For those of you that use the spring/wing nut design for thread tension, what did you do to keep the turning spool from tightening (or loosening) your tension? I have washers above and below the spring, but it doesn't seem to help.

The newer models have flat spots on the threaded rod and the washer has an oval hole so it won't turn. You can duplicate this by filing a flat spot on your threaded rod and enlarging a hole on a smaller washer with a flat spot to match. Use a nylon washer to make for easier forming.

The other methods are to just put a small piece of tape and tighten the wing nut over that. The resistance is much higher so it won't turn when the spool does.

Both these work pretty well.

Terry

I use two washers made from windshield washer fluid bottle, and use a wing nut in addition to the tension knob. see
[www.rodbuilding.org]

Chris Richer
Iroquois ON

[rodbuilding.org]

Heard it sometime somewhere on this site: simpilest way is to turn the spool so the thread comes off the spool to tend to tighten the nut. I tried it & it works great.
Bill

I use two hex nuts. Use the first to set the tension on the spool. Then snug the second one up to the back of the first. It works for me.

Joe

Thanks for the info. I tried the search, but never had that one hit. I kind of like the collar and thumb screw idea...I may even have that stuff laying around the garage.

Bill, problem with turning the spool is that it will get too tight and break the thread.

Ron, I d0 have a plastic/nylon washer\ on each end of the spool. Lots of ways to skin that cat. A nylock nut ?
Bill

I use screw head covers (79 cents a pair at hardware store) and sandwhich the spring between them,. I use large office paper clips for quick tension change

For me it's ideal. Very quick, inexpensive and have NEVER had the tension change on me. Check pix [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!!

I like the looks of that Mike. Thanks.

As is usual, Mike has a great way to do it better & cheaper. Mike, as a new builder, your seminar at last years EXPO was worth all the cost of the trip from Arkansas by itself.
Bill

Mike B has the right idea ! I have been using his paper clip since he first showed us. Works great for me.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

Where do you guys buy those springs? I have been using a peice of rubber tubing on the bolt with a nylon locknut which doesn't turn, but the tubing gives me inconsistent tension because its folds over itself.

Any office supply outlet will have them

I am referring to the round springs that go on the bolt, do office supply stores have those as well? I have some of the black clips, and I will try them instead of the lock nut, but I am looking to switch out my piece of rubber tubing for the round spring on the bolt.

Replace your plastic or nylon washers with teflon washers---also make sure the metal washers do not have any burrs or rough spots on them. A good source for springs are the ones used in faucets.

You should be able to find springs at any hardware store. Ours has them in flip top boxes, 15 or so trays with all different sizes, strengths and shapes.

You can get a regular nut and put it next to the spring. Set your tension with the nut, hold it with your fingers and snug the wing nut up to it. It will not slip on you.

Niether will the paper clip clamp and it's a lot quicker/easier to adjust

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!!

Thanks guys, I must have missed them when I bought the materials to make my wrapper.