Best Fly Tying Clamp (2023 Buyer’s Guide)

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

Having a more realistic looking fly will 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, keep reading. Below, I’ll go over the features of the best clamp tools as well as some different products.

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What Is a Fly Tying Clamp?

As I mentioned above, the best clamp tool for fly tying will allow you 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 your fly tying bench isn’t too crowded with other tools, you should really be looking at purchasing a fly tying clamp. It’ll 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

Any time you tie a fly using thread, hackle, feathers, or hair, you’ll use some kind of a fly tying clamp. Essentially, every time 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 do it quicker than normal, then using the best clamp for fly tying is the way to go.

Types of Clamp

Below, I’ll go over some of the best clamps, a 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 for CDC fibers and feathers. They’ll help you tie faster and create a better fly. Typically they come in two to four pieces per bag.

Multi Clamp

This is a newer clamp and 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 tiers 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, I’ll go over a few different features of what makes a good fly tying clamp. Each has its own pros and cons, so think about what you need and apply that to the list below.

Size

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

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

Material

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

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

Clamp Force

The strength of the force of the clamp determines what it can hold and how much pressure it can take when you start tying your flies.

Ensure you have something that can hold hair, thread, hackle, or whatever you’re using to tie in place while you’re using it. If it doesn’t hold everything securely, 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 will cause you any type of strain.

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

Best Fly Tying Clamps

Below, I’ll go over three different types of fly tying clamp. Each of them will allow you to tie flies more efficiently, and 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. Any time you need to hold a small amount of dubbing or hackle, this is the right clamp for you.

It comes at a good price point, and it’s great for someone who enjoys tying smaller flies and needs 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 needs to have multiple sizes to tie multiple flies. The downside is that it’s made of plastic, so it isn’t as sturdy as a metal one.

Petitjean Loop Clamps

These are great for tying CDC feathers and fibers. It’s incredibly easy to use and can be great for the novice tier or someone who’s been tying for years.

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

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Conclusion

A fly tying clamp can be a great tool to add to any fly tier’s bench. It will help you tie more quickly and will also help you make better looking flies.

Now that you know all about fly tying clamps, you should head on out to your local fly shop and pick one up!