What do y'all use for pushing and packing your threads? I use the end of the burnish tool from Gudebrod but it doesn't do good in tight places trying to move a single thread. I also use a bodkin but my point seems to be cutting the threads when trying to move them around. Just wondering what other tools might be used to push and pack threads.

Thanks,
Steve

Steve,
Alot of folks here use dental tools, picks, spatulas, etc for all their work. I got mine from my dentist...he has a drawer full of old ones. They are easily available thru many hobby sources & @#$%&, etc.
Tight Lines,

Tim

I use dental tools for moving threads. Some of the sponsors carry dental tools. As for packers I made mine from chop sticks. I beveled the ends. I do not wait tell my project is finsihed befor I pack. I pack as I go, I lay 3 or 4 threads down then pack.
Good Wraps Bob

#1 thread tool was sold by Clemens, I think Gudebrod still sells one similar, if not exactly the same. 1/8" stainless stell rod, with a triangulated head

I am using a handle for a retail version of a dental flosser....it is basically like a handle for a toothbrush......I took off the flosser attachment and use it upside down... tapers down to a triangular shaped point. Basically kind of looks like a toothbrush handle...borrowed from my wife. Works great ! Available at Wal-mart.


My wife was a bit upset but she got over it..LOL

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Billy,
You haven't had a problem with the tool slipping and cutting a thread? This gudebrode bodkin is giving me fits. Do you know where I get one like you've got?

Thanks,
Steve

MEtal on Nylon or Polyester & a slip will equal broken threads. I used ot pop a lot more threads, but once I got good at packing I really haven't had a problem. I also never worry about popping threads, since nobody in teh entire universe will ever notice. I just keep on going, if it's really bad & I think the threads may unravel, I'll put a drop of CP.

No idea where to get this from, I though tGudebrod might sell it, I'm not sure. Tool must be cleaned up with a Dremel and polishing compound so there are NO sharp edges and the point isn't like a needle.

Since I am from Maine, I use a lobster meat picker that I "dremeled" with polishing compound.

I use the same thing as Billy, and I use a old expired junk credit card to pack with.

DR

Steve,
Have alook at the ones I sell they will do the job.


[www.therodworks.com.au]



Cheers,

Ross.

Thumbnail. It's not the greatest thread packing and moving tool, but it's always handy.

.............

Billy set me up with one of those tools and after buffing down the edge, its a great tool. If you don't knock off the edge of some off the tools availble, one slip, and your cutting up some threadwork. I'm currentlly using and old little baby antique ice pick about 75 years old that has a nice rounded point to it, and fits great in my fingers.

Cant go wrong will lg bamboo BBQ skewers either, sanded to fit your needs.

Tom, I thought being a beginner I thought it was wrong to use my thumbnail, but so far nothing has come close to it! It's good seeing a pro recommend it too! You don't need really long nails either, and it packs without causing fuzzies or any other issues I've had with metallic or plastic implements.

Sally Beauty Supply - Several styles of cuticle pushers. I use the polished steel one about 5 inches long that has a point on one end and a flat spade foot on the other. Total cost $ 1.00 plus tax.

Get you Tweezerman Nippers and the Personnal Hair Shaper blades while you are there.

Gon Fishn

I've found it is hard to beat the thumb nail-as Tom K. stated. I've had some broken Thumb nails but never cut a thread with them. I've been know to use both thumb nails at the same time. When I have to resort to metal picks, I cut the thread sometime and generally don't like to do it.

Ed Smith

I use a plastic timing chain tensioner push rod from the V6 Ford Explorer ground on one end to a point and the other to a chissel shape.These at one time were plentiful as they were replaced as a recall.The plastic is really strong and holds a good edge.Always keeping an eye open for something to make rod building easier.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

I use my thumbnail as well. Even sand it to shape, polish it with clear and then scuff it up to take off the shine. When the thumbnail breaks my hobby stops until it grows back.

The best part is that it is FREE.



Derek L. McMaster
Rohnert Park, CA

Born to Fish, FORCED to Work

Thumbnails??? Who sells them?

For a nail biter, this method is like the toothless, gumming a steak! lol.

Besides my chop sticks, I also use a small roller. The roller acts like a burnisher and flattens the thread down. You well find, by compressing the threads down. A lot of the thread gaps well disappear.
Good Wraps Bob. PS I can't use my thumb nails because I bit them off when I get frustrated with a thread art project