Hi empty, did you follow the 'doubling up' of the braid going by my explanation? It's easy to get your fingers and thumbs in the way, and do it wrong, but that last part of going over and under is as I said, crucial..       Just as it is shown by Lethals diagram, is strong, its just that some like to use the two thicknesses....  cheers...Jim.             PS: try that doubled up way, if you haven't, and see what you think.... PPS: Lethal swears by it, well if he's broken off, he just swears!!