How to Use a Feather Stacker

The hair stacker, also called a feather stacker by some, is a small receptacle used by fly tyers. The tool aligns the tips of hair to create even wings and tails on flies. The hair stacker is simple to use, but attention to detail is required for a clean finish. Deer, elk and moose are common hair types used in the stacker, but all moderately stiff hair fibers are qualified for the stacker. The hair stacker is not effective with soft materials. The materials collapse when pressure is applied by the tool.

Things You'll Need

  • Hair stacker
  • Hair
  • Small comb
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a clump of hair from a patch. Hold the hair by the tips and use a small comb to remove the underfur from the base of the hair. The soft underfur binds the hair and hinders the stacking process.

    • 2

      Flick the base of the hair to remove weak and broken fibers. Observe the hair and use your fingers to remove any additional undesirable pieces.

    • 3

      Grab the hair by the base of the fibers and insert the tips into the open end of the hair stacker. Use a swirling motion as the tips are inserted to ensure that they reach the bottom of the stacker. Completely release the hair from your grasp.

    • 4

      Hold the stacker near the base and lightly tap the base on a hard surface. Tap the base on the surface at least 10 times before checking the hair.

    • 5

      Hold the hair stacker with the side parallel to the ground. Pull on each end of the stacker to separate the two pieces. Observe the tips of the hair and revert to the tapping process if they are not aligned.

    • 6

      Pinch the aligned tips between you thumb and forefinger. Maintain pressure to prevent them from shifting. Pull the hair out of the stacker and attach the hair to the hook.