Are Head Cement vs. Zap a Gap vs. SH Hard As Nails interchangeable or do each have specific purposes/applications?

If so, what is the proper application of each?

If not, what is your preference and why?

I've seen recipes call for one or another or use generic names. I have all three, but have to replace Zap, but haven't noticed a difference so before I restock I'm wondering if I can get away with HC or SHHaN as well as make better decisions in the future.

Thanks much,

It depends on what you are trying to do with it.

If you are just using it as head cement to strenghten the thread wraps on flies you plan to fish, then there is no real difference. Use whatever is cheaper or that you have available. Personally, I tend to think Head Cement is easier to work with and doesn't dry out as fast, but finger nail polish is easy to restock when I run out so I use it often.

If you are tying a fly more for show than for fishing, then finger nail polish produces a higher gloss finish.

If you want to glue something together, such as a popper body to a hook, then use Zap a Gap or another one of the "super glue" type adhesives. Finger nail polish and head cement are not very strong for glue things together.

As far as using the actual brand name product, some people think it makes a difference and others don't. SH's Hard as Nails is popular because it is one of the cheaper brands and it works well.

Anyway there's my 2 cents....

I agree with Rex, and I use several different glue and finish materials. I like Zap to finish and hold, stronger than any of the "nail polish" products. Gorilla Glue has a product that also holds thread/feather to hook real good. I use "Sally's" to give a glossy super fine finish to fancy flies.....

All in what you want to achieve I guess

BHR

I think each has it's purpose. I like a nice head cement/nail polish/varnish. I never use super glue to finish a head. I do use super glue to glue foam, or hooks to popper bodies. I also like Flexament. Each product is better for their own application. If you like super glue on your heads, that is a personal choice. I have also been trying out different head cements. There is not a thing wrong with Sally's though. I think it is great stuff, and easily found close to home.

Awesome thanks guys. I really appreciate the detail/reasoning. I can now look at a 10 min low cost drive to Wally world instead of a 45 min in traffic drive to pay flyshop prices (plus the other ten items I'll buy just because I'm there). I'll probably go to the fly shop anyway, money I save on adhesives can be applied towards.....
Thanks again and if I missed any other products I should know about, please enlighten me.
Tight tying,

Until you are more familiar with each type of adhesive, test it out on a fly/material so you know how it will work. Zap-A-Gap for instance is often a poor choice to affix adhesive-backed eyes. The solvents tend to cause the adhesive on the eye to become gooey. If you use markers to color your flies, be aware that Zap-A-Gap reacts with Sharpie markers. Putting a drop of Zap-A-Gap on a material colored with a Yellow Sharpie causes the material to turn blood red for example.

Can't beat plain ole Goop for attaching eyes - whether adhesive backed or not.
Thin with Toluene for generic Fleximent.

I use xylene to thin Goop with. You're right it is an excellent choice for attaching eyes. And thinned down, makes an excellent flexible cement.

Tolulene. Xylene. I am guessing these may pack a bit of a warning label?

Just a little one...

I prefer Xylene over the Toluene.

I'm not saying that they're good for you. Just that they work. Of course, use all precautions when using them.

just don't use crazy glue or zap a gap on polypropalene, especially micro dubbing. the stuff releases a toxic fume that will expel the air from your lungs. found this out the hard way...

I love the smell of tolulene in the morning.

Big Dale

I too am "ol school" like George and Big Dale, but with that being said, ALWAYS use good ventilation with solvents such as toluene or xylene...

Bowfin47