Looking for a thread packing tool source. Any suggestions ?

Buzz, check out Backlash Tools they have one.

[www.backlashtools.com]

The next time you visit your dentist, ask them for a couple of old dental picks.

I've used several different things from the health and beauty section at the wal-mart. The thing that I have found that worked the best are the wooden cuticle pushers...once they wear down you can sand them back to the original shape on a piece of sand paper flat on a table.

But i have found the best thing is the 89cent thread packer that many different companies carry. Mine came from Mud-hole and was made by Gudebrod but I am sure there are several companies on here that carry them.

some of the dental tools work well. I agree that the 89 cent plastic thread burnisher/packer is still my favorite in most all situations. I use my thumbnail a lot as well.

Terry

If you tie flies, a dubbing needle works quite well, it's also good for applying finish, no bubbles from a brush. For those who don't tie, it's nothing more than a large size straight needle mounted in a handle. I made mine out of an old leather needle and a cut off from one of the bamboo rods I make.
john

My dentist sends his picks out to have new tips welded on. I like to keep the point on my dubbing needle so tonight I found a Bead Reamer at a craft store for $1.99, filed/buffed two sides flat and blunted the point.
Thanks for the responses and suggestions.
Buzz

What works well for me is a curved o-ring puller, which looks like a curved dental pick kinda. Works well for me, with packing etc.

I use knitting needles. Come in 2 packs. (naturally). The metal type.

Come in heaps of different sizes.

The double ended ones I cut in half and get 4 tools.

I also use them for applying my epoxy.

Great tool, cheap long lasting and very effective.

Paul.

I fish therefore I am.
www.hookeduprods.com

I second the cuticle pusher. But I use a plastic one that has a red flat plastic tip. 49 cents at the beaty supply store. I alway pick it up before I grap the thread packer/burnisher that is talked about above.

Buzz Potter,
JB Hunt just finished building an all metal tool that I think Backlash Tools carries. I have one and it is by far the best burnishing/packing tool I have ever used. PLEASE do yourself a favor and check out this tool. If you don't like it, send it to me and I will refund your money and pay the shipping. I can always use an extra as students keep trying to borrow mine.

Buzz Butters

I have used knitting needles, the good ole thumb nail, the fingernail cleaner on a nail clipper, and now my favorite is a science probe like the ones used to disect frogs back in biology class. I used it on the last rod I built to pack threads and to apply the finish to the threads. As Mr. Channer said, there are no bubbles from a brush when using this metal tool. It has approximately a 45 degree bend to the tip which makes it nice for applying the finish as well. Buzz B., you might be able to nab a few to try from a science room in your school...

I use a credit card. Works great.

It depends what you are looking to do. If you are packing Dec Wraps with a lot of crossing points and seams - you need something pointed. I've been putting off making them for a while, I have a few scrap pieces of material so I'll probably make a few of them in teh next couple of days. The one I use is the stainless one Clemens used to sell with the triangular head.

Be careful when using the Backlash tool....

My favorite is still the Gudebrod spatular/mixer. It has a smooth blade that packs really nicely. Unfortunately it has been discontinued.

I bot a Backlash packer to see what it was about. Very nicely engineered and finished. But I prefer a flatter and broader blade - more stability.

I pull my whipped thread ends all the way through and then open the wrap where the thread end is pulled through. I cut the thread (nylon and metallic) with a fresh scalpel and then I close the wrap with a packer. Well, to open the wrap I used the Backlash tool and when I pressed down to open the wrap the tool cut the metallic with a "snap". I thought this was pretty neat because I always hold my breath when I insert a scalpel into the opening in the wrap. So the next time I tried it the tool cut the nylon wrap in the area I was trying to spread apart to get at the metallic thread. Had to re-wrap the whole thing.

The triangular shaped tool seems dull, feels dull - but it cuts when pressure is applied against the hard surface of the blank.
Herb.