Tools

Recommendations...

Nor-vise

The revolutionary rotary Nor-Vise does more than just turn the hook, it spins the hook. The Automatic Bobbin is a truly clever tool that will "automatically" rewind itself, making thread management simple, quick and efficient.
The vise, automatic bobbin, fine point jaws and a large arbor is the recommended set up for the larger custom hooks.

In addition, additional arbors, spools, and jaws are available. The natural light lamp mounts on the thread post to provide light directly to the tying area.

Ronn Lucas Custom Hand Tools

The photo shows the floss burnisher that I make out of a dental tool. I shape and polish it to a mirror finish. On the small end, I bend the tip slightly. This end is very useful to use to prod or pull tinsel or hackles into place after they have been applied. Very handy. Both ends have a flat and curved side. The curved sides can be used to burnish the floss under the bend of the hook while the flat sides are for the top of the bend and shank. The photo also shows the three types of pliers I modify from dental pliers. They are stainless steel so they will remain shiny and will not rust. the top pair has a flat area on the tips and open area behind them. This allows you to see the direction of the feather shaft when you flatten the tie in area of the feather. Very handy and I use mine all the time. Use it for wing feathers, veilings and sides. The second pair down is flat jaws with lightly serrated tips for general use. The final pair has a rounded and flat jaw. Use this pliers to flatten lumps in floss with the curved jaw on the inside of the bend and the flat edge on the top and shank. They as are all of the pliers highly polished so damage to floss is minimized. Guess a disclaimer would be good here. When using any pliers on floss, too much pressure will actually cut and fray it. Use minimal force when using pliers.

Happy Trails!