I have built a tension device binding the spool with the following details.

all thread rod
metal washer
nylon washer
spool
nylon washer
metal washer
spring
metal washer
nut

I'm having problems with the spool increasing tension as I spool the thread off.
Put another way: Once tension is set and I begin pulling thread off, the spool begins riding up/toward the spring, thus increasing spring tension until the thread finally breaks.

It appears that maybe the metal washer and the end/beginning of the spring get pinched into the all thread rod.

I will be adding teflon washers this week when the store is open and that should help solve the sputter, but in the meantime I have this problem.
I'd appreciate you're input.

Thank you for your time,
~Mark

Mark; I use the same setup as you except the type of metal washer.
I used a conical shaped metal washer off a sheet metal hex head screw , the kind that has the rubber washer under it. ( get rid of the little rubber washer )
One side of the conical shaped metal washer will fit inside the coil spring, holding the washer in place. The other side goes against a plastic / Teflon washer that is against the thread spool.
I don't use a nut. I use a paper clip, the spring loaded binder type, It will stay in place thus constant tension.
I never have a problem with tension changing .

Follw Jay's advice! The large paper clips are quicker, easier and don't turn like a nut [www.rodbuilding.org]

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

You would be better served, if you used brass washers and a nut or wing nut with a nylon locking ring in it. You should be able to get them at your hardware store. The paper clip is also very good. I use that too.

If a nut is used - try the one with a locking style insert. Cut your springs to proper length and the locking nut when snugged down will not turn. Also install the spool where the thread is coming off to loosen the nut instead of tighetning with friction.

Picture of paper clip use -

[www.rodbuilding.org]

I put rubber washers - actually rubber packings for an old-fashioned faucet - in my "drag washers" next to the spool. I think this allows me to apply more tension with less side pressure on the spool.

The washers I use work better than anything I have tried. The red washer is a saucer shaped plastic washer comes with a little nail in it for nailing up house wrap when building a house , any building supply has them. The rim sets against the thread spool around the outer perimeter of the end of the spool (small spools ). The saucer/ conical shaped metal washer comes on sheet metal screw used for installing metal roofing.
I don't want any metal touching my thread spool, it is plastic against plastic. The white plastic tube is part of a Bic pen, I use that for a spacer when using small spools, although it's unnecessary.


[www.rodbuilding.org]
[www.rodbuilding.org]

Mark, I use pretty much the exact same setup as you and had the same problems. The wingnut always moved. I then switched to spring clips like Mike and Bill have shown and it works perfectly

Thanks to all, I modeled mine searching the photos of all on this forum as well as the feed back.

Mike, Bill, and Jay, I like your layout, but i decided to place mine horizontally, like Jay's. I figured out some more clues.

My problems seem to be with large spools. There is some play between the washer and the larger bottom hole of the spool. As the spool turns the washer plays turning the nut and eventually turning it enough to tighten the spool into a lock.

So I'm thinking I need a arbor for the large spools.

But, as suggested, this week I will pick up some brass and teflon washers.

Thank you for your suggestions and time,
~Mark

Take a piece of dowel and bore a hole in it to fit the post. Then turn down the outside to make a cone that will fit into the larger spool. Make two of these and put one on each end of the spool to hold it centered.

Thanks Jim,

That is what I figured I needed to do!

I appreciate all of your responses.

~Mark

Perfect arbors for all spool sizes can be found in the water faucet brass washer section of large hardware stores.

When she figured out that HER kitchen cutting board was in my shop I was in deep do!

[www.rodbuilding.org]

This picture has all kinds of spool tensioners on the same board for multiple use.

Kitchen sink washers for larger spools on the modified Pac Bay Wrapper

Use of self locking nuts for top adjustment -

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Gon Fishn

I had something like that happening when I used springs. I dumped the spring and replaced with a pair of ring magnets where the poles are opposed. With no mecaninical connection between them, there is no tightening of loosening caused by the spool turning now.

Thanks, do you where can I purchase ring magnets?

Would Lowes or HD have them?

~Mark

Mark:

I use a similar setup. I covered the threaded rod with Teflon plumbing tape to smooth out the spool turning.

Setup:
Threaded rod with Teflon tape
Metal washer
nylon washer
spool
nylon washer
metal washer
spring
metal washer
threaded knob
Locking wing nut.

See
[www.rodbuilding.org]
for a couple of images



Chris Richer
Iroquois ON

Mark:

Ring magnets are available at Lee Valley Tools:

[www.leevalley.com]


Chris Richer
Iroquois ON