Thread problem

[Gene L 0]

Last evening,  my black bobbin ran out of thread so I put a new spool on, and threaded  it through the bobbin.  NO, that's not exactly what happened.  Try as I might, I couldn't find the beginning of the thread on the spool. I could see where it was supposed to be, I just couldn't get it unwound at all. Couldn't find the beginning.  Oh, I saw the slit in the spool with a tuft of thread sticking out, but I could find no purchase.  I've loaded spools before and didn't have this amount of a problem, or it could be I did have a problem and just don't remember it.  After a long and frustrating time trying to find the beginning, I finally gave up and took a new razor blade and lightly ran it down the spool, wasting a lot of thread iin the process.  The thread was Uni in 8-0.  Does anyone have a solution to buried starting the thread that doesn't want to start?

[flytire 0]

Ive used tweezers in the past

[Gene L 0]

I tried tweezers but there wasn't enough to hold on to.

[mikechell 0]

If you can see the cut that's holding the thread, carefully make an opposite angle cut.  End with a "V" that doesn't hold onto the thread.

[Gene L 0]

That's a good idea, mikechell. Next time I run into the problem again, I'll remember that.

[Capt Bob LeMay 0]

Here's what I've done on occasion... When I have a new spool with the thread so tightly buried that I can't find it to begin with... I take a slender needle and work down into the thread between the end of the thread and the side of the spool l - right where the notch is that's supposed to keep the thread secure until you mount it in a bobbin.  Work that needle between thread and the side of the spool - then gradually work it up so that it catches the thread in the notch and you should be in business...   

 

I probably have an advantage since I only use larger threads (3/0 monocord is my smallest thread and mostly I'm using flat waxed nylon..).  I also use so much thread tying commercially that I buy my threads by the box of a dozen spools at a time - so I certainly get some practice starting new spools of thread... Hope this helps.. 

[niveker 0]

I've done similar to the Captain, but will try Mike's idea first next time.  

[Philly 0]

I pretty much do the same thing Captain Bob does.   It works.  When I'm done with the spool.  I either pull the thread back through the groove with a long enough tag end to grab next time I use it or use a small rubber band to secure the thread.

[vicrider 0]

I have some spools of thread I've set aside I've given up getting started. I'm sending some stuff to a high shool tying class and they'll go in there.

[mikechell 0]

4 hours ago, vicrider said:

I have some spools of thread I've set aside I've given up getting started. I'm sending some stuff to a high shool tying class and they'll go in there.

🤣 I like that idea !!!  Pass off your problems to the kids !!!  Perfect !!!

[DrLogik 0]

This doesn't help the current situation but that's why I leave a 3" tag end hanging off of the spool when I put them back into the drawer.  The thing is, unless I'm diligent at keeping things straight I'll inevitably pull a 18" length of thread off a spool by accident just getting it out of the drawer.