How to Cut a Braided Line Effectively: Making the Final Cut
- Immanuel Baranov
Making the final cut as in a play is not always easy. Choosing what moves to make and not to gain access to the final production can be daunting. In a previous blog, braided line was discussed for tying knot know-how. Now that final step of cutting braided fishing line will be discussed.
An Old Trick: Using Your Teeth
Considering using your teeth for cutting a quality braided fishing line? Think again. Unless you are Golem, I wouldn’t try this.
A New Trick: Using Essential Tools
- Nail Clippers
A sturdy pair of nail clippers has always been an advantage when cutting monofilament fishing line. How would these same clippers hold up to the braided fishing line? Overall, after comparable research, the clippers would be wasteful to use on braided fishing line. Their durability no matter how good would not hold.
- Scissors
Scissors made for cutting braided line appear to be the best way and tool to use to cut braided fishing line. Invest in one good pair that were made for cutting and use them.
- Knives
Most of the knives for fishing are reserved for filleting your fish once they are caught. When you get a good filleting knife, chances are you don’t want to dull your blade by cutting heavy-duty braided line. Some survival knives will probably hold up, but a sharp blade and a great filet are working on the preservation.
- Line Cutters
Line cutters are the best tools out there to assist you in cutting a braided line. They are constructed in ergonomic design to help you get the task done safely and efficiently. Braided line cutters are available online and in stores. You can select the right one from a plethora of options. Though nothing can beat the efficacy of a line cutter in this regard, these seemed comparable to cutting braided fishing line with scissors.
- Check to see if your tool has:
- Sharp Blades:
Sharp blades make a job easier and safer. So, before delving into the cutting process make sure that your cutting device isn’t rusty and old. A dull blade will produce frayed end making it difficult to tie the line into a fishing knot.
- A Hard-Cutting Edge.
A hard-cutting edge makes for a more accurate cut. Most of the fishing lines are strong as synthetic fibers. They comprise ample hardness and strength to carry big fishes. So, you have to select such cutting tools that are harder and stronger than the braided line. Otherwise, neither the cutting edge nor the fishing line will perform better.
- Precision
The adage, “Practice makes Perfect” speaks to precision. A precise or consistent cut comes with practice and technique. But only practice will do no good if you don’t have a competent cutting device. Try to avoid big and bulky scissors as they produce less precision. Short, compact and sharp scissors or blades are recommended when cutting braided line.
Precautions
Please always use precautions, like protective eyewear, when fishing or any task especially around the eye area. You should follow the precautionary steps as mentioned below.
- Grip the braided line firmly so that your hands don’t shake when you are cutting the line.
- Make sure that the line has achieved the perfect tension to get a precise cut.
- Cut the line as straight as possible without creating any bangle. Any angular cut might produce frayed end resulting into inconveniences for tying the knots.
- Don’t go overboard when melting the split ends. Be cautious not to burn the line. Run the frayed ends into the flame no more than 4 seconds.
- Whenever you are working with tools that have sharp edges, give more attention to safety. Ensure that you don’t have the risk of hurting yourself or anyone in your surroundings.
From several sources, the best way to cut braided line would be scissors that could be purchased from low to high-end outdoor shops. Also, if you get desperate, the thread snips in your sewing box will probably do the trick. A well-cut line will help you to tie the fishing line smoothly. If you get extremely desperate, try your teeth, but I have never had much luck with that move.
Seriously, the best technique I saw was a natural way to break the braided line with nothing but a stick. Wrap the tangled line around a stick and when pulled toward you, without getting your hand near the line, the high-pressure lines releases and there is not a lot of line left in the water from cutting. However, you make the final cut, row boat to kayak angling, have a great time fishing.
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