extra turns with my whip finisher. So far I have never had a fly come unraveled. Am I missing something? Am I the only one who does this? Just curious.

[Bird Dog]

No Budman, your not alone. I almost never put head cement on my flies, especially dries. Just added weight. If one knows how to whip finish properly I don't think it is needed. I do however, put regular everday brushing lacquer on my larger flies (I buy it by the quart!). Anything size 8 or larger. It will make their heads more durable.
Bird Dog

[Drifter]

It seems that every time I get out the tying kit, I find the head cement has hardened. Out of desperation one evening before a fishing trip, I used Super Glue (tm) and it worked great. So good was its performance, I now buy those multi-packs with four tubes of the stuff for about 3 bucks.

My dos pesos!

[Mr T1]

A couple of years ago I got out my tie flying kit for the first time in about 20 years. I had one bottle of head cement that was dry but the main bottle, though a little think, was still usable. I thinned it will a little Testors laquer thinner and it's still fine.

I've always liked head cement though I agree it probably isn't necessary if you do a decent whip finish. However, I've always thought the shiny finish left by the head cement looked more buglike and realistic. I use it as much for that reason as I do to hold the thread in place.

[BUDMAN]

My problem is I will tie for 2 or 3 weeks and then I may not tie again for 4 months or more and usually by then any head cement I had is hard enough to drive nails with. I do like to shine that the head cement gives the fly, like MrT said it does look more buggy.