Is it worth buying thread tensioners or should i just make my own?I read alot on here about wing nuts loosening etc..are the store bought ones better?

Nylock wing nuts hold fine. That's what I used on my tensioners.

Thread tensioners which run the thread between two washers tend to fray the thread just enough to produce the "fuzzies". The one I have (a true POS) will not keep a consistent tension with fine threads.
Devices which put tension on the spool are a better choice and can easily be cobbed up with springs, washers, and nuts and bolts from the local hardware store and probably for less than $2.
Or you can throw the spool in a coffee cup and wind by hand, applying tension with the fingers. Some folks swear by this method, some swear at it.
AgMD

I will not bore you with every conceivable arrangement I have tried; without success, until I settled on the following arrangement. I use essentially the Flex oat system, but i put mine together myself. If you have a sewing machine repair service conveniently located near you, they have all the essential component for half, or less, of what most rod building suppliers ask. All you need are the components of a sewing machine thread tension mechanism; which consists of a cone spring, two cupped washers and two pressure plates. If you are not fortunate enough the get the post and nut that all of this is typically mounted on, it can be mounted on a 1/4" all-thread rod, or bolt. Most sewing machine shops that I have visited have always had a box full of these components that they have taken from machines that were being repaired, and they are still totally serviceable pressure mechanisms. I got everything I needed for two sets for under $5.00, total! These pressure plates are typically highly polished and should NOT cause fuzzies on any thread passing through them. I periodically give mine a 'touch up" with jewelers rouge and a buffing wheel in my Dremel. I have been using them for well over 20 years now with absolutely no problems. MUCH MORE THAN I CAN SAY FOR DIRECT PRESSURE TO THE SPOOL!

perchjerker

I tried several different types also and finally got one of my Rite-Bobbins I use for fly tying and it works fantastic. But that is what works for me, I like the control it gives me and has made a great difference in my wrapping abilities, I am actually enjoying rod building finally.

This is my thread tensioner. I have yet to have fraying problems with this and it is made with readily available parts from any decent hardware store.

It will hold both 100 yard and 950 yard spools with no problem.

The threaded rod is 4" long and has a nylock nut on the side of the wood opposite the thread. A regular nut locks it in place on the thread side of the upright. Both nuts ride on steel flat washers that are recessed into the upright. The spring is a conical compression spring from the assortment at Ace Hardware. On the bottom rod, you can see the nylon washers that ride between the spring and spool and wing nut and spool. These nylon washers keep the spring from catching on the spool and keep the spool from trying to tighten or loosen the wing nut depending on the direction the thread is coming off the spool. The wing nut is also a nylock type nut.

On the bottom of the tensioner carriage, you will notice there are two screw eyes. I run the thread off the spool, through the screw eye, and up to the blank. When I have the tension just right, I can let go of the rod and the thread holds it down and things do not unwind any.

One change I would like to make is that I want to replace the screw eyes with ceramic line guides. I think I just got an idea on how to do that, too.

I second this method but I use a solid nylon wing nut as it give more resistance to loosening and keeps things in place better as I'm sure the "nylock" nut does.

my 2 cents

My apologies. My computer has been doing strange things lately, but to post me 'reply' three times is the "Pits".

Perchjerker

There ya go fixed.

There has to be something there to help resist turning. When I built this, I tried regular wing nuts and they moved with the spool way too easily. Either the nylon wing nut or nylock will cure that.

Mine is very similar to what Kbproctor pictured. I never found the spring to be much use, though. I did have a problem with my standard wing nuts worked loose easily.

What I found, is that the direction of spooling was important. My spools are on the left side of the tower. If I had the thread coming off the top, so the spool turned in the direction that tended to loosen the wing nut, then that's what happened. If, on the other hand, I brought the thread off the bottom of the spool, it didn't tighten the nut any more. That way, I was able to set the tension by simply squeezing the spool between the 2 nylon washers.

I have a set-up like Kevin's but I add a hex nut next to the spool to and then tighten down the wing nut on the hex nut. Never had it come loose in 5 years.

Mr perchjerker ... you do not bore me but for those of us that are visually challenged do you have a pic? I picked up four sewing machines that I acquired in a trade for a pallet that I was/am going to strip down and I'd like to see your setup ...

Many years ago I tired of spinning wingnuts (or having them wind loose) and started using binder clips to provide tension against the thread spols on my home made system. They bite down well on the threads and will not slip from where you place them.

Jeff

rhossack:

You have a PM.

perchjerker

Thanks a million! Hated to be taking up so much room,

perchjerker

Just Built this for a Friends Hand wrapper (had sewing mach. tenioner)

http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh208/j...ad%20tensioner/

If you are guiding the thread onto the blank by hand then a tensioner in not necessary as your fingers will apply the necessary tension needed. All you will need is something to hold the thread.

Kevin

I have the same set-up but I glued two Fugi guides to the wooden plate. I used the left over Rod Bond from a build to keep them tight on the wooden plate. I just globbed it on and let it set overnight.

Randy

My set up is same as Kevin’s , but I use the binder clips in lieu of the wing nuts.

Larry