ducksterman- The reason for the rubber tubing is that it is soft. I know about the strews and they do work but at times can cut your thread. That is the reason for the soft rubber tubing. Also the tubing will cost you less than .50 cents. I got three pieces of different sizes from the local hardware store and they just cut off about 4 inches of each size and sold all three sizes to me for less than a half buck. Had enough for four of each size. Can't beat that by to much LOL. Just thought I would let you know why I like and use the tubing. Ron