Whip finish by hand or with tool?

[Kenster197]

As the title asks, do you guys use the whip finish tool or finish off by hand? And is there any reason to your choice other than feeling more comfortable doing it that particular way?

[hopper]

Normal wet flies I finish by hand, muddlers use the whip finish tool. sometimes can't find the tool in the mess but can always find my fingers.  :lol:

[Suki1312]

Always a tool so much easier to get the finished article .

[Wildfisher]

Always a tool for me, I find it  easier and more precise on small heads

[Fishtales]

I whip finish by hand. I could never get on with the tools Before I mastered the whip finish I just used a couple of half hitches but when I thought about it the whip finish is just a half hitch with more turns

I did this quick video. It looks awkward but I was reaching around a camera, magnifier light and standing to the side

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4YtAX4TI_Q

[Yardbent]

i use a whip finish tool....and why not.!

but saw a video clip recently were the tier used a [hollow biro tube.?] to tie a series of half-hitches

looked fast and easy.!

[Kenster197]

but saw a video clip recently were the tier used a [hollow biro tube.?] to tie a series of half-hitches

Just watched that video and had a go at it, jeez, that's the easiest thing to do, cheers

[Clan Chief]

When I was learning to tie I struggled so one day I went to the angling shop in Cumbernauld village to buy a whip finishing tool but the guy running the shop asked "why do you want one of those?" then he proceded to show me how to whip finish by hand and would't let me leave the shop until i was able to do it. It was a great help someone actually showing you in person rather than reading from books etc, [pre Youtube days] As that was how I learned, I still finish by hand.

[Highlander]

I always use the tool, I can do it by hand but I find the tool ideal especially on small hooks or on flies that the hackle/wing are encroaching on the eye. The tool makes placement of thread far easier than hand. Learn both ways, like riding a bike once you can do it you never forget.
One thing I never do now though I was taught in boyhood to do so is Half Hitch.
This finish can make a head lumpy & is to be avoided. I occasionally do sometime use one but only if I have a rest between flies to keep the tension Also on a Salmon Hair Wing I might use a couple of half hitches to "lock" or "position" the hair wing but other than that no.

Tight Lines

[haresear]

I use the tool, but they end up looking like I used the wrong tool.

Alex