Thread Burners

[MtlBiker]

I've been using a BeadSmith Thread Zap II for a few months now and generally always burn the end of my threads.  This thing goes through batteries like crazy!  It uses a single AA battery and once voltage drops to about 1.35 or so, it just stops burning thread properly.  A fresh battery always works incredibly well.

What do you folks use for thread burning?  A lighter just doesn't give the precise touch for burning threads but is great for the ends of webbing, etc.

I have an old Weller soldering iron.  Has anyone found (or made) a better tip for burning threads?  Would that work?  I guess you'd need some sort of adapter to be able to attach a tip thin enough to do any good.

Suggestions?

 

[aru]

I dont use a thread burner, but I would imagine rechargeable batteries and a charger might help.

[Squid61]

You might consider a soldering/woodburning iron with a spade shaped tip; smaller, easy to maneuver and won't eat batteries.  I just use a lighter.

[Hardrada]

https://www.smokingpipes.com/accessories/lighters/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=141099

 

Most of the times I use a Bic, though; but the angled flame of a pipe lighter does come in handy, as well as the ability to regulate the flame size, which Bics don't have anymore.

I had wanted to get one of those Thread Zappers, but if they guzzle batteries, you've just saved me money.

[GatoGordo]

I, too, use the Thread Zap II. I started off using Kirkland batteries from Costco and, just like yours, they lasted a very, very short time. By short, I mean one session.

I then switched to eneloop rechargeable batteries from Panasonic. It is not just that I can recharge the battery, but it lasts a long time on one charge. I recharge the battery less than once a month.

[MtlBiker]

1 hour ago, GatoGordo said:

I, too, use the Thread Zap II. I started off using Kirkland batteries from Costco and, just like yours, they lasted a very, very short time. By short, I mean one session.

I then switched to eneloop rechargeable batteries from Panasonic. It is not just that I can recharge the battery, but it lasts a long time on one charge. I recharge the battery less than once a month.

And you use the Zap how often?  Once a month? 

I'll give the Eneloop batteries a try (I actually have a bunch) and I hadn't before because I was under the impression (maybe wrongly) that the rechargeables had slightly lower voltages than good alkalines.  I'll check that out.

 

3 hours ago, nstarleather said:

A medical Bovi is great...I rigged to use an adapter with the help of a friend who knows electronics.   

A "Bovi"???

 

[JJN]

We use this Hakko Soldering Station. Set the temp to 700 degrees and it never overheats. You can get many different tips to suit your needs. I already had it for soldering wires so it has a dual use now. It heats up in about 20 seconds.

https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-FX888D-23BY-Digital-Soldering-Station/dp/B00ANZRT4M/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=soldering+station&qid=1610845697&sr=8-8

 

[MtlBiker]

29 minutes ago, JJN said:

We use this Hakko Soldering Station. Set the temp to 700 degrees and it never overheats. You can get many different tips to suit your needs. I already had it for soldering wires so it has a dual use now. It heats up in about 20 seconds.

https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-FX888D-23BY-Digital-Soldering-Station/dp/B00ANZRT4M/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=soldering+station&qid=1610845697&sr=8-8

 

Thanks.  That looks really nice, but it costs $200 Canadian and for that price I can keep on buying batteries for my Zap II for a long time.  Besides, I already have a Weller soldering "gun" plus a couple of butane powered Weller portable soldering pens which I always carried in my motorcycle repair kit when touring.  Just in case.  Those butane ones would be perfect (size, variety of tips) other than for the fact they're not instant on, nor quick enough to cool off afterwards.  The Thread Zap II is really quite perfect for the purpose other than the speed it uses batteries.  I'm going to give rechargeables a try in it.

 Cheers!
 

[MtlBiker]

1 hour ago, nstarleather said:

Medical cautery device:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Aaron-Bovie-Medical-Single-Use-Cautery-Pen-High-Temp-Fine-Tip-Disposable-/203114845923?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

 

You can get non disposable versions with replaceable tips and batteries.

Thank you.  It actually looks almost like the Thread Zap II.  I wonder (and doubt) if it would be much better on battery life.  But rigging it to use external power would be very cool.  What did your friend do to set that up?  On the surface I'd guess all it would take is a small power supply and some jury rigged connection.  Good idea... thanks!  The Thread Zap II was cheap enough, even if I destroy it I can easily get another.  I'm going to look into rigging something up.

Might even be possible to attach an external battery, which I've got plenty of... like what I use to power/charge my iPhone and iPad.

Edited January 17, 2021 by MtlBiker

[GatoGordo]

3 hours ago, MtlBiker said:

I'll give the Eneloop batteries a try (I actually have a bunch) and I hadn't before because I was under the impression (maybe wrongly) that the rechargeables had slightly lower voltages than good alkalines.  I'll check that out.

 

I have no idea if the difference is because it is rechargeable, or because one is alkaline and the other is nickel-metal hydride, or one is Kirkland and the other Panasonic. But, I do know there is a significant difference in how they behave in the Thread Zap II.

Since you have some, give it a try and report back.