Tom Rowland | Whipping A Loop With Double Nail Knots - Breaking Strength Test | TRP Ep. 882

In this How 2 Tuesday episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, host Tom Rowland demonstrates how to whip a loop in fly line using double nail knots and tests its breaking strength under real pressure. Every fly fisherman eventually faces a cut line or missing factory loop, and knowing how to create a secure connection between fly line and backing or leader is essential. Tom walks through the complete process using a Tie Fast Knot Tire tool and 20-pound Daiwa J Fluoro, then puts his creation to the ultimate test on a break scale. The result? A surprising 39.81 pounds before failure—plenty strong for tarpon on 20-pound class tippet, but not without an unexpected slipping point that reveals important insights about this critical connection.

The Essential Tool for Perfect Nail Knots Every Time

Most fly fishermen struggle with nail knots, fumbling with line and leader in frustrating tangles. Tom reveals his secret weapon: the Tie Fast Knot Tire, an inexpensive tool that transforms a difficult knot into a simple, repeatable process. He explains that while he could probably tie a nail knot without it, he has no desire to—this tool is simply "gold" for anyone working with fly line connections. The demonstration shows exactly how the tool's thumb gauge and line channel create perfect wraps every single time, and why leaving extra material on both tag ends makes all the difference. The complete nail knot demonstration with the Tie Fast Knot Tire starts at 2:24.

Creating the Loop: The Double Nail Knot Technique

Whipping a loop isn't just about tying one nail knot—Tom demonstrates why a double nail knot configuration provides the security needed for fighting big fish. Using 20-pound Daiwa J Fluoro monofilament, he creates a loop in the fly line, then methodically works through the first nail knot before adding a second one just below it with a small gap between them as a safety measure. The technique requires understanding exactly where to place your thumb, how many wraps to make (seven, eight, or nine times), and why trimming the fly line flush creates the smoothest possible connection. Tom walks through each step twice to show the consistency of the method. Watch the second nail knot get added to complete the loop at 5:09.

The Breaking Point: What 39.81 Pounds Reveals

The moment of truth comes when Tom clamps the whipped loop onto his break scale and applies pressure. The number that appears—39.81 pounds—tells a more complex story than expected. Tom admits he's "a little disappointing" because the loop actually slipped out of the nail knots rather than the monofilament breaking. For tarpon anglers using 20-pound class tippet, this breaking strength provides more than adequate security with a healthy safety margin. But for fly fishermen pursuing arapaima and other species requiring heavier connections, Tom acknowledges this creates an important consideration about whether this method provides sufficient strength for their specific applications. The full break test and Tom's analysis of the unexpected failure mode starts at 7:10.

How This Connection Compares to Every Other Knot

Tom doesn't leave anglers guessing about how this whipped loop stacks up against other connection methods. He's tested hundreds of knots on the Tom Rowland Podcast, recording the breaking strength of each one to create a comprehensive database of real-world performance data. This double nail knot whipped loop now joins that collection, providing a data point that fly fishermen can compare against loop-to-loop connections, Bimini twists, and other popular rigging choices. Tom directs listeners to tomrolandpodcast.com where they can download the free knot guide that compiles all these breaking strengths in one place, allowing anglers to make informed decisions about which knots meet their specific strength requirements for different species and fishing situations. Tom explains how to access the complete knot comparison database at 7:39.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I've tied a lot of knots over the years, and I'm always looking for connections that are both strong and practical. This double nail knot whipped loop technique is something every fly fisherman should know how to do. You never know when you're going to need to create a loop in the field, and having the Tie Fast Knot Tire in your kit makes it almost foolproof.

The breaking strength test was interesting because I honestly thought it would hold more than 39.81 pounds. The fact that the loop slipped out rather than the line breaking tells me there's probably a technique refinement that could improve the hold. But for what most of us are doing—tarpon fishing with 20-pound class tippet—this connection provides plenty of security with room to spare.

If you're serious about fly fishing, take the time to watch this demonstration and practice the technique. It's one of those skills that seems complicated until you actually do it with the right tool. This How 2 Tuesday episode will save you frustration on the water and give you confidence in your connections. Watch the whole thing—it's worth your time.