Tool Talk: Thread Zap

Do you have a tool for this and a tool for that, and do you sometimes think you've collected more tools than you need?  

We all have to decide for ourselves which tools we do, and do not need.  One tool I decided I do need has become a favorite:  the Thread Zap.  Here's a little info to help you decide if this would make a good addition to your own collection.

Thread Zap II on the left, and the new Ultra Thread Zap on the right

Thread Zaps are simple enough:  a wire element at the tip heats up and melts nylon (or other meltable) cords and threads.  This keeps the melted end of the cord from fraying.  It also creates a small ball at the end that makes it harder for the cord to wiggle out of place.  

You can even finish some pieces by melting the ends without having to make bulky knots, depending on the cords and project, such as some macrame designs.

Holding the tip of the Thread Zap to the end of Chinese knotting cord

These images show the melted ends of Chinese knotting cord.  And here's a tip some of us learned the hard way: when using the Thread Zap on light colored cords, be sure to first clean the heating element of any previous debris.  Sometimes you just need to let it get hot to burn straggling bits, and when cool gently rub the tip to clean.  You can see a little carbon residue on this lighter cord.

Chinese knotting cord with melted end

Chinese knotting cord, knotted and the end melted

I always use the Thread Zap for trimming threads in bead weaving.  It works with any nylon thread such as Nymo, Fireline or KO. Note:  I don't consider this a substitute for making sure the threads are securely knotted and tight within the piece.  This is simply a way to trim the ends close to the work and avoids leaving that teeny tiny bit of thread that's too short to cut with scissors, but seems to loom large in front of your face every time you look at it.

Cutting through the end of Fireline

Small ball of melted thread at the end of Fireline

When using the Thread Zap with these thinner threads, bring your thread through the heating element and pull the thread against the tip.  When the element heats through the thread you'll have a nice clean end right where you want it!

Thread Zaps have been around for a while and updated a few times.  The newest version, the Ultra Thread Zap, is pretty nifty.  It has a retractable tip that only heats when you push the button forward and hold it.  It also comes with an extra tip that is stored in the battery compartment.

Feel free to ask for a demonstration next time you're in the shop.  Happy Zapping!

Ultra Thread Zap with Tip exposed

Ultra Thread Zap