Abstract: A process of the type including the steps of spinning, water-quenching, and drawing a heavy denier, polyamide monofilament in at least first and second draw stages to a total draw ratio of at least about 5.5.times.. The quenched monofilament is advanced in the first draw stage through a steamer containing a high temperature steam atmosphere and is advanced in the second draw stage through a zone heated with a radiant heater. The improvement includes:advancing the monofilament through a draw point localization zone in the first draw stage in advance of and remote from the steamer;providing a generally uniform coating of liquid water to the monofilament in the draw point localization zone, the water being provided in an amount greater than about 5% by weight based on the dry weight of the monofilament; andheating the coating of water on the monofilament in the draw point localization zone generally uniformly to a temperature greater than about 90.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for making oriented thermoplastic monofilaments having a tenacity greater than about 7.5 g/d at a standard deviation in tenacity of less than 0.25.