Best Fly Tying Clamp (2021 Buyer’s Guide)

The best fly tying clamp is going to be one that helps you properly tie your fibers and feathers. This is going to make your fly look better and more realistic.

Having a more realistic looking fly is only going to increase your chances once you’re out on the water. Something that looks like actual forage for trout, bass or other species will yield great rewards.

So, if you’re looking to tie better and more realistic looking flies then keep reading. Below, we’re going to g over the features of the best clamp tools as well as some different products.

What is a Fly Tying Clamp

As we mentioned above, the best clamp tool for fly tying is going to allow to tie more efficiently. Your flies will look more realistic because you’re able to hold threads and feathers in place while you tie the rest of your fly.

On top of making your fly look better, it will also let you tie flies faster. No longer will you have to hold something in place while tying thread with one hand.

As long as you’re fly tying bench is not too crowded with other tools, you should really be looking at purchasing a fly tying clamp. It’s only going to make your tying experience more enjoyable when you’re sitting at the fly tying desk in your house.

When To Use a Fly Tying Clamp

Anytime you are tying a fly using thread, hackle, feathers, or hair you’ll be using some form of fly tying clamp. So essentially every tie you tie a fly you’ll be using a clamp.

There are certain times where you might be tying a foam body fly that won’t require the use of a clamp. However, I’m sure even some of those flies could be tied quicker with the use of one.

So, if you want to tie the best flies possible and it does it quicker than normal, then using the best clamp for fly tying is going to be the way to go.

Types of Clamp

Below, we’re going to go over some of the best clamps fly tying tool that you can find at your local store or online. Each of these has its own pros and cons so think about what you need and apply it to the list below.

Loop Clamps

These are used to help CDC fibers and feathers. These are going to help you tie after as well as create a better fly. Typically they come in 2-4 pieces per bag when purchased.

Multi Clamp

This is a newer clamp and it is extremely versatile. It’s perfect for neatly grabbing tying material such as thread or hair and controlling it so you can keep your fly looking neat and orderly.

Tweezer Clamp

If you’re looking to hold smaller pieces of thread or other material in place then a tweezer clamp is a great option. The thin needle-like head is great for holding small amounts of hackle, thread, or anything else.

Hareline Clamp

This is great for tyer who want to use dubbing and composite loop tying techniques. They also come in three sizes so you have the option to go small for tiny flies or large for bigger flies.

What Makes a Good Fly Tying Clamp

Below, we’re going to go over a few different features on what makes a good fly tying clamp. Each has its own pros and cons os think about what you need and use that to apply to the list below.

Size

If you want to hold your threads in place but want to tie micro flies then you need to have a clamp that won’t overpower or swallow up the small threaded and hair used.

So, you need to match the size of the clamp to the size of the fly and materials used. A larger clamp used for small materials could make it more cumbersome.

Material

Clamps will usually come in several different materials. Aluminum, steel, or plastic are usually the three most popular materials for companies to make clamps out of.

If you want something strong and sturdy then something made out of stainless steel is going to be your best bet. These might also be more expensive though. So look for plastic or aluminum for cheaper options.

Clamp Force

How strong the force on the clamp is will determine what it can hold and how much pressure it can take when you start tying your flies.

Ensure you have something that can hold your hair, thread, hackle, or whatever you’re using to tie in place while you’re using it. If it doesn’t hold everything secure then your fly won’t look as good.

Opening Difficulty

Along with the clamping force, you don’t want the clamp to be so difficult to open that it requires multiple hands or causes you any type of strain.

So, before you purchase it you should try it out to make sure it can be opened easily, but that it still has the strength to hold everything in place.

Best Fly Tying Clamps

Below, we’re going to go over three different types of fly tying clamp. Each of them will is going to allow you to tie flies more efficiently but they also have their own sets of pros and cons.

Hareline Dubbing Tweezer Clamp

The Hareline Dubbing Tweezer Clamp is great for tying small flies. Anytime you need to hold a small amount of dubbing, or hackle then this is the right clamp for you.

It comes at great price point and is great for someone who enjoys tying smaller flies and they need a delicate tool that can handle delicate material.

Petitjean Magic Tool

The Petitjean Magic Tool is a great kit that comes with multiple sets of clamps. Each of them can be used to tie all different types of flies.

This is great for someone looking to start out in tying and they need to have multiple sizes to tie multiple flies. The downside is that they are all plastic so they won’t be as sturdy as the metal ones.

Petitjean Loop Clamps

These are great for tying CDC feathers and fibers. it is incredible easy to use and can be great for the novice tyer or for someone who has been tying for years.

These help you tie quickly and you won’t lose your fibers when tying a dubbing loop.

Review This Post

Conclusion

A fly tying clamp can be a great tool to add to any fly tyers bench. It will help you tie quicker and will also help you make better-looking flies.

Now that we’re gone over what a fly tying clamp is you should head on out to your local fly shop and pick some up!