I have been using my Flex coat rod wrapping jig for a while now and lately when I'm wrapping it seams like the thread or the tension device is making some kind of squealing noise. I have adjusted the tension and changed which pin the spool is resting on but nothing seems to help the problem. I have disassembled the tension device and nothing appears do be wrong. I changed between size A and size D to see if that had any problems but all that happens is some times the size A thread actually breaks. I tested the size A on different tension and it seams to be working fine then it squeals and the line breaks. Is anyone else having this problem or have heard of this problem before?

Mike

Mike -
I have a PacBay and an American Tackle wrapper. This has happened to me on both machines. I found the cause to be in two areas - friction between the thread spools and the support (errant "goo" from color preserver) and also in the tension device (from dust particles). A thorough cleaning took care of the problem.

Michael,
There are various types of thread tension devices on the market.
In checking on the Flex Coat web site, it appears that most of the wrappers use the sewing machine style thread tension device and a standing rod to hold the thread.

If you are getting squealing, there can only be two sources.
1. The thread spool hanging up on the thread pin or
2. The thread getting stuck in the thread tension device itself.

You should first check the thread pin to make sure that it is of a size so that the thread spool will not hang up on the pin. Double check the pin for any rough spots, or anything that will might cause it to hang up.
Check the size of the hole in your thread and insure that the thread is a nice loose fit on the pin and is not hanging up due to a flopping label sticking on the base of the wrapper. Sometimes when folks get a new spool of thread, there will be a label on the end of the thread spool. Many builders simply pop the thread spool down on the thread pin. When they do this they perforate the label, and they may drive the label up inside the thread spool. If they do this, the label causes the thread spool hole to be smaller and especially with the adhesive that is on the label may cause the thread spool to catch on the pin.

The other possibility is that there is an issue with your thread tension device. Disassemble your thread tension device, and use a polishing disk on your dremel tool to completly polish each of the tension disks to be sure that there is 0 things sticking up from the tension device. Don't sand the tension disks, because they have a thin layer of chrome on the disks and you will remove the chrome and make the surface more rough. Rather, polish the chrome disks for velvet smooth faces.

Good luck
REW

I use to use the Flex Coat wrapper and I found that I had to clean the disks the thread goes between. I was having the same problems. Besides cleaning them, I used a metal polish on the disks and it seemed to help.

Thank you for all help.