Thread Question, Mark 2

[fredk]

Another question about a certain type of thread reminded me that I wanted to ask about a certain thread I have

About a quadzillion years ago I bought some small hanks of an unusual heavy black thread from Le Prevo. They haven't had that thread in for a very long time. 

The thread has a fine steel wire in the middle.

What might this have been used for?

I once asked Le Prevo but no one there even remembered them having it in stock. I only bought some because I thought it might come in useful

I've only ever used two short lengths; both on horse harness when I had to splice on a repair section on certain straps. I thought the wire insert would give the sewn part more re-enforcement

and google doesn't give me any answers

[toxo]

11 minutes ago, fredk said:

Another question about a certain type of thread reminded me that I wanted to ask about a certain thread I have

About a quadzillion years ago I bought some small hanks of an unusual heavy black thread from Le Prevo. They haven't had that thread in for a very long time. 

The thread has a fine steel wire in the middle.

What might this have been used for?

I once asked Le Prevo but no one there even remembered them having it in stock. I only bought some because I thought it might come in useful

I've only ever used two short lengths; both on horse harness when I had to splice on a repair section on certain straps. I thought the wire insert would give the sewn part more re-enforcement

and google doesn't give me any answers

Years ago I sandwiched a thin stainless steel cable between two layers to make a strap for a daughters work satchel so no-one on a scooter could slice through it and make off with her bag.

Don't suppose your thread is thick enough for that but maybe multiple strands for a smaller security use is something to think about.

[billybopp]

When I worked in an electronics lab, we had non-static labcoats with a bit of metal fiber woven in.   Possibly that thread would be used to sew that sort of thing?

- Bill

[fredk]

Thanks for your replies. I don't dismiss any ideas.

The thread is about 1.5mm / 1/16 inch thick. Just enough for a heavy sewing job. And its pre-waxed.

I use 2mm multi-strand stainless steel wire in handbag straps for anti-thief security (I've only done few though) That s/s wire is a real bugger to cut when you want to 

[toxo]

24 minutes ago, fredk said:

I use 2mm multi-strand stainless steel wire in handbag straps for anti-thief security (I've only done few though) That s/s wire is a real bugger to cut when you want to 

I worked for a time in theatre stuff and one job involved maintaining the safety curtains for insurance. Not generally known but the curtain separates the stage area from the auditorium where folk sit in case of fire. It weighs tons. The bit you see is asbestos cloth. Behind that is a wall of RSJs (girders) to which is bolted sheet metal from top to bottom. This is hauled up and down by five stainless steel cables almost an inch thick. They go a long way up to the grid, then across to the wall and thence to a motor and counterweights. When those cables had to be replaced you knew you were in for a long night.

[kgg]

3 hours ago, fredk said:

What might this have been used for?

Might have been something for sewing heat resistant items similar to:

1) Para Aramid Sewing Thread

https://www.textiletechnologies.co.uk/products/para-aramid-sewing-thread

2) Kevlar Stainless Steel Wire Sewing Thread

https://www.eas-fiberglass.net/product/kevlar-stainless-steel-wire-sewing-thread.html

kgg

[Northmount]

2 hours ago, toxo said:

The bit you see is asbestos cloth

I'm sure asbestos is gone now.  Must be using Nomex or other fire proofing/heat resistant similar materials.

[Sheilajeanne]

1 hour ago, Northmount said:

I'm sure asbestos is gone now.  Must be using Nomex or other fire proofing/heat resistant similar materials.

Let's hope so!! Have seen far too many cases of mesothelioma as a nurse...   Horrible, horrible disease!  Just took my neighbour's husband - exposure to construction materials back in the 50's and 60's. :'(

[chuck123wapati]

1 hour ago, Northmount said:

I'm sure asbestos is gone now.  Must be using Nomex or other fire proofing/heat resistant similar materials.

 

8 minutes ago, Sheilajeanne said:

Let's hope so!! Have seen far too many cases of mesothelioma as a nurse...   Horrible, horrible disease!  Just took my neighbour's husband - exposure to construction materials back in the 50's and 60's. :'(

Nope asbestos is alive and well and being sold today in construction materials. Any demolition work in the states has to be checked for asbestos new or old because China and maybe a couple others still add it to their products and ship them to us.  Notable exceptions that still permit asbestos use are China, Russia, India, Brazil, Canada and the United States.

[Northmount]

14 minutes ago, chuck123wapati said:

Notable exceptions that still permit asbestos use

https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/canada/

Quoted from the above link:

There is a ban on asbestos in Canada. The Prohibition of Asbestos and Products Containing Asbestos Regulations came in 2018. Although, specific uses of asbestos remain legal in Canada.

The nuclear energy and military industries can use asbestos until 2029. The chloralkali industry has until 2030. Magnesium extraction companies can use asbestos mining waste.

Canada has held off on the World Health Organization’s universal ban on asbestos. The government has also considered reopening the Jeffrey Mine in Asbestos, Quebec.

There are no longer any active asbestos mines in Canada. The last two asbestos mines closed in 2011. One was the Jeffrey Mine in Val-des-Sources, Quebec. The other was the Lac d’amiante du Canada in the nearby town of Thetford Mines, Quebec.