The Nail Knot is commonly used to secure two lines of different diameters. It is closely related to the Albright Knot, although a little more difficult to construct. It works great for attaching a leader to a fly line, and it is actually preferred over the Albright Knot because of its smooth finish once complete. It is slightly difficult to learn because of the addition of a straw or a small tube to the knot tying process, but it’s nothing that can’t be mastered with a little practice. In the end, the Nail Knot’s performance makes it well worth the effort, and can be used in a variety of different situations. Here is the easiest way to tie a Nail Knot:

First, you need to have a small tube or piece of a straw about twice the diameter of the heaviest line that you are going to use. It is important to get the right size tube, because something too small won’t work.

1. Position both lines side by side with tag ends facing opposite directions, and then place the tube between the two lines.

Step #1
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2. Use the tag end of the smaller line and wrap it around the tube and the heavier line.

Step #2
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3. Continue to wrap the tag end of the smaller line around both lines and the tube 6 times.

Step #3
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4. Thread the smaller line through the straw, and pull both of the lines tightly to constrict the knot and form around the tube.

Step #4
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5. Pull the tube out of the knot and lubricate the entire assembly and pull the knot tight once again to make up for the space that the straw took up.

Step #5
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6. Then trim off the excess ends and the Nail Knot is complete.

Step #6
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There are a few other methods to tying the Nail Knot that do not require a straw. A person can use a nail to pull the smaller line through in place of the tube.  That is where this knot originally gets its name from. An angler can also choose to thread a needle and use it to pull the smaller line through. It doesn’t really matter how it’s done, and it may just depend on the availability of objects around the angler as to what he chooses to utilize at the time.

Some fishermen choose to use a form of rubber cement to lubricate the knot.  This can make it slide smoother through the guides, and lessen the likelihood of it getting hung up in the eyes.  Smooth movement is essential to any catch.  Once you practice it a couple times, the Nail Knot will become second nature.