Can anyone tell me a method for straightening round rubber hackle which comes folded in a package? It seems that at one time (a long time ago) I read an article about how to remove all the bends and kinks without cutting them out. Nate
i just cut them off.
try steam from a tea kettle. sees to work on everything.
Holding with a pair of tongs, dip your rubber hackle into boiling water, until they’re straight, then lay flat on a cookie sheet, until cool. (be sure to check and make sure there are no cookies cooling on the sheet, first!)
Flybinder is right, a dip in boiling water
It just has to be hot water.
Boiling works, but so does just hot from the tap. Takes a bit longer, though.
I fill a bowl with hot water, let the rubber sit in it for a few minutes, then lay it out straight on a paper towel.
Buddy
Thanks for the suggestions. I tried the steam from the tea kettle. No success. I tried the boiling water. No success. Now perhaps my test piece was a bit old. I will get a fresh package this weekend and try again. Nate
Nate;
I’ve “saved” some really old rubber hackle before, by pouring out enough Armoral, into a cup and soaking the hackle in it. Usually, overnight. Then, used the water trick.
Armoral is water based so it washes right out of the rubber hackles, no problem when they’re dipped into the boiling water.
DON’T use, something like “STP Son Of A Gun” brand of vinyl treatment, as it’s OIL based and will ruin the hackle. (oil rots rubber).
Of course, this whole thing really depends on "what is this particular hackle, WORTH, as to how much trouble you want to go thru’ to save it!?!