Tom Rowland | FG Knot Super Glue Test Results: 2% Stronger or Not Worth It? | Ep. 785

Tom Rowland, host of the Tom Rowland Podcast and creator of the How 2 Tuesday series, runs controlled breaking strength tests on FG knots tied with and without super glue in Episode 785. Using 40-pound DIOWA J fluorocarbon and 20-pound DIOWA J braid with Krazy Glue, Rowland discovers that super glue provides a modest 2% improvement in knot strength. But does that 2% justify gluing your fingers together and adding an extra step to your rigging process? The results challenge conventional wisdom about knot enhancement and force a practical conversation about trade-offs on the water. If you've ever wondered whether you should be super gluing your FG knots—or if you've been doing it all along—this data-driven episode delivers the answer you've been looking for.

The Myth-Busting Experiment Design

Tom Rowland approaches knot testing like a scientist conducting a controlled experiment. This week's How 2 Tuesday focuses on one of the most debated questions in fishing: should you super glue your FG knots? Building on last week's clinch knot super glue test, Tom uses the same methodology with widely available Krazy Glue—not some specialized fishing adhesive, but the stuff you can buy at any store. He ties three FG knots with 40-pound DIOWA J fluorocarbon to 20-pound DIOWA J braid, then three more with a dot of super glue applied. The breaking strength results reveal something anglers have argued about for years, and the numbers might surprise you. Tom's straightforward testing setup removes guesswork and delivers data you can actually use to make rigging decisions. The complete testing methodology and results start at 0:00.

The 2% Difference and What It Actually Means

The numbers tell an interesting story. Without super glue, Tom's FG knots broke at 20.26 pounds, 20.91 pounds, and 20.26 pounds, averaging 102.4% of the line's rated strength. With super glue, the knots broke at 19.7 pounds, 22.6 pounds, and 20.57 pounds for an average of 104.8%. That's a 2% improvement—the FG knot already exceeds the line's rated strength, and super glue pushes it slightly higher. But Tom asks the practical question every angler faces: is 2% worth gluing your fingers together and adding another step to your rigging process? He acknowledges he probably won't use super glue in most situations because of the inconvenience, but hints at one scenario where it might make sense. Tom's verdict on whether the trade-off is worth it comes at 1:45.

When Tom Would Actually Use Super Glue

Despite the modest improvement, Tom admits there's one place where he might actually incorporate super glue into his knot-tying routine. He mentions his workbench at home as a possible scenario where the extra step and the risk of glued fingers might be worth the 2% strength gain. This practical perspective reveals something important about fishing preparation: not all rigging happens on a rocking boat with wet hands and limited time. Tom's willingness to consider super glue in controlled environments—while acknowledging he won't use it streamside—gives anglers permission to make context-dependent decisions about their own rigging processes. The data empowers you to choose based on your specific situation rather than following rigid rules. Tom explains his personal approach to super gluing knots at 1:50.

Next Week's Test and Your Input

Tom's myth-busting series continues with a promise to test the double uni knot with and without super glue next week. But he's not just following his own curiosity—he wants to hear from listeners about which knots they want to see tested. The invitation to comment creates a dialogue between Tom and his audience, turning the How 2 Tuesday series into a collaborative investigation of fishing's most persistent questions. After testing the clinch knot and the FG knot, the double uni represents another foundational connection that anglers rely on daily. Tom's systematic approach to testing these knots with identical methodology allows for meaningful comparisons across different knot styles. Tom asks for your knot suggestions and previews next week's test at 2:10.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I love running these tests because they replace guesswork with data. The FG knot is already one of the strongest connections you can tie—seeing it break above 100% of line strength confirms what we already know about this knot. The super glue question has been debated forever, and now we have actual numbers: 2% improvement.

For me, that 2% isn't worth gluing my fingers together out on the water. But sitting at my workbench at home, preparing leaders for an important trip? Maybe I'll add that dot of Krazy Glue. The point is, you now have the information to make your own call based on your situation. That's what How 2 Tuesday is all about—giving you real data so you can make informed decisions instead of following fishing myths.

Next week we're testing the double uni with and without super glue, and I want to hear from you about which knots you want to see tested. Drop your suggestions in the comments. This series works because you tell me what you want to know. Listen to this one, check out the numbers, and let me know if you're going to start super gluing your FG knots.