Stonfo Fly Tying Vices – Buying Guide

No. “Rotary” can simply mean the head turns through 360°. With an in-line vice, the hook shank is positioned along the rotation axis. That is especially useful for controlled wrapping and rotating finished bodies. The Flylab range offers general rotary movement; Flytec, Elite and Transformer are specifically described as in-line by Stonfo.

Not at all. Many excellent wets, dries and nymphs are tied on conventional vices. Accurate jaw grip, comfortable positioning and good tying technique matter most. True in-line rotary is particularly helpful if you often wrap even bodies or apply coatings.

Gentle, controlled rotation helps distribute a wet coating as you apply it, particularly when the hook axis is aligned. It does not guarantee a drip-free cure. Slow-setting epoxy may need a separate powered drying wheel while it sets, and UV resin should be cured promptly and correctly.

They are three sizes — small, medium and large — so you can choose the right hook grip and working clearance. Smaller jaws help around tiny flies; medium jaws suit everyday tying; larger jaws support bigger and heavier-wire hooks. Stonfo rates the Flylab/Flytec 479 jaw family from size 28 to 4/0 across the three options, not on each jaw separately.

The Flylab Lever 504 and Flytec 477, 478 and 516 include all three interchangeable hardened-steel jaws. The standard Flylab 475 and 476 are supplied with one medium jaw. Always confirm the exact box contents against the product listing before ordering extra jaws.

No. Stonfo calls them No. 1 small, No. 2 medium and No. 3 large. There is considerable overlap in practical use because hook shape and wire thickness vary. The manufacturer quotes a combined size range of 28 to 4/0 for the Stonfo 479 jaw family, rather than a guaranteed fixed range for each individual jaw.

No. The Flylab/Flytec 479 jaw family is different from the interchangeable 655/656 jaws used on the Elite 653 and Transformer 654. The Transformer also includes three interchangeable vice configurations — standard fly, streamer and tube — which are not the same thing as three sizes of hook jaw.

The Kaiman 609 is the clearest manufacturer-confirmed answer: Stonfo quotes size 28 through 5/0 with its single lever-operated jaw. Flytec models have three interchangeable jaws, and Elite/Transformer have family-specific interchangeable jaws; check the particular jaw and heavy-wire hook before assuming the same range.

It is a rotary vice. Stonfo specifies 360° rotation, dual precision ball bearings and adjustable rotary tension. Stonfo does not explicitly describe this model as “in-line” in its product listing, so do not confuse the two claims.

Flylab 475, 476 and 504 have useful 360° head rotation and adjustable head angle. Flytec 477, 478 and 516 add a specifically in-line, bearing-supported rotary shaft and three interchangeable jaws, with a centring gauge and bobbin/parachute rest included.

For flexibility, a pedestal lets you position the vice anywhere on a stable flat surface. For a permanent workstation or stronger material tension, a clamp offers a very secure, compact bench-edge mounting. The 504 and 516 supply both, so you can decide later.

Often yes, provided the shaft fits. The Stonfo 484 base includes bushes for 7, 8, 9 and 10 mm stems. Check your exact model and whether a cradle or other accessory affects the positioning.

The Flylab Lever 504 and Flytec Lever 516 both include a pedestal base and a C-clamp as standard. You should not need to buy both mountings again unless you want a spare.

No. Both are high-quality adjustable in-line rotary pedestal systems. The Elite is a dedicated precision fly-tying vice. The Transformer includes three complete interchangeable configurations for normal hook tying, streamer work and tube flies, with quick coupling between them.

The dedicated Morsetto Tubefly 610 includes three conical and two cylindrical pins for different tubes. The Transformer 654 can also tie tubes because a tube head is included. If tubes are your main work, the 610 is a focused choice; if you also tie lots of standard flies, the Transformer is more versatile.

No. Flylab and Flytec use the Stonfo 479 small, medium and large jaw family, while Elite and Transformer use different jaw designs, including Stonfo 655 and 656. The Kaiman uses a single no-adjustment lever jaw, and Tubefly uses special pins for tube bodies. Check the vice family before ordering replacements.

The Kaiman lever can be set up for left- or right-handed operation. Stonfo specifically identifies the Elite and Transformer as reversible for left-handed tying. For other models, check how the rotary handle, clamp and accessories fit your preferred working side.

Stonfo vices have appeared in catalogues over many years, and some older product photographs show brass/gold-coloured fittings rather than the appearance pictured in newer manufacturer materials. This is worth checking across the range, especially with older retailer images. Different photographs do not automatically mean different specifications, missing accessories or a completely different model.

Stonfo has refined its vice range over the years, rather than introducing every design change at the same time. Some features, including precision rotary bearings and interchangeable jaws, were already available on earlier models. Older photographs may therefore show different finishes or fittings, even where the model number remains unchanged. At troutcatchers, we stock the latest current-production Stonfo vices, so customers can be confident they are purchasing the updated designs. We are always happy to explain the differences, specific features and accessories supplied with each model.

Stonfo 630 clamps to compatible 8–10 mm vice stems, but the 630 is not designed to fit directly into the integrated Elite/Transformer tool rack. Stonfo 642 is the special rack-compatible magnifier; check availability and compatibility before buying.

For small trout flies, start with good light and a 2× magnifier if needed. For rotary tying, a bobbin rest and material clip are practical. For parachute dries, a post support helps; for saltwater resin work, focus on good hook grip and an appropriate curing/drying method.

PayPal Pay in 3 may appear as an option at checkout for eligible UK customers, subject to PayPal’s status checks, terms and availability. It is an optional payment method, not a guarantee of credit.

It fixes the rotating head at one of two reference positions, so the fly stays still while you tie. Turn the head through 180° to work on the underside without resetting the hook. Flylab 475/476/504, Kaiman 609 and Tubefly 610 feature this arrangement; Flytec 477/478/516 lock at 0°. Elite locks at any angle and Transformer additionally indexes every 45°.

Yes. In addition to its smooth full-rotary action and locking at any angle, the Transformer has quick shaft locking at 45° intervals. This gives repeatable working positions when you need to pause, turn or inspect a fly.

Flytec 477, 478 and 516 are supplied with a combined bobbin/parachute rest. The Elite 653 and Transformer 654 include a rounded bobbin cradle and a parachute plier, together with a pivot thread cradle. Flylab 475/476/504, Kaiman 609 and Tubefly 610 do not list these items as standard package contents.

Yes. Stonfo specifies an Allen key (or keys), an instruction manual and a spring material clip with each of the ten vices compared in this guide. The spring keeps stray fibres, hackle and thread away from the hook while you work.

The gauge helps position the hook shank on the Flytec rotary axis. This reduces off-centre movement when rotating, which is particularly useful for applying even ribbing and smoothly turning a freshly coated buzzer. A centring gauge is supplied with Flytec 477, 478 and 516.