FFGene Hackle Guard

FFGene Hackle Guard is a flat metal tool designed to move hackle and other fibres away from the hook eye while the head of a fly is formed and finished. Unlike hackle pliers, it does not grip the feather stem and is not used for winding hackle. It is applied during the final tying stage to keep the working area around the thread and hook eye accessible.

The body has several openings of different diameters, allowing the working position to be matched to the size of the fly’s front section. Slots running from the edge into the openings let the thread enter the selected opening and allow the guard to be removed without cutting it. When the tool is pushed back towards the body, the hackle fibres remain behind the guard and are less likely to become trapped under the finishing wraps. The round end provides a simple finger hold for positioning the tool.

Construction and use

• Individual metal tool for holding hackle fibres back
• Several openings in graduated diameters
• Side slots provide access for the tying thread
• Keeps the hook-eye area accessible while finishing the head