How do you keep wire spools from unwinding?

[smoked25years]

Do you guys have clever tricks or tools to keep wire spools tidy?

I am a MTL vaper and use thin wire that is very springy and loves to unwind. I've used a piece of masking tape to pin the end of the wire to the side of the spool. It works okay but there's got to be a better way.

Google found some discussion among crafters. Some said they use a rubber band instead of tape. Some said they put a spool in a zip lock bag with the end of the wire sticking out. It will unravel but the mess stays inside the zip lock bag.

Is there some sort of dispenser that you put the spool inside? Any other tricks?

 

[smacuser]

I keep the rubber bands from the heads of broccoli I buy. They're wide enough to cover the wire inside the spool.

 

[CMD-Ky]

I take a drill to the outer portion of the spool somewhat away from the metal itself. On a large spool I usually put four around like 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock. Thread the wire through the hole at the amount you want and then snip it off.

Do you guys have clever tricks or tools to keep wire spools tidy?

I am a MTL vaper and use thin wire that is very springy and loves to unwind. I've used a piece of masking tape to pin the end of the wire to the side of the spool. It works okay but there's got to be a better way.

Google found some discussion among crafters. Some said they use a rubber band instead of tape. Some said they put a spool in a zip lock bag with the end of the wire sticking out. It will unravel but the mess stays inside the zip lock bag.

Is there some sort of dispenser that you put the spool inside? Any other tricks?

 

[puffon]

I use Beadalon spool tamers
Beadalon spool tamers - Google Search

 

[TrollDragon]

Beadalon Spool Tamers, it's all I use, pick them up at Michaels.

Designed to keep wire on the spool with easy access.

 

[Asbestos4004]

another vote for Beadalon.....super handy and cheap!

 

[thomas l]

use these $2.03 Authentic Youde UD Wire Spool Tamer (5-Pack) 5-pack at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

 

[smoked25years]

Thank you, guys

 

[DaveP]

I drill holes and park the wire in the closest hole after cutting off a section of wire.

I like the Beadalon idea. I'll have to look next time I'm near a Michael's store.

 

[Coyote628]

I do nothing. My wires are a mess. Im a mess. What am i gonna do with myself?

 

[Frenchfry1942]

Seems a lot for a wire. Dilemmas, dilemmas...

 

[Frenchfry1942]

(Did I just have a spelling error that was not caught by the spell checker?)

 

[Brewdawg1181]

I just use the slots on the spool. But I did see this recently, and thought it was a good, simple, free idea.

 

[MacTechVpr]

I keep the rubber bands from the heads of broccoli I buy. They're wide enough to cover the wire inside the spool.

View attachment 801157

I like this too if you can find fat one but sadly the rubber decays and makes a horrible mess of the wire if it do.

You know what I use? Ladies' hair ties. Simple. Stretchy. Don't just lay the tie on top of the wire end to trap it. Loop the wire around just once and the spool becomes a great dispenser for tensioned winding.

Good luck.

 

[Belhade]

I just bag 'em in Ziplock after the spool explodes. /shrug

 

[MacTechVpr]

(Did I just have a spelling error that was not caught by the spell checker?)

You mean spell-chucker…actually you're seeing double but not to worry until you're seeing spots.

Good luck.

 

[Diver9543]

I use Beadalon spool tamers
Beadalon spool tamers - Google Search

I second the use of Beadalon spool tamers. I'm all about keeping it simple.

 

[Bolivar]

I use spool tamers I print with my 3d printer. Look just like the beadalon type. I got the elastic at Hobby Lobby in the sewing department. I figure I can make them at about 3 cents each.

 

[DaveP]

I use spool tamers I print with my 3d printer. Look just like the beadalon type. I got the elastic at Hobby Lobby in the sewing department. I figure I can make them at about 3 cents each.

Showoff!

I've wanted a 3D printer since I saw the first one. I'm waiting on them to eventually be perfected. That's my excuse!

I spent hundreds on my first 200cps dot matrix printer back in the late 1980's and over twice that amount on my first laser HP Laserjet printer a few years later. It wasn't that long before inkjet surpassed those (at least for home use) and turned them into boat anchor material.

From what I see 3D printers have dropped considerably now. Most are under $500 with a lot at the $200 to $300 range. It's time to stop procrastinating. I have a birthday coming up ...

 

[CMD-Ky]

I just use the slots on the spool. But I did see this recently, and thought it was a good, simple, free idea. View attachment 801173

I'm sorry but I can't make out what is done here. Could you explain?