- 15/0 seed beads Miyuki "Olivine" (458)
- 11/0 seed beads Toho "Metallic Bronze Iris" (83)
- 8/0 seed beads Toho "Metallic Bronze Iris" (83)
- 8/0 seed beads Toho "Gold Luster Moon Shadow" (328)
- SuperDuo beads "Polychrome Black Currant"
- 15/0 seed beads Toho "Metallic Hematite" (81)
- 11/0 seed beads Toho "Metallic Hematite" (81)
- 8/0 seed beads Toho "Metallic Hematite" (81)
- SuperDuo beads "Ruby Red Wine"
- 15/0 seed beads Miyuki "Duracoat Galvanized Pewter" (D4222)
- 11/0 seed beads Miyuki "Duracoat Galvanized Pewter" (D4222)
- 8/0 seed beads Miyuki "Duracoat Galvanized Pewter" (D4222)
- 8/0 seed beads Toho "Higher Metallic Matte Blue Haze" (512F)
- SuperDuo beads "Pearl Luster"
I also wanted to mention my latest beading toy. It's a Thread Zap II by BeadSmith. I probably never would have splurged on one but I had a 40% off Hobby Lobby Coupon and I also had a Hobby Lobby gift card that I'd gotten for my birthday. I found out later that Hobby Lobby charges about 40% more for it than Walmart but it didn't cost me anything because I had the gift card. I'm really loving it. I always have a hard time clipping my thread ends because my scissors don't get close enough to the beads to hide the threads. Having little threads sticking out really bugs me. That's no longer an issue with the Thread Zap. It melts those stray thread ends so that they are hidden inside the beads and it only takes seconds for the tip to heat up. If you need a gift idea for a fellow beader, this might be a good choice.
If you've used a Thread Zap II, let me know what you think of it in the comments. I'd also like to know if anyone has had problems with it because I just saw online that they sell replacement tips for them. That makes me wonder what might go wrong that makes replacing the tip necessary. HERE is a link to the Thread Zap II on the Hobby Lobby site. There are only two reviews. One raves about it and the other review is a complaint but I have no idea what they're talking about. There are no screws on the device and I don't see any way that the cap can pop off. It's very secure.
I've had the very same model you have for quite some time. And I got it the same way! My local WalMarts do not carry this device anyway, so I think I got a bargain. I love it. The only problems occur if you don't know when to stop. I have accidentally cut through inner threads accidentally, causing problems. I always wait until I am working well past the area on which to use the zapper. Or, wait until you are completely done with the piece. Sometimes little stray threads get covered up in successive bead passes and you don't need the zapper. I think there have been different models of the device, which could account for the different reviews. I have been very careful with the tip. I store it upright with the cap on in a seed bead tube holder and never lay it down. I think it might be possible for the tip to break or even just melt, which would account for the potential need for replacement tubes. I'll let you know if I ever need a replacement.
ReplyDeleteWhat's kind of funny is that since I bought mine, I've hardly ever needed to use it. I've gotten lucky in that the ends of my thread shrunk up inside the nearest bead most of the time. I have made a point of not getting too close to the beadwork when I use it for the reason you mentioned, Jeanie.
DeleteI have this same thread zapper and it's great! I thought it might be a waste of money and gimmicky but it is really a great tool to have. I haven't had any problems with it except for one time going through the inner thread - fortunately it was on an earring and not a bracelet. You learn to pull the thread out to the side and barely touch it. A magnifier would help too.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty earrings and bracelet!
So, do you use just the zapper instead of using scissors? For some reason I hadn't thought of doing that.
DeleteThe same thing happened to me! After first getting it, it seemed to be quite a while before I actually needed it! I tend to cut my threads with a bit longer stub now and then use the threader to melt them back. This works better for me than cutting the threads really short and risking touching the inside threads with the tip of the burner.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea, Jeanie.
DeleteGreat tool and yes you will have to replace the tip at some point. Nothing last forever(I wish). The tips are cheap and easier to replace than the tool itself. I also use mine when I have to take samples apart and can't get the scissors between the beads easy to cut multiple threads. Love, love, love this tool
ReplyDeleteI never would have thought of doing that, Betty. Great tip.
DeleteI also have been using a thread zapper for years. Have two. One stays at home the other in my craft bag. The tips are very long lasting, but like any heated. Metal they eventually will weaken. Think similar to light bulb filament.
ReplyDeleteA tip for using , I place my thread between the prongs while still on needle. That way I'm sure that I have the correct thread.
Enjoy!
I bought one a year or so ago. Used it one time and it was great. But after that it won't heat up. Replaced btrys and still nothing. Saw online where others had same problem but never saw a fix for it (haven't looked in a white). If anyone has suggestions I would appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame. Did you have it too long to return it?
DeleteIf you have a problem with it not heating up check your battery before replacing the tip and make sure battery is not out of date also. If that fails replace the tip. I have been using mine for four years and replaced the tip one time due to my putting to much pressure on the tip. I do have to replace the battery often but that is because I use it a lot. I bought another for a back up I never want to be without this handy little tool.
DeleteYes, I use it instead of scissors - I just pull the thread out to the side with some tension and zap it. I never could get close enough with scissors. I immediately cap it after use since I don't want it to accidentally heat up. I zapped my finger once.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good idea about using it take apart a project.
I wasn't thrilled with the reviews on this one so I bought the Berkley Hot Line Cutter - which is a fishing line cutter. It comes with an extra tip and the tip is retractable. You push a button, it extends the tip and heats it, then is protected inside again. I really like it - but have had a couple of incidents of melting a working cord so I am always extra careful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip, Lisa. I'll keep that one in mind if my current one every quits working. I see that Walmart is only selling it for 3-cents off the suggested retail price but I could have it shipped site-to-store instead of paying shipping. Have you had yours long? I'm just a little cautious about buying Berkley products. I bought a pair of their special Superline scissors for cutting FireLine and they were junk. By the time they gnawed through the FireLine, the end of the thread was horribly ragged. I threw them out.
Delete