Line splicing question

[FatTuna]

I'm currently respooling a reel. I'm trying to insert 200lb Momoi Hi-Catch into 160lb dacron. The issue I'm having is that the 200lb Daho needle isn't a tight fit for this brand of mono. I start to insert the line and it keeps getting pulled out of the needle. I attempted to use a 150lb needle but the mono won't fit inside.

I tried scuffing up the outside of the mono with sandpaper hoping that it would grip a little better. It didn't help. I also tried sending the needle though the dacron without the mono attached. I read that tip on the Daho website. That made it easier to push the needle though the smaller diameter dacron but the mono still wants to slip out.

The problem is definitely that this needle and this brand of mono don't pair well together. I had another brand of 200lb mono and was able to send it through no problem.

Do you guys have any tips? Also, once the mono separates from the needle, is it best to pull it out and start over.

[FatTuna]

I just had an epiphany. Hit the end of the mono with a lighter. It mushrooms out. Once it's through the dacron, you cut the end off. Just tried it. Works perfectly  .

[bill19803]

Skip  the needle     cut the   end  of  the  mono   square  with a  razor  blade  or  uber  sharp  knife. Then   quietly make a  raid on mommas   finger  nail   file  or  polishing  stick.  Polish  the  end of the  mono until  it  is  a ball  nose. Insert  mono into  dacron  no problem.   Hint:  more time  spent polishing =   a lot less time inserting.   Normally using this  way   you can get the  same  test  plastic   inside   hollow.  Sometimes  even  stronger plastic  then the  hollow  rating.  This   works    for bigger  plastics/hollow   below 100  not  so much.  below   60  you  will have  to  buy a toupee  afterward. just saying

[FatTuna]

Skip  the needle     cut the   end  of  the  mono   square  with a  razor  blade  or  uber  sharp  knife. Then   quietly make a  raid on mommas   finger  nail   file  or  polishing  stick.  Polish  the  end of the  mono until  it  is  a ball  nose. Insert  mono into  dacron  no problem.   Hint:  more time  spent polishing =   a lot less time inserting.   Normally using this  way   you can get the  same  test  plastic   inside   hollow.  Sometimes  even  stronger plastic  then the  hollow  rating.  This   works    for bigger  plastics/hollow   below 100  not  so much.  below   60  you  will have  to  buy a toupee  afterward. just saying

I've tried it without the needle before. Personally, I found it to be more difficult. Although, I've never used the nail filer, just fine grit sandpaper. Keep in mind I'm going way up inside the dacron. I was taught to insert it between 20 and 30 feet for dacron. Hollow braid around 10 feet.

I have to say that the lighter trick worked like a charm. After I got to the end, I poked the mono out and trimmed the mushroomed tip off. I think I'm going to do that on all of my Chinese finger splices from now on. Even if needle feels reasonably tight.

Next time I think I'm going to do loop to loop connections for these reels. I think it makes more sense considering the topshot is thicker than the mainline. A loop on one end of the 160lb dacron and use 200lb Jerry Brown to make the loop for the mono. Splice a second loop on the end of the mono spool have have it ready to go. Bring it on board in case we need to do a quick swap.

When you splice your loops, how far do you pull the line back into itself?