Fly/jig tying help

[fish1on]

OK, maybe a dumb question but I just got done tying up a dozen maribou jigs, a dozen pistol petes (for a friend), and a dozen zebra midges. Well if that was not enough work I ran into a ton of problems with my hands and fingers.

I work with my hands all day at my job and they get pretty beat up. I try to file/sand them down with the different stone files and such that the wife has bought me and I even try to lotion them to get them smooth but I still break off thread and even can cut a wire wrap by running it by a finger.

I guess I can work with the issue but was wondering if the lotions would affect my tyes by adding scent to them? I try to wash my hands after the lotions/ointments but I know that the scent is still there. Anyone else have this issue/concern or any comments on this?
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[flygoddess]

I don't think it adds anything. Most tiers I know, self included, have to use lotions. Maybe try some that is eco friendly and no scent.
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[Tarponjim]

Here's what I do:

Emory board to smooth out the rough spots, then super-glue the cracks closed, and use lotion to moisten about an hour or two before tying. By the time I start tying, the lotion has been absorbed. I wipe my hands with a cloth to remove any left on so I can handle the materials and tools without slipping.

I use a "Hemp Hand Protector" lotion sold at a place called The Body Shop. (Fashion Place Mall has one) The extra-strength Lubriderm lotion works ok too, but not near as good as the hemp stuff. (And no, the lotion doesn't give you a buzz.[frown])

If I just sit down to tie with dry, cracked hands, I cut the thread or it gets stuck on my fingers.
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[cpierce]

My husband has the same problem, especially in the winter. Super gluing the cracks, smoothing, and using pure shea butter has helped the most.
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[fish1on]

great info folks and thanks for the clarification on the scent worry.

To make matters worse I suffer with a skin disease that makes this prob year round for me. Oh well still going to tye, I like my own creations rather than the store bought stuff, caught way more fish with them.
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[jonesnforfish]

There are times that I can strike a match on my knuckles, really, especially during duck season. The best product that I have found is called Bag Balm. It originally started as an ointment for dry cracked cow udders. No lie it is still on the can. this stuff works great but it takes a bit to be absorbed into the skin. When my hands get really hammered I put it on and then wear a pair of latex gloves for a while. when I apply it at night the next day I can rub my hands together and the old hard skin rubs off.Try it the stuff lasts.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Hey P2, if you are concerned about leaving a foo foo scent on the fly materials you can use the same trick used by a lot of ice anglers...when they wanna cover up the odors of auger gas, etc. Rub some fish attractant on your fingertips after doing all of the other doctoring. Wipe off all the excess and enough scent will remain to mask human odor as well as the lotions you use. Just don't lick your fingers, rub your eyes or pick your nose until you can do a thorough washup after the tying session.[/#0000ff]
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[AFFamily]

For lotion try Aquaphor, you can find it at any drug store. It's also scentless after it dries.
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[michfishgod]

stay away from super duper glue. figure it out when doing deer hair and switching to a rayon floss flies i would shread the floss just touching it.it was so bad that my hands were hardening up and cracking from using super glues. if it is a must for acids of the skin get some white cotton gloves. that was for tying with silk floss but ya stay away from super glue. at least try to if you can. try pulling floss threw fingers afteruseing it. then wait two - three weeks after stopping using it your hands should soften up. with loations etc... do not file either it ruffs up the skin so it frays floss i find but every one is differnt.
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